
Book^iS_£i 



Tne PlGioriai Siom oi flmerica 






CONTAINING 



THE ROMANTIC INCIDENTS OF HISTORY, FROM THE DISCOVERY 
OF AMERICA TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



WRITTEN BY 



ELIA W. PEATTIE, 



AUTHOR OF 



'THE EXECUTIONER OF THE REVOLUTION," "A STORY (JF BLOCK ISLAND," " GRIZEL COCHRAN.' 
"THE VOYAGEUR," " MICAH ROOD," AND OTHER HISTORIC TALES. 



CONTRIBUTOR TO 



ST. NICHOLAS, WIDE AWAKE, THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE, AMERICA, COSMOPOLITAN, LIPPINCOTT'S 

JUDGf'S young PEOPLE, EVERY OTHER SUNDAY, DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA, 

AND MANY OTHER PERIODICALS. 



CHICAGO: 

NATIONAL PUBLISHING CO. 

1896. 






Enlered according In Act nf Congr. ss. in llie year 1895. 

By ROBERT O. LAW, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, al Washington. D. C. 



//-/^//J 

O' 



JrafHta* 




HE desire throughout, in the writing of this 

history, has been to record the heroic adventures 

and celebrate the picturesque incidents that make 

our iiistory romantic and memorable. Such 

incidents as awaken patriotism and enthusiasm 

are those which are most worthy of preservation, 

and the influences they have upon the imaginative and 

generous minds of the young are incalculable. If some 

of the duller pages of the congressional debate and 

ineffectual law making have been neglected for these 

more brilliant chapters, it is not the young who will 

reproach us. 

For the minds of the young select with unerring 
instinct those things which are of actual importance. 
They read with passionate tears of the martyrdom of the 
devoted; they are fired with heroism and lofty pride at the accomplish- 
ments of the heroic, and they condemn with bitter contempt the 
intrigues of the mean, and the cowardice of the time-serving. To 
arouse the noble impulse, and keep alive the love for patriotism, 
fidelity, braver}-, and true holiness, has been the aim of the book. 

It contains little that is new; but it has been sifted from the best 
histories, and the latest ones. It is, however, the first book to record 
tlie events of the last ten years, and these events it has tried to deal 
with impartially, unblinded by the conflict of parties, sects^ or factions. 
If injustice has been done in any way, it l;as been unwitting. If it 
conveys, in understandable language, the mosr memorable occasions of 
our national history, condemning and praising where condemnation and 
praise are due, then it has accomplished all that it aimed to for its 
young readers. 

EUA W. PEATTIE. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Chaf 



LIST OF PRESIDENTS AND VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

I. Mastodons and Mvstery. 

Earliest Inhabitants — Mound-Builders — American Indians. 

II. The Legendary Century. 

Tile first Discoverers of America — Myths, Legends and 
Traditions — Journey of the Norsemen. 

III. The Dreamer of Genoa. 

Columbus and His Voyages — Amerigo Vespucci — The 
Cabots. 

IV. Across the Dark Water. 

Ponce De Leon — The Fountain of Youth — The Discovery 
of the South Sea by Balboa — De Soto — His Death. 

V. The Lilies of France. 

France: Her Explorers and Settlements — The Fight Be- 
tween French and Spanish Colonies. 

VI. A Lodge in the Wilderness. 

The English — Their Search for the Northwest Passage — 
Frobisher's Explorations — Sir Humphrey Gilbert's Set- 
tlement — The Colony of Sir Walter Raleigh — Gosnold's 
Failure. 

VII. Founding the Old Dominion. 

The London and Plymouth Companies — The Virginian 
Settlement — Captain John Smith and His Wonderful Ad- 
ventures — Pocahontas — The New Charter — The Wreck of 
the "Sea Adventure." 

VIII. Through Death to Victory. 

From the Bermudas to Virginia — The Starving Times — 
The Arrival of Lord De la Warre — Help from England — 
The Beginning of Slavery — The First Blow at Intem- 
perance. 

IX. Norumbega, the Beautiful. 

The Settlement of Maine — The Voyage of the English — 
Chamolain and Vermont — The Settlement of Mt. Desert. 



Table of Contents. 



Chapter. 

X. Conquest of the Wilderness. 

Nova Scotia and the English Despoh'ation — The Settlement 
of New Hampshire — The Mode of Northern Colonial 
Government. 
XI. The Dutchmen of New Netherland. 

The Settlement of New York— The Dutch: Their Explora- 
tions and Settlements — Their Dealings with the In- 
dians — Their Success. 
XII. The Mayflower. 

The Puritans — Their Trials and Wanderings — The Landing 
at Plymouth Rock — The First Winter. 

XIII. The Daily Round. 

The Next Three Years — The Order, Civil, Martial and Re- 
ligious, which they Maintained — The Manner of their 
Daily Living, etc. 

XIV. The Reward of Treachery. 

The Massacre at Jamestown — Lord Baltimore and the Set- 
tlement of Maryland — The Liberal Laws of the Baltimore 
Settlement. 

XV. The Peace-Keepers. 

Prosperity of the Maryland Settlement — Conspiracies Against 
Them — The Triumph of Virginia Over Them, and the 
Persecution of the Catholics — Calvert's Success and the 
Return of the Jesuits. 
XVI. A Brief Authority. 

New Jersey — The Settlement Under Peter Minuet — Oppo- 
sition of the Dutch — The Triumphs of the Dutch Under 
Peter Stuyvesant — End of Swedish Independence in 
America. 
XVn. Old Wine in New Bottles. 

The "Patroons" of New Netherland — The Settlement at 
Manhattan — The IManners and Customs of the Dutch — 
Establishment of Popular Land Laws. 

XVIII. Knickerbocker Days. 

The Government of William the Testy — Trouble with the 
Indians — The Night Attack on Pavonia — Revenge oi' the 
Indians — Dismissal of Kieft and Arrival of Peter Stuy- 
vesant. 



Table of Contents, 



Chapter. 

XIX. 



XX. 



XXI. 



XXII. 



XXIII. 



XXIV. 



XXV. 



XXVI. 



The Old Bay Settlement. 

The Massachusetts Bay Company — The Trials of the First 
Year — Arrival of Roger Williams — John Eliot — Perse- 
cution of Williams — His Settlement at Providence. 
The Ravages of Civilization. 

The American Indian — The Destruction of the Block 
Island Indians — The Extinction of the Pequot Tribe-— 
The Federation of the English Colonies. 
The Pride of the Righteous. 

The Religious Law of Boston — Gorton and His Beliefs — 
The Settlement at Shewanet — Persecution of the Gor- 
tonites — Persecution of the Baptists — The Obtaining of 
a Roj'al Charter for Rhode Island and the Providence 
Plantations. 
Through Pain to Peace. 

The Quakers — Their Persecution — George Fox and His 
Friends — M'ary Fisher and Ann Austin — The Quaker 
Children. 
The Royalist Colony of Virginia. 

Governor Berkeley and His Reign — More Trouble with 
the Indians — The Puritans Ap-ain Victorious — The Re- 
turn of the Stuarts to Power. 
"Hey, for St. Mary's!" 
The Colony of Virginia — The Indians — The Uprising of 
Bacon and His Friends — Restriction of the Governor's 
Rights — Return of Berkeley — Desertion of Jamestown~~ 
Death of Bacon — Breaking up of Bacon's Party. 
Each for Himself. 

The Carolinas — The Proprietors and Their "Grand 
Model" — The Albemarle Settlement — The Removal of 
Charleston — The Spanish Buccaneers — Seth Sothell — 
Quaker Rule. 
Man's Inhumanity to Man. 

Attack of Indians on New Netherland — Destruction of 
Pavonia — Persecution of Lutherans and Quakers at 
New Amsterdam— Slavery Among the Dutch — English 
Encroachments — Surrender of New Netherland — Settle- 
of New Jersey. 



Table of Contents. 



Chapter. 

XXVII. 



XXVIII. 



XXIX. 



XXX. 



XXXI. 



XXXII. 



XXXIII. 



Our Country, Right or Wrong. 

Political Policy of Massachusetts — Efforts of England to 
Recover the Charter — Edward Randolph — Coin of the 
Colony — Sir Edmund Andros — ^The Episode of the 
Connecticut Charter — Arrest of Andros and Election 
of Phips — Death of Phips. 

Days of Dread. 

King Philip's War— Fight at Brookfield— Fight at Had- 
ley — Fight at Deerfield. 

A Passing Madness. 

How the Witchcraft Hallucination Started — Samuel Par- 
ris and His Witch-craft Library- — The Trial and Death 
of Giles Corey and Other Victims of this Hallucination. 

A Gentleman. 

William Penn — The Settlement of Pennsylvania — Re- 
markable Growth of the Colony — Change of Govern- 
ment — Restoration of Penn — His Death — The Slavery 
Question — Benjamin Franklin. 

The Dutchm.\n's Fireside. 

The Rule of Lovelace at New York — The Dutch Retake 
the City — It Again Reverts to the English by Patent- 
Governor Andros and His Unpopular Rule — Leisler 
Assumes Control — Trouble with New France. 

Frontenac the Fighter. 

Frontenac's Attack Upon New York — The Massacre at 
Schenectady — New York is Fortified by Leisler — 
Sloughter is Sent to Supersede Him — Leisler's Defense 
Gets Him Into Trouble — The Governor's Dastardly 
Taking Off. 

The Pest of the Pirates. 

The Rule of Governor Fletcher — Fletcher Succeeded by 
the Earl of Bellomont — The Commission of Captain 
Kidd, and How it was Carried Out — Lord Cornbury 
Becomes Governor — The Expeditions Against Port 
Roval and Onebec. 



Table of Contents. 



Chapter. 

XXXIV. The Holy Voyageurs. 

The French and the Discoveries in the Northwest — 
Fathers Joliet and Marquette Discover the Source of 
the Mississippi and Sail Down the River — Death of 
Marquette — The Expedition of La Salle and Henne- 
pin — Louisiana Discovered and Named. 

XXXV. The Chevalier La Salle. 

La Salle Lands on the Shore of Texas — He is Mur- 
dered — The Hut in the Wilderness — The Expedition 
of d' Iberville — The Settlement of New Orleans, and 
the Mississippi — Scheme of John Law — The Massacre 
of Chopart — Bienville's Ill-fated Expedition Against 
the Chickasaws. 

XXXVI. The Land of Gold. 

California — Spanish Explorers — The Journey of Sir 
Francis Drake — The Coast Indians — Expedition of 
Espejo — Overthrow of the Jesuits — Onate and His 
Labors — The Missions at the South — The Decline of 
Spain and Her Colonies. 

XXXVII. The Carolinas. 

Sir Nathaniel Johnson in Carolina — Strategy at Fort 
Johnson — Religious Differences — Massacre of 17 ii — 
Uprising in South Carolina — The Yemassees — The 
Buccaneers — Rebellion Against the Proprietors. 

XXXVIII. From Alleys and By-ways. 

How Georgia Came to be Settled — The Emigrants — The 
Wesleys and Whitefield — The March of the Slaves — 
The Spanish Attack — Georgia as a Royal Province. 

XXXIX. The Cavaliers of Virginia. 

Culpepper in Virginia — Governor Effingham — Nicholson 
and Andros — The Growth of Industries — Mar>'land — 
The Clergymen of Virginia. 

XL. A Reign of Terror. 

The First Trial for Libel in America — The Negro Plot 
in 1 741 — The Burning of Quack and the Hanging of 
Ury — The Mingling of Dutch and English in New 
York — The Government of Lieutenant-Governor 
Clark. 



Table of Contents. 



XLI. The Clash op Arms and Ideas. 

Ivord Bellomont's Rule Over New York, New Hampshire 
and Massachusetts — Dudley's Rule — The French and 
English War of 1702 — Taking of Port Royal — The 
Lumberers' Difficulties in Maine and New Hampshire. 

XLII. "Americans Are Born Rebels." 

Expedition of Maine and New Hampshire Against the 
Norridgewocks — The Command of Captain John Lov- 
ell — William Drummer in Massachusetts — Whitefield's 
Revival and Shirley's Administration — Louisburg — 
The Surrender. 

XIvIII. "They Nurse Treason With Their j\Iilk." 

The Growing Spirit of Independence— The First Expe- 
dition Against Fort Du Ouesne — I'he Colonists for 
Aggression and Offense — Braddock's Ill-fated Expedi- 
tion — George W'ashington's First Appearance — Brad- 
dock's Defeat and Death. 

XEIV. Desolated Acadia. 

French and English Settlements in Nova Scotia — The 
Rivalry Between the Settlements — Colonel W^inslow 
Drives Out the Acadians — The Pathetic Exodus — Per- 
secution of the Exiles. 

XlyV. The Lion or the Lilies. 

Operations Against the French in the North — The Battle 
at Bloody Pond — The French Take Forts Oswego and 
William Henry — The English Retake Louisburg — The 
Battle of Carillon — The English Retake Oswego and 
Capture Frontenac and Du Quesne. 

XLVI. The Paths of Glory. 

The Expedition Against Quebec — The Night Attack and 
the Fight on the Plains of Abraham — The Death of 
Montcalm and Wolfe — New Orleans and the IMississippi 
Valley Given to Spain. 

XLVIL A Blow for Liberty. 

Pontiac, Chief of the Ottawas — Arrival of Rogers' Men 
at Detroit — Pontiac's Conspiracy — Beginning of War- 
The Siege of Detroit — The Battle of Bloody Bridge 



Tabic of Coiilcitis. 13 

Chapter. 

XLVIII. Cesar Had His Brutus. 

The Stamp Act — Condition of the Colonies — The Oppo- 
sition to Taxation — Repeal of the Stamp Act — Refusal 
of the Assembly to Provide for the Troops Sent 0\-er 
by England. 

XLIX. The Boston Tea-Drixkers. 

Trouble in Boston — "The Boston Massacre" — The Tea 
Tax — Attitude of Governor Hutchinson — The Boston 
"Tea Party"— The Boston Port Bill. 
L. The Blood of P.atriots. 

The First Blood of the Revolution— The IMen of Bille- 
rica — Fight at Concord and Lexington — The Siege of 
Boston— The Battle of Bunker Hill. 
LI. Liberty or Death. 

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys — Surrender 
of Ticonderoga — Washington Chosen Commander-in- 
Chief — The Lack of Powder — Recall of General Gage — 
Small Naval Conquests. 
LH. The Plains of Abrah.am. 

The Designs for the American Conquest of Canada — 
Montgomery's Move Against Montreal — Arnold's Fail- 
ure at Quebec — The Union of the Forces — The Second 
Defeat at Montreal — The Americans Fall Back Upon 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 
Lni. The Palmetto Logs. 

The Feeling in England — The Hiring of the Hessians — 
Attitude of New York — The Conflict with the South- 
ern Colonies — The Defense of Fort IMoultrie. 
LIV. The Sons of Liberty. 

The Growth of a Desire for Independence — The Declara- 
tion of Independence — The Forming of State Consti- 
tutions. 
LV. The Coxtixextals. 

Washington at New York — x\rrival of Thirty-two Thou- 
sand British Troops — Overtures for Peace by the 
British— Battle of Long Island— The Battle of Harlem 
Heights— Destruction of New York — Battle of White 
Plains. 



14 



Table of Contents. 



Chapter. 

LVI. 



LVII. 



LVIII. 



LIX. 



LX. 



LXI. 



LXII. 



LXIII. 



Battle Field and Bivouac. 

The Jersey Campaign — The Battle of Trenton — The Battle 
of Princeton — Winter Encampment of Washington at 
Morristown. 
The Year of the Three Gallows. 

State of the American Army — The Pennsylvania Cam- 
paign — The Battle of Brandywine — The "Paoli Massa- 
cre" — The British at Philadelphia — The Battle at Get- 
mantown — Washington Winters at Valley Forge. 

Tattered Conquerors. 

Washington's Camp at Valley Forge — Neglect of Congress — 
The Conway Cabal — General Stenben — Burgoyne in the 
North — The Siege of Ticonderoga — The Battle of Oris- 
kany. 
"Elbow Room." 
The Raid on Bennington — General Gates Given Command 
at the North — The Battle of Freeman's Farm — Battle of 
Bemus Heights — Surrender of Burgoyne. 

Sabre and Musket. 

Evacuation of Philadelphia by the British — The Battle of 
Monmouth Court House — Firing of Bedford and Fair- 
haven — The Wyoming Massacre — Warfare in the West. 

The "Bon Homme Richard." 

British Reduction of Georgia — The Destruction of New 
Haven — The Americans Capture Stony Point — The Great 
Naval Engagement of John Paul Jones. 

The Six Nations. 

Expedition Against the Six Nations — The Civilization of 
the Indians — Humiliation of the Six Nations — Expedi- 
tion up the Mississippi from Louisiana — Triumph of 
Clinton in the South. 

"Whom Can We Trust Now?" 
Plans of the Two Armies — Siege of Charleston by the 
English — Capture of the American Army at the South — 
The Burning of Connecticut Farms — Arrival of Rocham- 
beau — Treason of General Arnold. 



CHAPTER. 

LXIV. 



LXV. 



LXVI. 



LXVII. 



£.xvni. 



LXIX. 



LXX. 



LXXI. 



LXXII. 



IvXXIII. 



Table of Contents. i.S 

"I Have Sent You a General." 
Cornwallis and Gates at the South — The Command of the 
Southern Force Given to General Green — The Battle 
of King's Mountain — Battle of Guilford Court House. 
The United States of America. 

Arnold's Expedition — Battle Between Cornwallis and 
Lafayette — The Siege of Yorktown and Surrender of 
Cornwallis — The Sacking of New London b}- Arnold. 

The Plowshare Versus the Sword. 

Condition of the Country at the Close of the Revolution — 
John Adams Made Minister to England — The Disband- 
ing of the Army — The Call for Delegates to Construct 
a Constitution. 
"First in War, First in Peace." 
The Forming of the Constitution — Washington Elected 
President. 
Starting the Wheels of Progress. 

Hamilton's Policy as the First Secretary of State — In- 
crease of American Commerce — The Question of 
Slavery — Frontier Troubles at the West. 
The Courtly Times of Washington. 

Death of Franklin — The Humor of Washington's Time — 
The Policy of Hamilton — The Pennsylvania Whisky 
Riots. 
A Democracy. 

The Political Parties of the Young Nation — The Jay 
Treaty — Election of John Adams to the Presidency — 
Alien and Sedition Laws — Trouble with France. 

A Modern Lucifer. 

The Fries Insurrection — Selection of the National Capi- 
tal — Death of Wa.shington — Louisiana — Aaron Burr. 
Decatur'^ Tribune. 

The Piracy of the Barbary States — War with Tripoli — 
Exploits of our Naval Heroes — Triumph of America. 
"Jeffersonian Simplicity." 
Exploration of the Northwest — Introduction of the Steam- 
boat — Passage of a Law Forbidding the African Slave 
Trade — The Jeffersonian Policy — Maritime Troubles. 



j6 



Table of Contents. 



CHiPTER. 

LXXIV. 



LXXV. 



LXXVI. 



LXXVII. 



CXXVIII. 



LXXIX. 



LXXX. 



LXXXI. 



War Again. 

Administration of James Madison — The Southern War 
Party — Declaration of War and Popular Protest — The 
Troubles on the Western Frontier — The Chicago Mas- 
sacre — Surrender of Hull. 
"Never Give Up the Ship.' 

War of 1 812 — The Niagara Campaign — The Battle ot 
Oueenstown — Naval Operations — The Six Triumphs 
of the Americans — Affairs in the West — The Conflict 
on the Lakes — Perry's Victory. 

"Blue Lights." 
The War with the Creeks — Jackson's Campaign — Affairs 
on the Sea-board — "Yankee Strategy" — The Treaty 
of Peace. 
A Country Without a Capital. 
Jackson's Campaign Among the Creeks — Discourage- 
ments on the Northern Frontier — The Battle of 
Lundy's Lane — The War on the Sea-coast for 1814 — 
The Capture and Destruction of the City of Washing- 
ton — Vicissitudes at the South — The Battle of New 
Orleans. 
A Transient Amiability. 

The Era of Good Feeling — War with Algiers — Finan- 
cial Condition of the Country — The First Seminole 
War — The Missouri Compromise. 
The Second Adams. 

Monroe's Administration — Election to the Presidency of 
John Quincy Adams — The Assertion of State Su- 
premacy in Georgia — Tariff Disputes — Andrew Jack- 
son Elected President — The Financial Crisis of 1837. 
Fiction and Truth. 

The Literary History' of the Last Fifty Years — The 
Abolitionists. 
A House Divided Against Itself. 

Second Seminole War — Election of Van Buren — Finan- 
cial Depression — Election of William Henry Har- 
rison — The Dorr Rebellion — The Mormons — Annex- 
ation of Texas. 



Table of Contents. 



Chapter. 

LXXXII. 



Lxxxm. 



LXXXIV. 



LXXXV. 



LXXXVI. 



LXXXVII. 



LXXXVIII. 



LXXXIX. 



The Sad Plain of Monterey. 

The Administration of Polk, and the War with 
Mexico — Various Severe Battles — Conquest of Cali- 
fornia and New Mexico — Occupation of the City of 
Mexico — Treaty of Peace — Birth of the Free Soil 
Party and Election of Taylor. 
Gold and Iron Chains. 

Death of Taylor, and Administration of Millard Fill- 
more — Discovery of Gold in California — Slavery 
Agitation — The Trouble in Kansas. 
The Truth Goes Marching On. 

Sacking of Lawrence— John Brown and the Destruction 
of Ossawottomie — Election of Buchanan — Assault 
on Sumner — The Mormons — Election of Lincoln. 

"We Are Coming, Father Abraham." 

Secession — The Southern Confederacy — Attack on 
Fort Sumpter— The First Call for Troops — The 
Three Years' Enlistment — The Battle of Bull Run. 

The Union Forever. 

Attitude of Foreign Powers — Bombardment of Forts at 

Hatteras Inlet — Conquest of Charleston Harbor — 

The Campaign West of the Alleghanies — Grant at 

Forts Henry and Donelson — The War in Missouri. 

With Shot and Shell. 

The Capture of New Orleans — Fight Between the 
"Monitor" and the "Merrimac." 
Shiloh and its Sequel. 

The Campaign at Island No. lo — The Battle of 
Shiloh— Siege of Corinth— The Conflict at the East 
Under McClellan— Siege of Yorktown— The Battle 
of Williamsburg — The Battle of Seven Pines — 
Battle of Chickahominy — Battle of Malvern Hill. 
Close of the Peninsula Campaign. 

The Army of Virginia Under the Command of Pope — 
General Halleck Made General-in-Chief— Battle of 
Cedar Mountain — McClellan Leaves the Peninsula — 
Battle of Groveton — Loss of Generals Stevens and 
Kearney. 



I8 



Table of Contenis 



Chapter. 

XC. The Bloody Field of Antietaji. 

Lee's Array Moves Northward — The Battle of South 
Mountain — The Battle of Antietam. 

XCI. "All Us Niggahs is Free!" 

Burnside Made Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the 
Potomac — The Battle of Fredericksburg — The Eman- 
cipation Proclamation — Battles of Perryville, luka 
Corinth, Murfreesboro and Chancellorsville. 

XCaI. The Deadly Parallels. 

The Battle of Gettysburg and the Siege of Vicksburg. 

XCIII. The Martyrs. 

Why the War Did Not End After Gettysburg— The New 
York Riots — Atrocities in the South — Southern Prison 
Pens. 

XCrV. The Swamp Angel. 

The Siege of Charleston — Dupont's Defeat — Gilmore's 
Siege — The "Swamp Angel" — Morgan's Raids. 

XCV. "The River of the Dead." 

Campaign at the West Between Generals Rosecrans and 
Bragg — Battle of Chickamauga — Battle of Chatta- 
nooga — The Sanitary and Christian Commissioners. 

XCVI. "Forward by the Left Flank." 

Grant Given Absolute Command — The Battle of the 
Wilderness — "Forward by the Left Flank" — Second 
Battle of Cold Harbor. 

XCVIL The Confederate Cruisers. 

The Confederate Privateers — Fight Between the "Kear- 
sarge" and "Alabama" — The International Court of 
Arbitration — Sherman and the Western Campaign. 

XCVIII. "After You, Pilot!" 

Sherman's March to Atlanta — The Bombardment of Mo- 
bile — Destruction of the "Albemarle." 

XCIX. From Atlanta to the Sea. 

The March from Atlanta to the Sea — The Entrance to 
Savannah — The Siege of Richmond — Burnside's Blun- 
der — The Burning of Chambersburgr. 



Tabic of Contents. ^9 

Chaptee. 

C. Whirling Through Winchester. 

Sheridan and the Shenandoah Campaign — Sherman's March 
Northward from Savannah — The Burning of Cohnnbia. 

CI. "Oh, Captain! IMy Captain I" 

Closing of the Virginia Campaign — The Evacuation of 
Richmond — Surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court 
House — Assassination of President Lincoln, 

CII. "Ye Cannot Serve Two Masters." 

Administration of Andrew Johnson — Capture of Jefferson 
Davis — Reconstruction — Impeachment of President John- 
son — Purchase of Alaska — Returning Prosperity to the 
Union. 

CIII. A Hundred Years of Liberty. 

Administration of Grant — The Ku-Klux Klan— The Chi- 
cago Fire — The Custer Massacre — The Panic of 1873 — 
The Centennial Exposition — Administration of President 
Hayes — Railroad Riots of 1877. 

CIV. The Old Haymarket. 

Election and Death of President James A. Garfield — Ad- 
ministration of Arthur — The Anarchists of Chicago. 

CV. Civil-Service Reform. 

President Cleveland's Administration — Civil-Service Reform 
and Pension P>ills — ]\Iany Noted Union Generals I'ass 
Away — Death of General Grant — Prominent Events of 
Four Years of Democratic Power. 

CVI. President Harrison's Inaugur.\tion. 

The Members of the Cabinet and the Foreign Ministers — 
The Celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of Wash- 
ington's Inauguration — The C)pening of Oklahoma Ter- 
ritory — The Samoan Disaster. 

CVIL The Great Calamity. 

Bursting of a Reservoir in the Conemaugli Valley,~^Penn- 
sylvauia — Appalling Rush of Water Down the Valley — 
Destruction of Johnstown — Thousands of Lives Lost and 
Millions of Dollars' Worth of Property Destroyed. 



20 Tabic of Contents. 

Chapter. 

CVIII, Through One Administration. 

The Four Years of President Harrison's Term — Complications 
with Italy and Great Britain — Reciprocity and the Pan- 
American Congress — Second Election of Cleveland. 

CIX. The Passing of a Great Man. 

The Death of James Gillespie Blaine — Election to Congress 
— Candidate for the Presidency — Reciprocity and the Pan- 
American Congress — The Grief of the Nation. 

ex. A Mid-Pacific Revolution. 

How the Inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands Threw Off the 
Burdensome Yoke of Monarchy — The Elmbassy to the 
United States — Seeking Annexation to Uncle Sam's Family 
of Commonwealths. 

CXI. The Crowning Glory of the Century. 

The World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago — Our Coun- 
try's History 400 Years Old — The Magnificent Site and 
Buildings — Objects of Interest. 

CXll. President or Governor? 

Administration of President Cleveland — The New Tariff — 
The Income Tax — The Coal Strike — The Coxey Movement 
— The Pullman Boycott — The Silver Question. 

CXI II. Of the Making of Good Books, Etc. 
The Literature of the Last Thirty Years. 

CXIV. The Supreme Court of the United States. 

Its Organization and Duties — The Lives of the Chief Jus- 
tices. 

CXY. The United States Navy. 

Its Old Ascendancy — The Invention of the Monitor — The 
Deterioration of the Navy, After the Civil War — Appoint- 
ment of the Advisory Board — The New Navy — Improve- 
ments in Naval Artillery — Organization of the Navy De- 
I partment — Sketch of John Ericsson — Uses of the Navy. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



George Washington, - - - (Frontispiece.) PAGE. 

Columbus Frightens the Indians, etc., _ _ _ ^o 

Viking Boat, Found in Denmark, - - - - 34 

Columbus and His Son Begging, - - - - 35 

Columbus — The Yanez Portrait, - - - ~ 39 

Amerigo \ espucci, _____ ^q 

Sebastian Cabot at Labrador, ----- 44 

A Spanish Soldier, ______ ^O 

Burial of De Soto, - - - - - ~ 51 

Spanish Armor, - - - - - - 51 

Wolpi, --------52 

John Adams, ------ ^ ^g 

Thomas Jefferson, ------ 87 

A Puritan Type, - - - - - - g2' 

Miles Standish Filling Rattlesnake Skin with Bullets, - - 98 

James Madison, ______ 125 

James Monroe, _____ ^ 1^-7 

Charles I., ______ jj2 

John Quincy Adams, - - - - ~ '55 

Charles II. of England, _____ j^g 

Andrew Jackson, - - - - - - 172 

Benjamin Franklin, _____ jgg 

William Penn's Residence, _____ 205 

Martin Van Buren, ______ 217 

William Henry Harrison, _____ 240 

A Cavalier of Virginia, - - - - - 252 

A Moravian Settlement, - - - - - - 256 

Frozen In, ------ - 2615 

John Tyler, -____._. 272 

George Washington in His Youth, - - - - . ; 273 

Quebec, - - - - - ~ - ■. 287 

James Knox Polk, - - - - - - > 295 

Patrick Henry, - - - - - _ ,■ 299 

Building Where the Tea Plot was Hatched, - - 307 

Bunker Hill Monument, - - - _ j. 1 ^15 

A Spouting Geyser, - - - - - - 317 

Washington Taking Command of the Continental Army, - 319 

Zachary Taylor, ______ ^21; 

Signing the Declaration of Independence, _ _ _ ^38 

Old Liberty Bell, - - - _ . _ _ ^^^ 

House in which the Declaration of Independence was Signed, . 345 

Independence Hall, - - - - - 348 

Washington Crossing the Delaware, - - .. _ 254 



22 Illustrations. 

illustrations-Continued. 

PAGE. 

VVasliingtoii on the Hudson, - - - - 35^ 

Marqui.s Marie Joseph Paul de Lafayette, _ _ _ 362 

Haiou Von Steuben, _____ 366 

The Assault on Stonv Point, - - - , - - 382 

Millard Fillmore, '-__--- 387 

Escaj^e of Benedict Arnold, _____ 398 

Washington's Treasure Chest, _ _ _ _ 422 

P'ranklin's Grave, ______ 427 

P'ranklin Pierce, ______ 430 

Washington's Grave, ______ 437 

Duel lictwceii Burr and Hamilton, _ _ _ 43g 

The White House, Washuigton, _ _ _ _ 44- 

Brock's Monuments, _____ 457 

Indian Burial in Tree-tops, _____ 469 

The Fort at Pensacola, _____ 472 

Fall of Table Rock, ______ 482 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, _ _ _ _ 494 

Attack upon Fort King, - - ' - - - 503 

Border of Great Salt Lake, _ _ _ - - 506 

Oldest House in the United States, - - - 5I3 

Catching Wild Horses in Te.xas, - - - - 5'^ 

James Buchanan, - - - - - "5 '9 

Salt Lake City and Mormon Temple, _ _ _ 525 

Abraham l^incoln, ______ 527 

Capture of John Brown in the Engine House, - - 53' 

Jeffersqi^' Davis in 1861, - - - - - 535 

The Csiflcderatc Flag, _____ 538 

Stonewall |ackson, _____ 540 

Birfhplaceof General Grant, _ _ _ _ 545 

Federal iron-clad River Gunboat, _ _ _ _ 54- 

Admiral Farragut and His X'ictorious Squadron, - - 55^ 

Admiral David Farragut, _____ 552 

General Benjamin F. Butler, - _ _ - - 553 

The '■ Merrimac " Sinking the " Cumberland," - - 55*^ 

General Robert E. Lee, - - - - - 5^3 

A Railroad Battery, ----- 56S 

United States Military Telegraph Wagon, - - 582 

General Pickett's Charge Against the Union Forces at Gettysburg, 589 

Gunboats Passing Before Vicksburg, - - - 591 

View of a Cotton Chute, _____ 592 

Horace Greeley, ______ 596 

The Tombs Prison, New York City, _ _ _ _ 598 

Flight of Negroes from Fort Pillow, - - - 601 
Bombardment of Fort Sumter by the United Fleet Under Admiral 

Dupont _______ 603 

Picking Cotton, ______ 622 

General W. T. Sherman, ______ 625 

Lieutenant Cushing's Attack on the "Albemarle," - - 628 



Illustrations. 23 

illustrations-Continued. 

PAGE. 

Sheridan's Famous Ride from Winchester to Cedar Creek, - 63; 

Sheridan's Attack upon Lee's Army at Appomattox Court House, 643 

Jefferson Davis in 1S88, _____ g^r 

Andrew Johnson, ______ 5^5 

View of Salt Lake City, _____ 5^0 

General Ulysses S. Grant, _____ 5^^ 

Massacre of General Custer and Command on the Little Big Horn 

River, _______ (3;g 

Denver, Twenty Years Ago, _____ 5^^ 

The Maid of the Mist Going Through Whirlpool Rapids, - 661 

Rutherford B. Hayes, _____ 56^ 

James A. Garfield, ______ 55- 

Chester A. Arthur, _____ 669 

The Haymarket Riot, - - - - - - 671 

Grover Cleveland, ______ 675 

The Johnstown Disaster, _____ -tq- 

Bird's-eye View of the United States, - - - 712 

James G. Blaine, ______ 7^5 

Benjamin Harrison, - - _ _ _ jgg 

Battle Ships — Ancient and Modern, - _ _ _ 789 



THE RIVER TIME. 

BENJAMIN F. TAYLOR. 

Oh! a wonderful stream is the river Time, 
As it runs through the realm of tears, 
With a faultless rhythm and a musical rhyme 
And a broader sweep and a surge sublime, 
As it blends in the ocean of years! 

How the winters are drifting, like flakes of snow. 

And the summers, like birds, between, 
And the years in the sheaf, how they come and go 
On the river's breast, with its ebb and its flow, 
As it glides in the shadow and sheen! 

There's a magical isle up the river Time, 
Where the softest of winds are playing; 

There's a cloudless sky and a tropical clime, 

And a song as sweet as a vesper chime. 

And the Junes with the roses are straying. 

And the name of this isle is the "Long Ago,'* 

And we bury our treasures there; 
There are brows of beauty, and bosoms of snow, 
Ihere are heaps of dust— oh! we loved them so— 

There are trinkets and tresses of hair. 

There are fragments of songs that nobody sings, 

There are parts of an infant's prayer; 
There's a lute unswept, and a harp without strings. 
There are broken vows and pieces of rings. 
And the dresses that sAg used to wear! 

There are hands that are waved when the fairy shore 

By the fitful mirage is lifted in air, 
And we sometimes hear, through the turbulent roar. 
Sweet voices we heard in the days gone before. 

When the wind down the river was fair. 

Oh! remembered for aye be that blessed isle, 

All the day of our life until night; 
And when evening glows with its beautiful smile. 
And our eyes are closing in slumbers awhile, 

May the Greenwood of soul be in sight. 



LIST OF 

PRESIDENTS AND VICE-PRESIDENTS. 



President. 
Term of Office. 



1 George Washington, - - Virginia, 

Two terms, 1789-97. 

2 John Adams, 

One term, 1797— 1801. 

3 Thomas Jefferson, - - Virginia. 

Two terms, 1801-09. 

4 James Madison, - - - Virginia. 

Two terms, 1809-17. 

5 James Monroe, - - . Virginia. 

Two terms, 1817-25. 

6 John Q. Adams, - 

One term, 1825-29. 

7 Andrew Jackson, - - - Tennessee. 

Two terras, 1829-37. 

8 Martin Van Buren, - - New York. - 

One term, 1837-41. 

9 William H. Harrison, - Ohio. - - - 

One month, 1841. 

10 John Tyler, - - . - Virginia. 

Three years and 11 months, 1841-45. 

11 James K. Polk, - - - Tennessee. 

One term, 1845-49. 

12 Zachary Taylor, ... Louisiana. - 

One year and 4 months, 1849-50. 

13 Millard Fillmore, - - New York. 

Two years and 8 months, 1850-53. 

14 Franklin Pierce, - - - New Hampshire. 

One term, 1853-57. 

15 James Buchanan, - - Pennsylvania. 

One term, 1857-61. 



Vice-President. 

- John Adams. 
Massachusetts. Thomas Jefferson. 



Aaron Burr. 
George Clinton. 
George Clinton. 
El bridge Gerr}-. 
Daniel D. Tompkins, 



Massachusetts. John C. Calhoun. 



John C. Calhoun. 
Martin Van Buren. 
Richard M. Johnson. 

John Tyler. 



George M. Dallas. 
Millard Fillmore. 

William R. King. 
J. C. Breckinridge. 



26 



THE STORV OF AMERICA. 



President. 
"erm of Office. 



l6 Abraham Lincoln, - - Illinois. 

One term and i month. 
i7 Andrew Johnson, - - Tennessee. 

Three j'ears and 1 1 months. 

1 8 Ulysses S. Grant, - - Illinois. - 

Two terms, 1869-77. 

19 Rutherford B. Haj'es, - Ohio. - 

One term, 1877-81. 

20 James A. Garfield, - - Ohio. 

Six and a half months, 1881. 

21 Chester A. Arthur, - - New York. 

Three years, 5 and a half months, 188 

22 Grover Cleveland, - - New York. 

One term, 1885-89. 

23 Benjamin Harrison, - - Indiana. • 

1889^3. 

24 Grover Cleveland, - New York. 

1893- 



VlCE-P.(ESID&NT. 

Hannibal Hamlin. 
Andrew Johnson. 



Schuyler Colfax. 
Henry Wilson. 
William A. Wheeler. 

Chester A. Arthur. 



Thos. A. Hendricks. 
Levi P. Morton. 
Adlai E. Stevenson. 



CHAPTER I. 

1$ nnh. ii^siar^. 




EARLIEST INHABITANTS — THE MOUND-BUILDERS — THE AlIERIC'*-/-! 

iHE plans of God are ver>- wide. No 
nation may have the right to say, "We 
>«'*"***■' — ^Sb'* -^.<*^,)P^ JWl' ^^^ the people, and wisdom shall die 
with us." Traces are left of so many great and perished nations, that 
we are constantly reminded that a thousand years is but as a day in His 
sight, and that the work and progress we are so proud of may disappear 
and leave but little hint of us by which the coming race may guess 
what we were like. 

In the skeletons of the huge animals called the Mastodons and 
Mammotns, which once roved this country, and which have ceased to 
exist for so many thousand years, there are found flint arrow-heads, 
which must have been made by men who lived in that time, and by 
which these wild and terrible creatures were slain. Besides the many 
animals which belonged entirely to that age, and which there is nothing 
like now, there were many then upon this continent which we read of 
now only in foreign countries. The monkey was here in what we call 
United States, and the camel and rhinoceros. What the character was 
of the people who lived at that time it is impossible to guess. 

The first race which has left any distinct traces of itself was the 
Mound-builders, and it hardly seems as if the)- could have lived at the 
time of the Mastodon, for they made pictures of all the things about 
them, and among those pictures there is nothing which resembles these 
huge animals. This race of men was not savage, in one sense of the 
word. They worked hard, a thing which the savage seldom does. 
They had skill, and loved the beautiful. They are called the Mound- 
builders, because they have left behind them thousands of immense 
mounds; some curved, some square, some in the shape of a snake. 
Sometimes these earthworks have from fourteen to sixteen miles of 
embankment. Some look as if they may have been the dwelling-places 



32 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

of their kings. Others seem as if they may have protected temples or 
altars where they worshiped. 

This people understood the smelting of ores, and mining. Their 
pottery was far fro.^i rude, and their implements of warfare very 
serviceable. They buried their great men under huge pyramids of dirt, 
but the common people, to judge from the great stack of bones which 
had been found in parts of the country', were doubtless thrown together 
and left in the open air. At the time they lived, this country must 
have been thickly populated. It must have taken millions of men to 
do what they did. No one can guess what became of them, or why 
they left the possessions upon which they had spent so much time and 
labor. They disappeared many years before the American Indians 
roamed through our forests. 

The American Indians, as the European discoverers of this country 
found them, were not the race that we know. They were said to be 
well formed, winning, gentle and trustful. They were gracious in 
their speech and friendly in their manner, with soft, brown bodies, and 
delicate movements. They had little strength for work, but great 
endurance in running. Here they lived, free as birds, without need of 
much work, with no cares, no sorrows except natural ones, until the 
civilized warriors drove them west, and ever west, setting an example 
of treachery and cruelty which the Indians were not slow to follow. 

FOR FURTHER READING. 

History -Squire and Davis' "Ancient Monuments." 

Baldwin's "Ancient America." 

Foster's "Prehistoric Races of America." 

Drake's "Abori^-nal Races of North America."' 

Jones' "Mound Builders of Tennessee." 

Shaler's "Time of the Mammoths." 

"American Naturalist," iv: 148. 
Fiction— Matthew's "Behemoth: A Legend of the Mound-Builders." 



CHAPTER li. 



>^0 Jf0gsnhar^ ianlur^. 



THE FIRST DISCOVERERS OF AMERICA — MYTHS, LEGENDS AXO TBAPi- 
TIONS — ^JOURNEY OF THE NORSEMEN. 




TTLE children, standing on the shores of Europe 
and looking toward the west, could make no 
guess at what lay beyond the water. They were 
told it was the ' 'dark water, ' ' from which all the 
spirits and goblins came, things unknown and 
unnamable. The winds seemed always to blow 
toward the west. Even the mariners believed that 
it did so. If, by any chance, a sailor drifted out of his 
course toward the west, he was filled with alann. It 
seemed possible to him that the waters might run off, 
somewhere, into a terrible nothingness. It is hard to 
tell which of the nations first found men courageous 
enough to cross these unknown waters. There are tradi- 
tions that the Chinese did so, and that these Buddhists 
wandered down to the California shore, and went deep 
into the country that we now know as Mexico. There 
are traditions, too, that the Breton fishermen cast their lines upon the 
Newfoundland coast. It is certainly true that North American Indians 
have been met with whose languages were mixed with French. The 
Welshmen also claim that a number of their countrj'men came to 
North America and settled there. The traditions concerning this are 
peculiarly romantic. Two brothers, David and Medoc, quarreled for 
the throne of Wales. The younger gave up his right, and, fitting out 
a ship, sailed west. The next year he returned, and said that he had 
found a fruitful country. He called upon his friends to follow him, and 
filled ten ships with inen, women and children. They sailed away, 
and were never heard of again. Five times in American writings there 
are references to them. They are described as a race of white Indians, 



34 THE STORV OK AMKRICA. 

usiii<^ many Welsh words, and having a manuscript copy of the BiV^le, 
in the Welsh language, with them. The last reference to them speaks 
of their living among the upper courses of the Missouri. 

But the journeys of the Northmen to America arc well known. 
These Northmen were splendid seamen, and splendid fighters. They 
had been all over the known world. They had frightened even the 
great emperor, Charlemagne, in France, and had put their horses in his 
palace. Wherever they went they seemed to conquer, until at last 
they were driven from Scotland. Then, on the melancholy island of 
Iceland, they made their republic. Two-thirds of the year they lived 
in twilight. Books were their consolation, the sea their play-ground. 
It was no wonder that they went this way and that, wherever their 
fancy prompted, and wherever they felt they could fight with weaker 

men. They discovere I Green- 
land, and settled a village 
there; then in strange, strong, 
if not fleet ships, went coasting 
further south. It was Bjarne 
Herjulfsen, with his crew, who 
first coasted — driven by adverse 
winds — along the coast of Nar- 
ragansett Bay, Newfoundland 
and Nova Scotia. He went back to Iceland with the tales of what he 
had .seen. "What," cried Erik the Red, a wild Norseman, who had been 
banished from his native country for murder, "you saw a new country 
like that, with green fields and trees, and never put a foot on it?" He 
talked so much, and so long and loud on the subject, that his son, Leif 
Erikson, made up his mind to find out what kind of lands these were 
which were so much talked about. He bought Bjarne's ship from him, 
took thirty-five good seamen, and went far away to the southwest. 
They landed in Newfoundland, which they called Helluland, and in 
Nova Scotia, which they termed Markland. They looked about these 
countries a little, gave them names, and sailed away, and were two da}s 
at sea before they saw land again. Then they sailed into a sound. It 
was a beautiful place. There were larger salmon there than they had 
ever seen, and grass, which looked wonderful to these men from a 
barren country. They found luscious grapes growing wild, grapes 
from which wine could be made with wonderful ease, and a Gennan 
among them named it Vinland. We have changed the name very 
little. We call it Martha's Vinvard now. This was in the year looo. 




IKING BOAT, FOUND IN 




COLUMBUS AND HIS SON BEGGING. 



THE LKOENDARY CENTURY. 37 

When Leif Erikson reached home, his brother made the complaint that 
he had brought home much too little news. "You may go in my ship. 
brother, to Vinland, if you like," said Leif, and thus Thorbald, in 
I002, went to Vinland, and stayed there three years. It is thought that 
the skeleton in armor, found near Fall River, in Massachusetts, in 
1 83 1, was that of Thorbald, who was killed by a poisoned arrow from 
Indians. Skraellings, the Norsemen called the Indians, because they 
were so scrawny, compared to themselves; and, indeed, there are tradi- 
tions, among the eastern Indians, of the great, fair giants, who had 
come to the eastern shore, which shows that there must have been a 
great difference in the stature of the Norsemen and the red men. In 
1005, the last son of Erik the Red started to Vinland, to try and fetch 
the body of his brother Thorbald. His ship was blown out of its 
course, and he never reached his destination. Then came Thorfinn 
Karlsfenn, with his handsome wife, Gudrid, and with them one hundred 
and fifty-one men and seven women. For three years they lived at 
Vinland, and, perhaps, built the tower that still stands in Newport, and 
wrote the inscriptions on the blocks near the Taunton river. The con- 
stant fights with the Indians decided them at last to leave their beauti- 
ful bay and go back to Iceland. They carried with them little Snorre, 
the first child of European blood born in America. Snorre was three 
years old when they took him back to Iceland, a little blue-eyed boy 
with golden hair. There are stories of other journeys by the Norse- 
men, in the years ion and 1121, and accounts of their going as far 
south, along the Atlantic coast, as to what we now call Florida. It is 
believed that the Welshmen came later than this, in 11 70. The tower 
which stands at Newport, which is the only sub<^tantial monument that 
the Norsemen left of their visits, is low and round. It has two 
windows and a fire-place, and the cement with which the stones are put 
together is still strong, and but for the fact that the roof is gone, it could 
hardly be called a ruin. It is covered with ivy now, and ser^^es the 
purpose of amusing the chance tourist. Longfellow has made this 
tower the subject of his poem, "The Skeleton in Armor." Perhaps it 
was Thorfinn Karlsfenn who was his hero, and the ' 'viking wild. ' ' 

FOR FURTHER RE.\t)ING. 
History— Leland's "Fusang, Discovery of America by Chinese." 
"America not Discovered by Columbus." 
Bowen's "America Discovered by the Welsh." 
Anderson's *'Discoverj' of America by Norsemen." 
Beal's "Buddhist Records of the Western World." 
Fiction — Ballantyne's "Norsemen of the West." 
Poetry — Whittier's "Norsemen." 

Longfellow's "Skeleton in Armor." 
Montgomery's "Vinland." 



CHAPTER III. 

)}^$ Jraamar of $mnn. 




COLUMBUS AND HIS VOYAGES — AMERIGO VESPUCCI — THE CABOTS. 

F VMNG cloth or combing wool 
patiently in Genoa, there lived in 
the fifteenth century an Italian by 
the name of Cohimbo. In the 
^ear 1435 his son was born, whom 
he named Cri::.toforo. Perhaps the 
comber of wool in his dull shop 
used to dream of the sea, and the 
delights and freedom of it. There 
could have been little other reason 
for his sending the little Columbus 
to school, at ten, to study naviga- 
tion. At fourteen, this restless Italian boy went to sea, and from that 
time till he died, he never left it, unless, indeed, it was to draw charts 
for other seamen. He loved books, too, and read much. He read the 
books of great scholars, and it is more than possible that some of these 
planted in his mind the idea that the world was round — an idea which 
was to double Christian civilization. Christopher went on numerous 
voyages with the celebrated admiral of his time, who bore the same 
family name, Columbo, and it is thought he may have traveled with a 
certain wild corsair, named Colon. The years between 1470 and 1484 
Christopher spent in Portugal. Ever\-one was talking about the dis- 
covery of new lands. The Portuguese seamen were going down the 
African coast. Prince Henr^- was making presents of islands to his 
navigators, and he gave the island of Porto Santo, of the :\Iadeira 
group, to a man named Prestrello. Columbus married the daughter of 
this man, and on the island of Porto Santo was bom Columbus' son, 
Diego. 

It was not the children alone who wondered about the great, dark 
water. The Spanish seamen were vastly curious. It seemed to them 
iliat the earth was a flat surface, with this great river of water running 



THE DREAMER OK GENOA. 



39 



around the land. Like the children, they were terrified b_s the thought 
of what might be on the other side. A few scholars thought that it 
might be a sphere, but they never dreamed that it could be large enough 
for more than one continent; so it seemed quite simple to them, that if 
it was a sphere, it would be possible, by sailing westward, to reach 
Asia — the land from which the luxurious merchants of Spain and 
Portugal brought their richest wares; tlie land from which the spices 
came, the silks and the inlaid work, the gold and jewels. 




COLUMBUS. 
The Yanez portrait, Madrid Library. 



Certain of these learned men, among them Toscanelli, the Italian, 
corresponded with Columbus. They drew up charts with his help, and 
laid out the plan by which one might cross into India, and Tartar}-, and 
Cathay. Cohnnbus was a great dreamer, and these plans filled him with 
wild visions. He thought of nothing and talked of nothing else. He 
talked with sailors who had found pine trees washed upon the Madeira 
coast, where no pine trees grew, and those who had seen tropical caue 



40 



:nE STORY OK AMERICA. 



stalks upon the European beaches. He was restless and excited ; he could 
never keep still. He even went to Iceland, and it is possible that he 
talked there with the descendants of the men who had been at Vineland. 
Gudrid, too, had been at Rome, and it may be that she left traditions 
there of the three years which she had spent in the beautiful country 
across the water. Though Columbus could interest many people with 




AMERIGO VESPUCCI. 



tales of all he fancied, and all he hoped, it was difficult to win the 
hearing of those who could give him help. It is said that he went, 
or sent, to King Henry VII, of England, with the hope of gaining 
his assistance. It is almost certain that he tried to get the help 
of the King of Portugal, and it is possible that he sought the aid of 



THE DREAMER OF GENOA. 



41 



some of the cities of his own country, Italy. At last his wife died. He 
took his boy, Diego, and seems to have wandered about, in a desolate 
way, for a year. One day he went with Diego to the Franciscan con- 
vent of Santa Maria de la Rabida, asking for bread. He interested the 
prior, and the prior in turn interested a gentleman of importance, Mar- 
tin Alonzo Pinzon, and he carried letters of credit with him from these 
persons to Cordova, where the king and queen were. But King Ferdi- 
nand was busy, and it was a long time before he could listen to Colum- 
bus. For seven years, or at the very least five, Columbus hung around 
the Spanish court. The courtiers laughed at him, and Isabella and 
Ferdinand seemed to have little confidence in his plans. At last, a day 
came when Columbus was treated with such contempt that he burst 
into a sudden fit of rage, flung himself out of the court, and taking ta 
his horse, rode toward France. Isabella, fearing both that tlie kingdom 
might have lost a good thing, and that Columbus' feelings were 
severely hurt, sent after him. He was brought back, and in three 
months an expedition was ready to sail, part of which was fitted out at 
the credit of Isabella's own kingdom, Castile. It was not very strange 
that the sailors were afraid to go. How could they tell what they were 
running into? They had to be driven to their task by force; but 
at last Columbus left with three ships — the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and 
the Nina. The Santa Maria was ninety-six feet long and carried 
sixty-six seamen. It was decked all over, and had four masts — two 
with square sails and two with lateen sails. Tiie other vessels were 
smaller and without decks. They all carried provisions for a year, and 
Cohunbus had with him an agreement signed by Ferdinand and 
Isabella, by which he was made High Admiral and Viceroy in these 
lauds, and given one-eighth of the possible profits in return for the 
eighth of the costs which he advanced. Columbus hardly knew how 
to show his happiness. He vowed that if there were any profits, they 
should be used to free the Holy Sepulchre from the Moslems; so, with 
much hope, and many prayers, he left with his discontented sailors, 
leaving his son in care of the royal household. 

It was on the third of August, 1492, that Columbus and his men 
sailed from Palos. In a month they had reached the Canar}- Islands. 
After that they passed man)- desolate days on the water, with the sailors 
discontented at day and weeping at night. It took all of the tact that 
Columbus had at his command to quiet them. Once the sailors plotted 
to throw Columbus overboard, but he was keen and watchful, and, above 
all, a man of prayer, and his stern dignity of character held them in 



42 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

check. At length, however, he was obliged to tell them that he would 
turn back if they saw no land within three days. The anxiety which 
he felt can be imagined. Was it possible that he would be forced to 
give up his long-nursed hopes and forego the glory of discovery, and 
all because of a handful of fearful and ignorant sailors ? But the out- 
come was as strange as a miracle. In the morning of the third day, a 
sailor, standing aloft with his seaman's glass, espied land. The joy-guns 
were fired, to let the men upon the other vessels know of this wondrous 
fact. They sailed all day toward land. Anchor was cast over night, 
and the following morning they rowed Columbus to the shore, with 
music and waving banners, and, highest of all, the great flag of Spain, all 
red and gold. With him came his captains, with green flags, which bore 
the cross upon them. The island he called Guanahani. It is thought 
it may have been the island we call San Salvador, but this is not cer- 
tain. It was a flat island, with a shallow lake in the centre, and not 
especially inviting, so the men sailed on and visited Cuba, Hayti and 
other of the West India islands. He did not doubt but that he had 
found the eastern extremity of Cathay. 

He was not a little proud when he went back to Spain, and the rea- 
son that he stopped at Portugal may have been to let the king know all 
that he had lost, in not giving him a chance to find these new dominions 
for him. In Spain, he was received with much honor, and, when he 
started back for the new land, he had seventeen vessels and 1,500 men. 
On this journey he discovered the Windward Islands, part of Jamaica 
and Porto Rico, and founded his colony in Hayti. Hayti he called 
I/ittle Spain, or Hispanola. In the winter of 1497-98, Amerigo 
Vespucci, a friend of Columbus, succeeded in some manner in obtain- 
ing ships, by which he reached the mainland of the new continent. 
Everyone was going to the "New Spain" who could possibly get there. 
All of the men who had laughed at Columbus before, seemed now to 
be trying to get as much of his territory and honor away from him as 
possible. Those who had sneered, "L,ook at the Admiral of Mosquito- 
land, ' ' and who had made light of Columbus' discovery because he 
brought home so little treasure, were, nevertheless, glad to start out to 
find what they could. If Amerigo made this voyage, as he said he did, 
he touched upon the mainland before any other Spaniard. In the same 
year John Cabot, a merchant, born at Venice, but living in England, 
also went to America, and touched upon the coast of Labrador. 
Sebastian Cabot, a son of John, a year later (1498) sailed with two ships 
and three hundred men. In his second voyage, he became persuaded 




SEBASTIAN CABOT AT LABRADOR. 



THE DREAMER OF GENOA. 45 

that the land which they had found was not Asia. He discovered 
Hudson's Bay upon his third voyage. He loved the sea always, and 
lived upon it as long as he had strength. Meanwhile, Columbus, his 
mind still filled with visions, and believing that he was inspired of God, 
went upon his third journey. With his six ships, he reached the main- 
land of South America. Touching at his colony of Hispanola, he 
found his people quarrelling bitterly, and much dissatisfied with his 
government as admiral. He was arrested by Bobadilla, a Spanish com- 
missioner, and carried on board ship in chains. These he wore till he 
reached Spain, although his captors would willingly have taken them 
off. The chains had the effect which he had expected; the monarchs 
were ashamed, the people horrified. He was released. He wished 
then to keep his vow, to wrest the Holy Sepulchre from the infidels, but 
Ferdinand and Isabella would not permit him to do so. Then he asked 
to go once more to America. He was given four vessels, and took with 
him his brother, and his younger son, Fernando. By the time they 
had reached the American coast, Columbus was ill. He lay upon the 
deck, and watched the land as the ship sailed around by Honduras, for 
they had passed be3'ond the islands. He tried several times to found a 
colony, but the Indians were shy and crafty, and very naturally resented 
the invasion of their land. Two of his ships were lost. His crew 
mutinied, and no one would send him any relief At last he went back 
to Spain, only to find his friend, Isabella, dead. He died on May 20, 
1506, with the chains he had worn upon his return to Spain hung by his 
bed-side. They were put in his coffin, and he was buried with the monu- 
ment : ' 'To Castile and Leon, Columbus gave a new world. ' ' About two 
centuries after that his remains were carried to the cathedral of Havana, 
that they might lie in the soil of the new world which he had found. 

It was better for his peace of mind that he never knew that the land 
he reached after so much suflTering of mind and body, was to bear the 
name of another man. But, after all, justice will always be done in the 
Lord's good time, and, in the minds of everj'one, America is the monu- 
ment of Columbus, and not of Amerigo Vespucci. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Prescott's "Conquest of Mexico." 
Biography— W. Irving's "Columbus." 

W. Irving's "Companions of Columbus." 
Dexter's "Letters of Columbus and Vespucci." 
Tr.welS — Hakluyt's "Voyages." 

Kohl's "Discoverers of the East Coast of .\merica.'* 
Fiction — Bird's "Calavar" and "Infidel." 

Wallace's "Fair God." 
Poetry— Barlow's "Colombiad." 
Lowell's "Columbus." 
Rogers' "Columbus." 
Sir ,\ubrey De Vere's "Sonnet.s on Columbus." 



CHAPTER IV. 

PONCE DE LEON — THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH — THE DISCOVERY OF THE 
SOUTH SEA BY BALBOA — DE SOTO — HIS DEATH. 




HE islands of the Atlantic became rapidly peo- 
pled with Spaniards. "Ever^'one," complained 
Colnmbus, before his death, "even the very 
tailors, are bent upon discovery," and, as the 
islands filled with Europeans, the Indians were 
crowded out. The manner in which they were killed, and the awful 
sufferings they endured at the hands of men who called themselves 
Christians, is told most pathetically in the chronicles of Las Casas, one 
of the few friends which these unhappy people had. They were carried 
to Spain as slaves, or worked with cruelt)' upon the new possessions in 
the Atlantic. The tender-hearted old man. Las Casas, made the mis- 
take, in his firm defence of the Indians, of advising the ^-oung king, who 
then reigned over Spain, to let each resident in Hispanola bring a dozen 
negro slaves from the African coast; and it was thus, in about 1518, that 
negro slavery' was first introduced in America. 

Juan Ponce De Leon, a gay and courteous cavalier, who had been 
with Columbus on his second voyage, had made up his mind to go to 
the countries of the new world upon his own account. It was in 1513 
that he set sail, with three caravels well fitted with men. He had been 
a brave soldier and a verj' active man, and hated, as all such men must 
do, the thought of growing old. His ambition was to maintain his 
youth, and he was filled with the pleasant stories of some luscious 
fountain of clear water in the new world, from which all men might 



ACROSS THK DARK WATER. 49 

-drink and become eternally young. He was made Governor of the 
island of Porto Rico, but even this honor would not tempt him to rest. 
He pushed on westward in search of the wonderful fountain, and at last, 
on Easter Sunday, he saw land. The Spaniards called Easter Sunday 
the day of flowers, and Ponce De Leon named the new land Florida. 
He landed near what is now St. Augustine, and, with his men, went 
about the woods and coasts there for many weeks. Five years latei' he 
came back again, and was wounded with a poisoned arrow, and went 
sadly back to his countn,' to die. He had escaped old age, but not by 
drinking from the foimtain of youth. 

Vasco Nunez de Balboa, an adventurous Spaniard, was the first to 
cross the isthmus which divides Nort'h and South America. Looking 
down from a mountain, he saw the ^eat western ocean stretching before 
him. He called it the South Sea, and took possession of it in the name 
of his Christian Majesty, the King of Spain. Meanwhile, Cortez was 
exploring in Yucatan and ]\Iexico. By this time the King of Portugal 
deeply regretted that he had not accepted the services of Columbus 
when they were first oflfered to him. He grew envious of the rich pos- 
sessions of Spain, and fitted out ships in 1519, under the leadership of 
Magellan, a sailor of wide experience, and a man whom the king counted 
among the greatest of his realm. Magellan passed the Indies and bore 
southward, sailing entirely around South America, marveling at the 
"mountain of fire," and rejoicing over the placid world of water which 
rolled in peaceful majesty before them. He named it the Pacific Ocean, 
because of its tranquility. 

The unhappy relations between the Indians and the Europeans grew 
worse, instead of better. The white man gave the Indian lessons in 
treachery, which he was not slow to profit by. A party of gentle St. 
Dominican Brothers, who had come to America to make a "conquest of 
peace" among the savages, were captured, upon their landing, and 
brutally murdered. It was too late for kindness to be imderstood — too 
late for the word of the white man to be believed. 

In 1 519, a planter named D'AUyon, a man of wealth and high 
family, came to the American coast in search of slaves. He landed 
where South Carolina now is, and, kidnapping natives there, put them 
in the Spanish slave markets. His adventurous nature would have 
made him of much value to his country, but he fell a victim to his own 
evil works. On his second voyage he was murdered by the angry 
Indians. Eight years after this, an expedition in quest of gold was led 
out from the West Indies by Pamphilo de Nars'aez. He and hir. 



5° TIIK STORY OF AMERICA. 

companions landed near Tampa Ba>-, and went westward along the 
Gulf of Mexico. The sufferings of Narvaez' men were very great. 
Their number rapidly decreased. They were restless with the spirit of 
adventure, and were not willing to settle down and wrench a living from 
the soil. Cuba put forward every effort to find the men, but was not 
successful. All but fjur of them died. These four were made slaves 
by the Indians, and wandered from tribe to tribe for six years. They 
came out at last near the Gulf of California. But it was a long time 
before they were heard from. 




JISH SOLDIER. 



Hernando De Soto held a grant of the province of Florida from the 
crown of Spain, and landed not far from the spot where his fated 
predecessors had in Tampa Bay. This was on ]Ma)- 30, 1537. He was 
ven.' ambitious, and wished to louud a great empire, over which he 
should rule. Blinded with ambition, he had no pity for any one. In 
all that he did he was fierce and shamefullv cruel. Following him was 



ACROSS THE DARK WATER. 



51 



a splendid retinue of noblemen. Thej- were tricked out in the most 
fashionable costumes of Spain, and glittering with inlaid armor, which 
recalled the magnificence of the crusades. None but a leader of iron 
will could hsve governed men so proud and ambitious. He took his 
companions through the lakes, streams and everglades of Florida. They 
lived upon water-cresses, shoots of Indian corn and palmetto leaves. 
Their policy was to fight the natives wherever they met them — an odd 
policy for men whose chief boast was their Christianity. Wherever 

they went, they left behind them 
burned wigwams and aching hearts. 
Once, De Soto was met by a certain 
Indian chieftainess. She was a grace- 
ful }'oung savage, with courteous 
manners, and went to meet De Soto 
in a canopied canoe, carr^-ing gifts with 
her, among them a necklace of pearls, 
which she flung about the neck of the 
Spanish leader. But her people were 
used as slaves, and herself taken pris- 
oner in spite of her gentleness. De 
vSoto still went westward. He sent 
men to explore for gold, and took all 
the treasures from the Indians which 
he could find. He went up the Mis- 
sissippi for some distance, and then 
westward, nearly to the Rocky Moun- 
tains. After his return to his post, in 
tn,-ing to force an opening through the 
swamps about the ^Mississippi river, he 
sickened and died. He was dropped, 
in the silence of the night, into the 
deep waters of the Mississippi, the 
victim of his own stubborn pride, for 
he could have had help and rescue had he been willing to accept it; 
but he refused to take his men back, shorn of their fine trappings and 
lessened in numbers. A few of his men, long months afterwards, 
reached the settlement of their countr>'men on the Gulf of Mexico. 

The Spaniards in the north of Mexico were greatly excited when 
the four unfortunate men who had escaped from the expedition of 
Naivaez reached them, with wonderful stories of the countries thev had 




SPANISH ARMOR. 



52 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



seen. They told of stately cities, in which there were buildings of 
stone and a great quantity of jewels, besides silver and gold in plenty. 
In a short time an expedition was sent to explore this countrj', going up 
the coast of California, and exploring part of the Colorado river. 
They found the well-built cities, but the gold, silver and jewels were in 
small quantities. Later, a Spanish explorer name Cabrillo, went up the 
Pacific coast as far as Oregon. Following him came Sir Francis Drake, 
the celebrated English voyager. The history of his exploits is not full, 
but it is known that he was received pleasantly by the natives, and, after 
a brief exploration, crossed the ocean to the East Indies. England, 
however, never claimed California on the score of Drake's discovery. 
In the year 1580, an expedition of travelers followed up the river Del 
Norte, and made a settlement upon the site of the present city of 
Santa Fe. This expedition was under Onate. That city, with one 
exception (St. Augustine), is the oldest in the United States. 

FOR FURTHER READING. 
History— Parkman's "Pioneers of France." 

Parkman's "France and England in North America." 
Reynold's "Old St. Augustine." 
Baird's "Huguenot Emigration to America." 
Jones' "De Soto and His March Through Georgia." 
Fiction — Simm's "Damsel of Darien," "Vasconselas" and "The 

Lily and the Totem." 
Drama— Mrs. L. S. McCord's "De Soto." 
Poetry — Butterworth's "Dream of Ponce de Leon." 




CHAPTER V. 



il^B J[iHe$ ot 1|rant0. 



FRANCE: HER EXPLORERS AND SETTLEMENTS — THE FIGHT BETWEEN 
FRENCH AND SPANISH COLONIES. 



ONG before this time, France was growing im- 
patient to have a foothold in the new world; so 
she sent westward a mariner, named Verazzano, 
with a single ship. He reached the shore of 
North Carolina, and followed it southward for a 
time, trading with the Indians as he went. He 
carried home full accounts of what he saw, and a de- 
scription of the Indians and their ways, and said that 
' ' these new countries were not altogether destitute of 
the ' drugs and spiceries, pearls and gold, ' for which 
everj'one was looking." It was he who first gave an 
accurate idea of the true size of the globe, and of the 
western continent. France rested content with this 
triumph for some time, and it was ten years later before 
she sent out Jacques Cartier, who set up the cross of France in New- 
foundland, where the people, so he said, were the poorest in the world. 
In 1535 he made another journey, carr\'ing the lilies of France up the 
St. L,awrence, and to the mouth of the stream which he named the St. 
Croix. The Indians received him as some great spirit, who could heal 
the sick and perform miracles, but he, like the Spaniards, seemed to 
forget that he belonged to a Christian country^, and though the Indians 
treated him with much civility, made a treacherous return. When he 
set sail for his own land he seized a friendly chief and nine of his tribe, 
and, amid the wailing of the amazed Indians on the shore, carried them 
away across the sea. It was little wonder that the Indians remembered 
these things against the invaders, and that when the French returned, in 
1540, and set up a colony near the mouth of the St. Lawrence, they 
found the Indians hostile. It was in vain that the lying Frenchmen 
4 




54 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



told them that the Indians they had carried over seas with them had 
been made into great men in the land, and lived in palaces of marble. 
The Indians had learned that one would expect nothing but lies from 
men with white faces; and the truth was that all of those proud-spirited 
Indians nad died of broken hearts, except one poor lonely little maiden, 
whose duty it was to show herself at fetes for the curious French ladies to 
wonder at and exclaim over. Two forts were built to protect the new 
colony, one at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, and the other at the 
mouth of the St. Croix. 

France also started a colony far south. At the head of this was 
John Ribault, and with him a band of soldiers, seamen and gentlemen. 
This was in the midst of the great religious refonnation of Europe, 
when the Huguenots had been driven in large numbers from France to 
Holland. These oppressed people decided to set up their refonned 
protestant church in the wilderness, and for the first time made the new 
world the shelter of the scorned and the outcast. So, with a sword in 
one hand and a cross in the other, staunch John Ribault led his band of 
faithful worshipers into a land where they hoped to find peace. But it 
was not to be. When the King of Spain became aware that the French 
had planted a colony upon this territory, he sent Menendez, one of his 
most fonnidable generals, to oust them. Rene Laudonriere was tempo- 
rarily in charge of the fort at Port Royal, where the Huguenots were, 
and John Ribault was hurrying over seas with supplies and additions to 
the settlement. The fleets of Ribault and Menendez had some thrilling 
adventures at sea, in which the Spanish general was outwitted. He re- 
tired to the coast and founded the city of St. Augustine, the oldest city 
within the present boundary of the United States, older even than 
Santa Fe. Here men, women and children were settled. Amid music 
and the thundering of guns Menendez landed, and kneeling to kiss the 
cross took possession in the name of Philip II, King of Spain. A few 
days after this, while Ribault was still at sea, a terrible stonn broke 
over the country, which seriously disabled his fleet. Menendez guessed 
that Ribault would not have had time to reach Port Royal, and 
saw that a safe opportunity for attack had come. Hunying overland 
he fell upon the French in the fort. The surprise was complete. The 
French were put to the sword. One hundred and thirty-two were killed 
that night, and in the morning ten of the fugitives were captured and 
banged. Over these Menendez hung the label, "I do not this to 
Frenchmen, but to heretics. ' ' Among the number who escaped were 
the younger Ribault and Rene Laudonriere. 



THE LILIES OF FRANCE. 55 

Ribault did not know that Port Royal had been taken. He had 
been wrecked on the coast with his three hundred and fifty men. He 
begged Menendez to spare them, and even offered a heavy ransom, but 
Menendez refused. Such as laid down their arms and surrendered to 
Menendez were butchered. Among these was Ribault. A few went 
southward, preferring to tr>' the perils of the wilderness. In a few days 
the fort at Port Royal, which the Spaniards had re-named San Mateo^ 
caught fire, and burned to the ground. 

Three years later, the French sent over another expedition, under the 
command of De Gourgues. His purpose was to be revenged upon the 
Spaniards. He made friends with the Indians, who were ready to join 
in any enterprise which would be likely to make the Spanish suffer. 
De Gourgues fell upon the Spaniards exactly as Menendez had on Fort 
Caroline, and left only fifteen of the Spanish garrison living. The 
soldiers upon the other side of the river were also massacred. The 
party went on to San Mateo, which the Spaniards still held, and killed 
nearly all of the soldiers there. Those that were captured were hung, 
and De Gourgues put on the trees, "I do not this as unto Spaniards, 
but as unto traitors, robbers and murderers." St Augustine was finally 
burned by Sir Francis Drake. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Jeffeir's "French Dominions in America." 
Jones^ "Antiquities of Southern Indians." 

LasCasas' "Narrative and Critical History of America" in a vols. 
Parkman's "Jesuits in America." 

Schoolcraft's "History and Condition of the Indian Tribe*." 
Fiction— Chateaubriand's "Atala." 
POBTRV— I,evi Bishop's "Jesuit Missionary." 



CHAPTER VI. 

jl Jfcbga in {\$ li[HkniB$$. 

THE ENGLISH — THEIR SEARCH FOR THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE— 

FROBISHER'S EXPLORATIONS — SIR HUMPHREY GILBERT'S 

SETTLEMENT — THE COLONY OF SIR WALTER 

RALEIGH — GOSNOLD's FAILURE. 




' 1 1 








( 

L M i 


,/'vJ\l \h' '-' 


- jr^'^^ 


" 



T was the glowing stories which the 
Huguenots told in the flight which 
some of them made from Florida to 
England, after the massacres, that 
induced the English navigators to 
secure that land. They tried to find 
the northwest passage, for which Cabot 
had looked, and in 1578, Sir Francis Drake sailed up the Pacific coast, 
plundering, in the wicked fashion of those days, Spanish settlements as 
he went. He went as far as Washington Territon,'. But no slight 
failure could discourage the English. The land for which they looked 
wore such a dazzling aspect to them that neither the loss of men or 
money could stop them in their search for the way to Catha)'. Pictures 
of the wonderful country of Kublai Khan filled them with dreams. 
Here, so they had heard, were twelve thousand cities, all near together. 
The estate of the king, spreading over ten miles, was a luxurious gar- 
den, watered with clear rivers and filled with the music of fountains. 
There were marble palaces, summer houses indescribably beautiful and 
air}-, wonderful armies of trained soldiers, and magnificent fortresses. 
From here all the finest silks, the brightest gold and the richest spices 
came. 

And yet, for all their attempts, more than one hundred years passed 
from the time of the landing of the Cabots before an English colony 



A LODGE IN THE WILDERNESS. 



57 



was planted on American soil. It was in 1527 that one of the futile 
attempts was made. Two fine ships set sail from London and went 
toward the northeast, but encountering a sea of ice there, turned back. 
Only one of the ships reached England. 

In 1536 the determined English sought once more for the mysteri- 
ous passage, but so ill provided was the expedition, that when the men 
reached Newfoundland they were reduced to killing each other that all 
might not starve. The captain, who had thought at first that the loss 
of his men was. due to wild beasts, or to Indians, finally discovered the 
truth, and set forth their sin in the strongest words of which he 
was master. The miserable men stopped murdering each other, but 
it was not long before hunger drove them to cast lots for the choice of 
one who should die to save the rest. Fortunateh- for them a French 
ship, with plenty of food on board, arrived that night. The desperate 
Englishmen managed to get possession of the boat and put to sea, leaving 
the Frenchmen their empty vessel. However, the Frenchmen finally 
reached England, and were recompensed by the king for their losses. 

It was in 1553 that Sir Hugh Willoughby, a most valiant gentle- 
man, well born, renowned for singular skill in the service of war, 
started out with four vessels. They were well built and well provided, 
and one of them was considered quite a marv^el of skill and strength. 
No expedition which left England went with more display. The whole 
court came to Greenwich, and the noblemen came running out to see 
the ships. The windows were crowded, and people looked down from 
the tops of towers. The shore was black with sight-seers. Sailors 
crowded the ships in the harbor. The American-bound vessels set sail 
amid salute after salute from the royal guns, but the cniel northern seas 
wrecked them as they have so many since. Two of them were found 
years later by some Russian fishermen, and in the cabin of one sat Sir 
Hugh Willoughby, with a pen in his frozen fingers. Scattered about 
both ships lay the bodies of the perished crew, every man of them 
frozen to death. The sailors tried to take the ships back to England, 
but they foundered at sea. But, though this expedition was so tragic, 
it was not absolutely useless, for some of the crew in one of the other 
ships reached Archangel, and traveled overland to Moscow, and com- 
merce between England and Russia was opened. This was of great 
value to England. 

England could not quiet her enthusiasm on the subject of the new 
world, and in 1576 Martin Frobisher set sail with his three small vessels. 
Queen Marj', leaning from her windows, condescended to wave her 



58 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

hands to the passing ships as a farewell token of her good wishes. The 
first journey of Frobisher brought few results; one of them was some- 
what humorous. He brought with him a few black stones, which he 
had picked up on the island of Cumberland. These he gave his wife 
as a souvenir of his journey. She put them into the fire, and when 
they were taken out, they proved to be gold. This filled Frobisher with 
impatience to return. He started with fifteen ships, all of which were 
to come back laden with ore, and so they did, but the ore had in it no 
gold. Frobisher found the strait into Hudson's Bay which bears his 
name, and which he supposed was a passage into the sea of Suez. Just 
what these ship-loads of black stones cost England, it would be difficult 
to guess. In time, however, even the most saving forgot about that 
unfortunate waste, and another northern expedition was planned in 1585, 
under the charge of John Davis. Davis' Strait is all that serves to 
Tceep alive this voyage. Then came the scheme of Sir Humphrey 
■Gilbert, a very distinguished gentleman, as full of ideas as he was of 
"bravery. He sailed in 1583, with a fleet of five ships, and with a com- 
pany of two hundred and sixty men, among whom were refiners of 
minerals and mechanics of all trades. They settled, for a time, near 
the mouth of the St. Johns river, in Newfoundland, and set up a pillar, 
w^ith the arms of England carved upon it. Indeed, there was more 
display than work, with the usual unhappy results. Many of Sir 
Humphrey's men deserted, and some died. 

At the colony at St. Johns, a conspiracy was started to seize the vessels 
while the admiral and captains were on shore. Gilbert, therefore, found 
necessary to send home as many of the sick and insubordinate as could 
be spared. Soon after this, those remaining resumed their voyage. One 
of the ships was lost, but Sir Humphrey was still in a comparatively 
happy frame of mind. Had he not found ore which the assajer said 
held silver? But the mines, or what he thought were the mines, proved to 
yield nothing after all. On the way to England, the Golden Hind 
foundered. Gilbert himself was on the ship. It was the smallest of the 
fleet, but Gilbert refused to let any of his men stand a peril that he did 
not share. In the midst of the terrible storm, in which the boat sank. 
Sir Humphrey sat quietly in the stern with a book in his hand, and 
called out cheerfully, when the companion boat offered help: "We are 
as near Heaven by sea as by land." When Sir Gilbert died, his ambi- 
tious projects were taken up by Sir Walter Raleigh, his half-brother. 

No more channing figure than he ever figured in American history. 
He was a soldier, a sailor, a statesman, and a most polished gentleman, 



A LODGE IN THE WILDERNESS. 6l 

a graceful poet, a historian and a thinker. He had sent numerous ships 
to America at his own expense, being ver>' eager for England's glory, 
but the men on them offended the Indians by their bad conduct, and 
were always forced to return to England. Finally, he sent out a colony 
which he felt sure would succeed. It had as a governor a respected 
Englishman by the name of John White; with him was his family, many 
friends, and a corps of mechanics and farmers. John White established 
his company on Roanoke Island, and having settled them as well as 
possible, left for England to obtain more supplies. Before he left. 
White's daughter, the wife of Ananias Dare, gave birth to a daughter — 
the first little English girl born on American soil. White was gone a 
long time — a strangely long time, considering everything. Wlien he 
returned the colony had entirely disappeared. It is true that they found 
the word ' 'Croatoan' ' carved upon one of the trees. This was the name 
of one of the islands not far distant, and it had been agreed upon by 
the colonists, at the time of the departure of their governor, that, should 
they see fit to leave for any reason, they would write the name of their 
destination where it could be found. But John White was only a 
passenger upon the vessel which visited the spot where the colony had 
been, and he was taken to the far south. Sir Walter Raleigh sent out 
ship after ship to search for the lost colony, but every captain found 
excuses for not obeying his commands, and the unfortunate people were 
never definitely heard from. After the gallant Sir Raleigh was impris- 
oned in the Tower of London, no one thought more about tlie matter. 
They were probablj' killed by Powhatan. Sir Raleigh has the distinction, 
among greater ones, of having made the use of tobacco fashionable in 
England, as well as having introduced potatoes to English tables. He 
himself never visited the North American colony which had cost him so 
much money and anxiety. The two trips which he made to America 
were to the mouth of the Orinoco river, in South America. 

The next colonial failure was in charge of Bartholomew Gosnold. 
He, also, started for the great extent of territory which Raleigh had 
named Virginia after the virgin Queen Elizabeth, and which included 
all the region lying between Canada and Florida. Gosnold' s colony was 
attempted on Cuttyhunk Island, but he and his company only stayed 
there a few months. 

FOR FURTHER READING; 
History— Buchanan's "History, Manners and Customs of North American Indians." 
Biography — Oldys' "Lifeof Raleigh." 

Southey's "Life of Raleigh." 
Fiction — "First Settlers of Virginia." 
Poetry— Longfellow's "Sir Humphrey Gilbert." 



CHAPTER VII. 

l[aunbing 11^$ §lb Jlominian. 

•/HE LONDON AND PLYMOUTH COMPANIES — THE VIRGINIAN SETTLE' 
MENT CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH AND HIS WONDERFUL AD- 
VENTURES — POCAHONTAS — THE NEW CHARTER — 
THE WRECK OF THE "SEA ADVENTURE." 



^HE English king saw that it was 
necessan- to take fresh measures 
if he ever wished to establish a 
successful colony in America. He 
therefore formed two large compa- 
nies, one of which he called the 
London Company, and the other 
the Plymouth Company. The 
first of these was to go to the 
south, and the other to the north, 
and they were to build no dwell- 
ings nearer to each other than one 
hundred miles. It was evident 
that the king understood the 
quarrelsome nature of his sub- 
jects. Each of these colonies was 
to be governed by thirteen men, 
who were appointed by the king; and should any of them die, or resign 
their positions, they were at liberty to choose a man to fill the place 
themselves, provided that the man was not a clerg}'man. The king, it 
will be remembered, was James I, a man of much learning, though not 
of so much wisdom, for his learning was not of a sort which taught him 
kindness. In the summer of 1606, two ships belonging to the Plymouth 
Company sailed away from England. One of these ships was taken by 
the Spaniards, but the other one coasted off Maine and made a hasty 
return. The general report of the captain pleased Chief Justice 
Popham, who made up his mind, on the following year, to send his 
brother, George Popham, and Raleigh Gilbert, a son of Sir Humphrey, 




FOUNDING THE OLD DOMINION. 63 

to settle a colony; but they made no permanent settlement, and 
it remained for the London Company to make the first permanent 
village. In this there were one hundred and five men, and no 
women. Among them were mechanics, soldiers and servants, and, 
if the truth must be told, rather too many gentlemen. Their ships 
were the "Sarah Constant," the "Godspeed" and the "Discovery," 
and Captain Christopher Newport was their commander. They 
were foolish enough to go by the old route of the West Indies, 
stopping along by the way in the pleasant towns of the Spaniards, and 
wasting both food and time. There were too many proud men among 
them for such a thing to be advisable, for they were certain to get into 
quarrels. The London Council had told them not to break the seals of 
their letters of instruction until they had landed on the shores of 
Virginia, so no man know which was greatest, and all tried to exercise 
authority. One of the most disagreeable among them was John Smith. 
This }'oung man was always energetic and nervous. He wanted to do 
a great many things, and do them in his own peculiar way, and had 
very little patience with slower and duller persons, so he very naturally 
fretted at the wasteful way in which matters were being conducted, and, 
as a consequence, found himself suddenly arrested. It was in the lovely 
month of April when they sailed into the Chesapeake Bay, and giving 
names to Cape Henr^- and Cape Charles, went eagerly to work. The 
sealed box was opened, and the names of the council were heard. 
They were Bartholomew Gosnold, John Smith, Edward Wingfield, 
Christopher Newport, John Ratcliff, John Martin and George Kendall. 
They spent half a month in looking for a suitable place for their 
colony, and fixed at length on the spot where Jamestown still stands, 
and which they named in honor of their king. All of the council, 
except Smith, who was still in disfavor, were sworn into office. Then 
work began seriously. Try to imagine how they cut the trees and 
pitched their tents, how they split the logs for boards and made gardens, 
planting the seeds they had brought with them, and braided nets from 
twine. Imagine, too, how heartily they must have talked, laughed, 
sung and quarreled. They had been instructed by the council to see if 
an opening could be found by some river or lake from Virginia to the 
South Sea, and Captain Newport fitted out a shallop, and went with 
quite a number of men up the James river, toward the Appalachian 
mountains. The Indians received them with kindness, and fed them 
with the best that they had. The best was not bad. It consisted of 
venison, turkey, maize, strawberries, mulberries, dried nuts and tobacco. 



64 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

The returns which Newport's men gave for these dainties was princi- 
pally beads and whisky. It seems as if always the invading Christian 
was the first to do a wrong thing. One of the remarkable characters 
they met upon this voyage was a strong, manlike queen, who refused to 
be scared at the sound of a gun, although her braves were so. New- 
port and his men went on till they came to a great waterfall, and then 
turned back, noticing, with some fear as they did so, a change in the 
manner of the Indians. When they got back to the camp they found 
that several men had been wounded and one boy killed. A fort was 
built for further protection, and in a short time Newport set sail for 
England. While he was gone, those remaining at the settlement quar- 
reled frightfully. For one thing, they were suffering from hunger. It 
seemed as if they never had enough to eat. With game in the woods 
and fish in the rivers, why this should be so, it is difiicult to guess. 
Disease broke out among them, occurring principally from the want of 
food and proper shelter. For, instead of building substantial houses of 
logs, they crowded into one miserable, insecure building. Each man 
had for his daily allowance but half a pint of boiled wheat, and another 
of barley, infested with worms. At last it became necessary for the 
president, Wingfield, to set aside such sack and vinegar as was left, to 
use in case of extreme .sickness, and for the communion table. It was 
this action largely which caused the hungry' and selfish men of the 
colony to find fault with Wingfield, and to depose him from his position 
as president. John Smith, Ratcliff" and Martin were the men who took 
the principal part in this, and from that time on, John Smith seems to 
have been the moving spirit of the colony, although many of its best 
actions were suggested by Gosnold, a man very wise and pious. That 
any of the colony lived over that dreadful summer was owirg largely to 
the kindness of the Indians, who brought them provisions. In the 
autumn, things went more peacefully, as the game became more plenti- 
ful and the harvests were gathered. Smith then went upon one of his 
journeys into the interior, where he came very near losing his life at the 
hands of some strange Indians. It is said that he tied his guide to his 
own body with his garters, and as his guide was an Indian, his foes 
would not shoot at him. At length, however, he was obliged to surren- 
der, and was taken before the king of the tribe. Then he displayed all 
of that matchless ingenuity which made him so interesting to all. He 
showed the Indians his round compass made of ivory, and explained to 
them the movements of the sun, moon and stars, the shape of the earth, 
the comparative differences of the land and sea, and told them of all the 



FOUNDING OF THE OLD DOMINION. 65 

sorts of men about which he knew anything. But notwithstanding this 
entertainment, tiie Indians tied him to a tree and were about to shoot 
him with arrows, when the king, suddenly concluding that he would 
like to save a man who knew so many curious things, released him. 
They fed him so well that Smith became alanned. He was quite 
sure they were fattening him before they killed him. Finally they 
promised him his liberty, and even offered to give him some land and 
women, if he would help them attack Jamestown. But he told them 
of the great guns which the English had, and frightened them into 
giving up the plan. Then he capped the climax of their wonder by 
writing to the fort for a quantity of presents for the Indians, who were 
unable to imagine how paper could speak. At last he was taken to the 
greatest king of all, Powhatan, who received him with much state, with 
a young Indian girl upon each side of him, and rows of men and women, 
much decorated, around about. He was treated with great ceremony 
and distinction, which, however, according to Smith's account, ended 
in rather a peculiar way. He was dragged to a great stone, upon which 
his head was laid, and by which stood men with clubs ready to beat out 
his brains, but at this very dreadful moment, Pocahontas, the king's 
dearest daughter, threw her arms about his head and laid her face 
across his, to prevent them from touching him. His life was spared. 
The story is so romantic that there is a reluctance to doubt it, 
especially when it is remembered that Pocahontas was only twelve years 
old at this time. 

The little princess, Pocahontas, figured largely in the history of the 
colony. She shocked the decorous gentlemen exceedingly by turning 
somersaults about the fort, but conciliated them by frequently bringing 
them food, and by warning them of attacks from the Indians. Years 
afterward she was baptized and re-named Lady Rebecca, which was a 
much more respectable name than Pocahontas, which means "Little 
Wanton," and was given to her because she was noticeably wild, even 
among the Indian maidens. In course of time she married John Rolfe, 
an English gentleman, who took her to England, where she was pre- 
sented to the Queen by Lord and Lady de la Ware. She sickened with 
small-pox just before taking the ship to return to America, and died at 
the age of twenty-two. No woman of those days has so extended a 
reputation; no other one has been so much written about. She is the 
subject of man}' novels and poems, and even the dullest historian has 
not been able to pass her by without some mention of her kindness of 
heart, her wayward impulsiveness, and her beauty. It was not strange 



66 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

that John Smith wished to publish tlie fact that she showed some interest 
in him. Her father, Powhatan, has also been much written about. Ke 
was the most powerful of all the Indian chiefs of Virginia; perhaps the 
most wily of them as well. He is described as being very stalwart and 
well-shaped of limb, and with a sad countenance and thin grey hair. 
So proud was he that he could not be made to kneel when the council 
saw fit to crown him after the English manner. King James, of Eng- 
land, sent robes and a crown that the ceremony might be carried out in 
a king-like manner, but neither threats nor coaxing could make the 
disdainful old savage bend a knee, and it became necessary for two of 
the noblemen to press heavily upon his shoulders, so that his head was 
sufficiently bowed to suit popular prejudice. 

Meanwhile, Smith was having a most melancholy time. Several 
times he was taken captive. Once he was condemned to death by his- 
own colony, because two Englishmen lost their lives fighting the Indians, 
under his command. But upon the very day when he was to be killed, 
Captain Newport fortunately returned from England, where he had been 
for supplies, and interceded for Smith's life. Smith was also stung by 
a poisonous fish when he was wading the creek, and was so severely 
poisoned that his friends had no doubt of his near death, and hastened 
to dig a grave for him, but this redoubtable hero unexpectedly brought 
himself to, and helped eat the fish that came so near ending him. By 
this time, what with malaria, lack of food and exposure, the colony had 
been reduced in nine months to about forty persons, but Newport's ship 
brought one hundred and twenty men, besides a stock of provisions, 
fanning implements, and of seeds. It seemed, however, as if good 
fortune was never to be theirs. Hardly had they got in better mood 
from Newport's help, than the fort was almost destroyed by fire. Worse 
still, the company became wildly excited over some hills of yellow mica, 
which they supposed to be gold, and this fever of happy excitement had 
its re-action, which left them more miserable and despondent than 
before. Smith spent the summer in sailing upon the waters of Virginia, 
along the bays and rivers, and in becoming acquainted with the different 
tribes of Indians. On the return from the last expedition. Smith was 
made president of the colony, a position which he had always desired. 
About the same time, Newport arrived again from England with a 
second supply of men and provisions, and with him the two first women 
of the colony. Mistress Forrest and her maid, Ann Burras. It is 
unnecessary to say that it was not many weeks before Ann Burras was 
married. 



FOUNDING OF THE OLD DOMINION. 67 

Upon this occasion, Newport had orders from the London Council 
to bring home a hunp of gold, to discover the passage to the South 
Sea, and to find the survivors of the Roanoke colony. It goes without 
saying that he was able to do none of these things. All of his ingenuity 
was bent upon keeping the friendship of Powhatan, and he was 
aided in this, to a certain extent, by John Savage, an English lad, who, 
for thirteen years, lived with Powhatan, acting as an interpreter 
between the English and the Indians. Histoiy says little about his 
youth, and, indeed, his name is the only thing remembered of him, but 
he must have led a very wild and exciting life — indeed there must have 
been an uncertainty about his life which, of itself, made existence 
interesting. John Smith had difficulty in keeping the colony from 
starving. He relied chiefly upon the Indians for food, for the colonists 
were too lazy to protect the stores brought from England, but allowed 
them to decay and to become infested with the rats, which came in the 
ships, and which, like themselves, found a settlement on the shores of 
the new world. Smith's greatest trial was in trying to persuade the 
gentlemen about him that they were able to work, for they would 
neither plant, fish, nor hunt, and would shirk, like schoolboys, each 
task given them. It is said that two of them did go to work felling 
trees, and worked so hard that the president wrote that forty of them 
would be worth a hundred common men, but they failed to keep up 
their labor. At length, the entire council of the colony, with the 
exception of Smith, was drowned. Smith then became more necessary 
to the company, and more important in his own esteem than ever. The 
way in which he slew Indian chiefs of gigantic size, and, alone, routed 
great annies of savages, is more like the history of some modern Jack 
the Giant-Killer, than of any ordinary man. The colony was in very 
bad humor. Sometimes members of it mutinied, and two Dutchmen 
fled to the Indians, and inspired a conspiracy with Powhatan for the 
entire destruction of Jamestown. Smith learned of their plans, how- 
ever, and brought even Powhatan into a state of humility. But for 
all of his bravery, the colony was steadily failing. The cost by which 
it had been maintained was great, and, in 1609, the king found it nec- 
essary to form a new corporation to sustain it. This was composed of 
the most distinguished and wealthy men of England, and a fleet of nine 
ships, carrying five hundred people, left England in the month of May 
— a month when England is most beautiful — for the tragic shores of 
America. Seven of these reached the settlement in August, but one of 
them foundered at sea, and another, the Sra Adventure^ on board 



68 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

which was the admiral, Gates, Captain Newport, William Strachey 
and Summers, also failed to appear. This vessel was wrecked off the 
Bermudas, in a storm so terrible that the description which William 
Strachey afterwards gave of it served to inspire Shakespere's descrip- 
tion of the storm in the first act of "The Tempest." "Such was the 
tumult of the elements that the sea dashed above the clouds, and gave 
battle unto Heaven. It could not be said to be rain. The waters, like 
whole rivers, did flood into the air. Winds and seas were as mad as 
fury and rage could make them." They passed three days and four 
nights in this dreadful strait, and, on the last night of their struggle, 
were cheered with a strange, fantastic light, that trembled up among 
the shrouds and staj-ed there till the morning watch. When morning 
really came, they found the boat lodged between two rocks, in still 
waters. The passengers and crew of the Sea Adventure spent their 
winter on the island. The climate was delightful. There was hunting 
and fishing, as well as plenty of berries and wild fruits. A few persons 
died, others married, and there were two births. One of the little 
children born there, in the midst of the Atlantic ocean, was named 
Bennuda; the other, a boy, Bermudas. In May, a year from the time 
when they had left England, they started once more for the Virginian 
colony. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Smith's "True Relation of Virginia." 
Campbell's "Virginia." 
Doyle's "English Colonies in America." 
Fiction — Hopkins' "The Youth of the Old Dominion." 

Moseby's "Pocahontas." 
Poetry — Hillar's "Pocahontas," 

Seba Smith's "Powhatan." 
Mrs. Heman's "Pocahontas." 
Mrs. Sigourney's "Pocahontas." 
Dkama — Owen's "Pocahontas." 

Seagull's "Eastward, Ho!" 
Shakespere's "Tempest"— ist act. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



FROM THE BERMUDAS TO VIRGINIA — THE STARVING TIMES — ^THE 

ARRIVAL OF LORD DE LA WARE — HELP FROM ENGLAND — 

THE BEGINNING OF SLAVERY — THE FIRST 

BLOW AT INTEMPERANCE. 



sHEN Sir Thomas Gates and his men arrived at the 
Virginian colony, they found things in a most 
distressing condition. Once more the people 
were without food, and were begging from the 
Indians. For one reason and another the Indians 
(' were becoming sullen, and were more inclined to 
fight than to give favors. Various smaller settle- 
ments were started around about, and John Smith, in 
visiting one of these, met with a serious accident by the 
explosion of gunpowder, which made it necessary for 
him to go to Englana. Percy became president in 
the place of Smith, but he was a character of a very 
different sort. It needed Smith's overbearing deter- 
^ mi nation to control the men of the colony. Smith had 
been able to make the colonists work a little. Percy was not able to do 
this. What with hard drink and idleness, and all of its various conse- 
quences, the men were reduced in health and in courage. They 
had killed the domestic animals and eaten up all the supplies which 
Smith had seen to the storing of That horrible winter is known as the 
starving time, a name which is remarkably appropriate, for at the time 
of Gates' arrival only sixty out of five hundred were alive. These 
were hardly alive, and a few of them came crawling out to welcome 
Gates when he arrived. This was in May, 1610. No scene more 
disorderly and desolate could be imagined. The verj' houses had been 
torn down for firewood, because the colonists had been afraid to venture 
into the woods. Gates thought it best not to live in a place so associated 




7° THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

■with terror and death. There were two vessels in port, and Gates was 
possessed of two which his men had built on the Bermudas. They 
boarded these and were about riding out of the harbor when word was 
brought them from Lord de la Ware that he was coming to their help 
with men and provisions. Lord de la Ware was chief of the London 
Company-, although up to this time he had not himself visited the colony. 
It had been with much care that Commander Gates saved the block -house, 
where the people had huddled that terrible winter, from being burned, 
for the colonists, like a set of crazy schoolboys, were much fonder of 
destroying than building up, and if they could have had their way, 
would have set fire to everything in Jamestown. They had reason to 
be ver\' thankful that Gates' wiser advice had been followed, and that 
upon the command of Lord de la Ware to return, they had a place to 
go into. Whatever these gentlemen of the old time did, they did with 
ceremon}'. They may have been very ragged and very worthless, but 
they were always dignified and pretentious. The landing of Lord de 
la Ware was a matter for much ceremony. It began, as did all their 
demonstrations, with praj-er. Though Lord de la Ware was so successful 
and brilliant a nobleman and governor, he bore always a spirit of tnie 
and sincere humility. He was, above all things, deeply reverential, and 
though he could be severe, he coiild also be gentle. It was the time 
now to be severe, and he determined there should be no more idleness, 
no more hard drinking, and much less playing of games among the 
wayward colonists. He began trading with the Indians for corn, built 
two substantial forts, and started various schemes, some of which were not 
successful. In a year the malaria, which had affected so many of the 
colonists, overpowered him, and it was necessary- for him to return to 
England. Shortly after his leaving Virginia, Thomas Gates and another 
commander. Sir Thomas Dale, arrived from England with fresh expedi- 
tions. They had not only men, but what was actually more important at 
that time, victuals and domestic animals. Sir Thomas seems to have 
understood, better than any who had preceded him, the economy by 
which a young nation should preserve itself To each man he gave 
three acres of ground, which should belong to him absolutely. He no 
longer allowed them to live upon the public stores. It became necessary 
for them to make their living, or starve. He insisted upon their building 
houses for themselves, and checked the disease which had spread so 
rapidly when they persisted upon crowding into one poorly ventilated 
shed. New settlements were made about this time, and though they 
were under the same local g-overnment, it extended the cidtivation of land. 



THROUGH DEATH TO VICTORY. 7 1 

For the first time streets were laid out, and the plantations had definite 
boundaries. This progress was slow, but under the^e two determined 
leaders, it was sure. 

Stories of the wildness and drunkenness of the men of "Virginia 
had been carried back to England, and the dignified members of the 
lyondon corporation there detennined to uproot these evils by a set of 
laws. They must have imagined that the natures of Englishmen were 
very much changed by crossing the Atlantic, for it is certain that no 
Englishman living in their native island ever obeyed such laws as these. 
There was a penalty of death for wilfully pulling up a flower, a root or 
an herb when set to weeding. He who uttered an oath had a bodkin 
thrust tlirough his tongue at the second offense, and at the third offense 
suffered death. If he was absent from the place of public worship, he 
was deprived of a week's allowance for the first offense, publicly 
whipped for the second, and killed for the third. No one was allowed 
to kill any domestic animal, not even a chicken or a dog, though it 
might belong to the person who killed it. A tradesman who neglected 
his business was sent to the galleys for four years if he persisted in the 
offense. It was evident that the great waste of money, time, oppor- 
tunity and supplies of which the colony had been guilty had irritated 
the London Company into making these ridiculous regulations. Still 
more severe than these were the martial rules, which each private 
citizen was expected to know and obey. 

For the first time the colony began to make some money. It came 
from the sale of tobacco, and, for the raising of this plant, the cultiva- 
tion of corn was neglected. It was through the taxation of tobacco in 
England that the colony came to open its first 'rading with Holland, 
and the indirect outcome of it was the first quanel with England. A set- 
tlement was finally made, but not for several years. From the extreme 
of idleness the colonists went to the extreme of industry, as soon as their 
love for money prompted it, and those who owned no land did not hesi- 
tate to plant tobacco in the very streets of Jamestown. England began 
to see that the wealth of Virginia did not lie in gold, nor its advantages 
in a passage to the southern seas. Tobacco charmed them, as the 
prospects of Cathay had bewitched them before. Men were sent over 
in ship-loads, and most of these men were criminals, who had been con- 
demned to serve out a term of years. Others were paupers, who sold 
themselves into this voluntary slavery for a given period of time, with 
the understanding that at the end of that time they were to become free 
cil'zens. Worse, still, so valuable did men become, that in 1619 a 



72 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Dutch ship came to Jamestown with a cargo of negroes, from the coast 
of Guinea. And thus the negro was brought under the American- 
English government for the first time. It was the beginning of slavery' 
in the colonies of the new world. 

Perhaps it is hardly worthy of mention — of such slight imi^ortance 
were things of this nature — that Captain Argall, who was for a 
time governor of the colony, saw fit to destroy a little colony of French, 
at Port Royal, in the Bay of Fundy. The destniction of a few men in 
those days mattered but little, and even the historian would only think 
this worthy of mention, because it was one of the first outbreaks 
between the French and the English. Governor Argall set the example 
of greediness. He and his colony gave themselves up to a near-sighted 
plan of money-making, neglecting all those things which were neces- 
sary for the real comfort of their homes, and for the better mode of 
living. The distinguished Lord de la Ware was sent out to displace him, 
but he died on his way. Sir George Yeardley was made President of 
Virginia, which now numbered about six hundred persons. Their 
reduction had come from the same old mismanagement. There was a 
scarcity of food. To put them in better position, Yeardley gave them 
the power of self-government, and on July 30, 1619, met the first legis- 
lative assembly in this country. It had twenty-two representatives, a 
governor, and the council. 

Here, the first blow was struck at intemperance. There was an 
enactment against drunkenness, making it a punishable offence. 

Three hundred members of the colony died the ne.xt year. The 
king determined to replace these men. He sent one hupdred felons 
from the jails of England. Sir Edward Sandys, one of the most 
thoughtful, courteous and cultivated men in Virginia, did what he 
could to turn this mistake into an advantage. He founded a university 
at Henricho, one of the smaller settlements, where both Indians and 
whites were accepted as pupils. About this University were ten 
thousand acres of land, and here, in less than two years, one hundred 
men were settled. Then, a fortunate thing happened. One hundred 
English maidens offered to come to the colony, as wives for the young 
men. After this there were homes. Wherever there are homes, there 
is order. For the first time, it began to look as if there might be a 
new and prosperous England on the shores of America. 

Another thing that marked this year was the sending out of many 
poor boys and girls, from the overcrowded factories of England, to 
»erve as apprentices in America. These boys and girls, who, in the 



THROUGH DEATH TO VICTORY. 



7Z 



condition of England, might have been doomed to a life of constant 
drndgery, laid the foundation of some of the best and most 
distinguished families of this conntry. Within a year 1,261 persons 
came to this conntry, either through Sir Edward Sandys, who was 
treasurer of the company, or through private ventures. Sir Edward 
Sandys should be remembered by all who love books, and have 
enjoyed the blessing of a free-school instruction, as the founder of the 
first school in America, and the writer of the first book. This was a 
translation of Ovid, made in leisure hours, upon the banks of the 
James river. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 

History— Jefierson's "Notes on Virginia." 

Jefferson's "Old Churches of Virginia." 
Biography— Spark's "American Biographies." 
Fiction — Thackeray's "Virginians." 

Cooke's "Virginia Couiediaus." 
Janies' "Old Dominion," 
Defoe's "Jacques." 




CHAPTER IX. 



l|orumbga^ l^g Jinuliful 



THE SETTLEMENT OF MAINE — THE VOYAGE OF THE ENGLISH — CHAM- 
PLAIN AND VERMONT — THE SETTLEMENT 
OF MT. DESERT. 




'^'*\I>EANWHILE, there were settlements far to the 
north. Maine was a most attractive country to 
^ the voyager. Its innumerable lakes and beautiful 

J>^3^i rivers, its magnificent coast, its hills and meadows, 
were all tempting. For three-fourths of a centurj', 
or nearly that, explorers had dallied about it. often 
stopping for a while and making insecure settlements. 
Not only had the English been enamored with it 
through all these years, but the French, as well, had 
loved to coast along its shores and explore its interior, 
and both nations had given names to its rivers and bays, 
its capes and islands. In nothing more than in this 
naming, was the different policy of the two nations 
shown. The English made the mistake of insisting 
upon the use of their own favorite names. The French used the Indian 
names, and seemed to bend to the customs and prejudices of the race whose 
countr}' they were invading. This was a very sure way of winning and 
keeping friendship. The French went further. They dressed as the 
Indians did whenever it was possible for them to do so; they hunted 
afte.- the fashion of the Indians, and fished with Indian tackle. Imita- 
tion is the sincerest flatter}-, and it could not fail to have its eff"ect even 
upon a race of savages. 

Innumerable voyages were made by both French and English to 
Norumbega, which was then the musical appellation of that countr\-, 
but no one ventured to put a king's name upon the soil or to found 
a lasting colony. The first actual settlement made in Maine was led by 
De Monts a governor of the province of Spain. With him came Samuel 




NORUMBEGA, THE BEAUTIFUL. 75 

de Cliamplain. Both of these men had previously been to Maine upon 
expeditions, but this time they came with a charter from Henr^' IV. 
De Monts was created Lieutenant-General of Acadia, as the country 
was called, from the fortieth to the forty-sixth degree of north latitude. 
De Monts was a Huguenot, one of the despised sect, but he had given 
such signal service to Henr>' IV that it was decided to trust him with 
this important venture; but while he was to follow his conscience in the 
matter of his own personal religion, it was agreed that the savages over 
which he had ruled were to be converted into Catholicism. Thc- 
merchants of Rouen and Rochelle constituted the company which held 
the letters patent to the trade in furs and fish in Acadia. With De 
Monts came certain distinguished noblemen, Jean de Vincourt, the Baron 
de Pontrincourt, and Cliamplain. These gentlemen were anxious to 
find a quiet spot, to which they might bring their friends and families 
and live in peace, undisturbed by the politics of the Old World. Tt took 
the expedition two months to reach the eastern coast of Nova Scotia, 
and a month to explore the coast. They decided to settle their 
colony on a little island in the St. Croix river. Their histor)' is similar 
to that of the colonies who settled farther south. There were the same 
hardships, the same carelessness and lack of forethought, and the same 
suffering. Champlain coasted far to the south, taking in the innu- 
merable points of the bewildering coast, and turning up the mouth of 
ever}' river which he came to. The Indians were not inclined to be 
amiable. Doubtless they had had too many previous experiments with 
invaders. So wretched did the condition of the colony become, that it 
became necessary*, in the course of a few months, to move it to a harbor 
in Acadia, and here for several 3'ears it lived feebly. 

It will be remembered that the Virginian colony was sustained by 
a company which had its headquarters in London, and that this was 
one of two companies which the king granted patents to. The northern 
company sent out, in 1605, a fleet of ships, under the care of George 
Weymouth. The experiences of Weymouth and his sailors were not of 
the usual sort. They were delightful. They landed upon the pleas- 
antest of spots, and encountered beautiful weather. They found pearls 
in the shells on the beaches, and excellent clay for brickmaking, and 
trees whose gums smelled like frankincense. The Indians were friendly 
and hospitable, but the return made was that which could always be 
expected; Weymouth kidnaped five Indians, and carried them to 
England. The report which he brought to England hastened the 
action of the northern Virginia company in sending out that vain 



76 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

expedition of theirs, under the charge of Raleigh, Gilbert and George 
Pophani. A few months, as has been said before, ended the existence 
of the settlement. Then the French made a second attempt. This 
was in 1608. The expedition was under the leadership of Champlain, 
who sailed to where Quebec now stands, and founded that ancient city. 
He finished a fine, if primitive, fort there, saw that garden plots were 
laid out and planted, and then left the colony to its own industries, 
looking in on it from time to time in the midst of his many voyages. 

No more adventurous spirit than he ever lived. His story reads 
like a romance, and one of his adventures is too interesting to pass. 
He started up the great river St. Lawrence, with a few companions, 
giving names as he went to the tributaries. So appropriate were these 
names that they cling to this day. At the mouth of the Richelieu river 
he met, by appointment, a party of natives. These were on the war- 
path against the Iroquois. He went with these Indians, sending back all 
but two of his men. The light canoes were carried from water to 
water, and at last they reached the magnificent lake of Champlain, the 
only thing which this great voyager ever gave his name to. After 
several da3's they met their foes. All night they camped upon the 
banks of the river, taunting each other with wild cries, and in the 
morning the savages confronted each other. The two parties approached 
until they were within a few hundred feet of each other, then Cham- 
plain's party of Indians opened, and let the astonished Iroquois behold 
the spectacle of three white men. The well-aimed guns of the French 
wounded three Iroquois, and the entire party took to flight. After this 
battle, Champlain returned to Quebec, and lived there in some primitive 
state as governor. With one interruption, when the French yielded 
their possessions to England, he was governor tintil 1635. The little 
struggling colony in Maine, which had been planted by De Monts, had 
but a sorr}' time. As might have been expected, De Monts' authority was 
finally taken from him, because of the prejudice existing against Hugue- 
nots. However, he managed to get over in 1606, just in time to keep 
the discouraged colonists from starting for France. About this time 
Pontrincourt returned from France, with orders to make the new settle- 
ment a central station for the conversion of the Indians, and brought 
with him a number of Jesuit missionaries. These, and the missionaries 
that succeeded them, have been ^'er>' prominent in religious work of this 
continent. The patroness of these voyages was Madame la Marquise de 
Guercheville, who was a very- devoted member of the Catholic Church, 
and who later held the grant, not only of Acadia, but tlic entire territory 



NORUMBEGA, THE BEAUTIFUL. 77 

covered by the United Str.tes. In 1630, she sent other ships, with two 
more Jesuits. These settled upon Mt. Desert, one of the loveliest 
places, ever>' one will admit, on this continent, with mountains which 
reach down to the sea and lakes beyond the mountains, with vallej's 
and grand meadows. Flowers of all sorts grew here, and berries, all up 
the green mountain sides, which reached two thousand feet above the 
sea. The Indians were friendh", and turned willing ears to the preaching 
of the priests. The settlement was comfortabl}' established, when 
Argall came up from the Virginian colony. Without any warning, he 
opened a cruel warfare :ipon the peaceful people, stole the commission 
of their leader, and, under the pretense that they had settled without 
royal consent, arrested them. Many of them he took to Jamestown. 
Others were left to find their way in an open boat to Port Royal. 

FOR FURTHER READIXr.; 
History— Williamson's "Maine." 

Lodge's "English Colonies in America." 

Voyages of Samuel de Champlain." 

Thompson's "Vermont." 
Fiction— D. P. Thompson's "Grant Gurley." 
Poetry— Whittier's ''Norumbega." 

Whittier's "Bride of Pennacook.*' 

Whittier's "Mogg Megone." 




CHAPTER X. 



i0nt[U0$l of l^e li[ilWn0$$. 

NOVA SCOTIA AND THE ENGLISH DESPOLIATION — THE SETTLEMENT 

OF NEW HAMPSHIRE — THE MODE OF NORTHERN 

COLONIAL GOVERNMENT. 

' N STEAD of disapproving of this cniel 
action, the Governor of Jamestown 
sent him back to the pleasant hamlet 
of Acadia, where the French had a 
settlement, so thoronghly national 
in all of its characteristics that it 
seemed like a little piece of France 
set down upon the shores of the new 
world. None of the other colonists, 
then or later, accepted all of the trials 
which they experienced in an uncul- 
tivated countr)', with more bravery 
and jocularity of spirit. Thej- were 
fond of dancing and all sorts of 
merriments. They built their houses 
neatly, sustained their church, rever- 
enced their priest, and from the first 
encouraged home industries. They had herds of fine cattle and sheep, 
and well cared for fields. All of these possessions Argall destroyed. He 
burned the fort, drove away the cattle, and putting all the Acadians 
upon ships, with such of their worldly goods as he did not care to 
confiscate, sent them away from the home which they had, with the 
Frenchman's effusiveness, already learned to regard with so much 
affection. Long years after, when some of the Acadians were ver}' old, 
they came sadly back to die near the spot which they had learned to 
love so warmly. 

In 1614 Captain John Smith, who could not by any series of mis- 
fortunes be kept in England, came over to see what might be going on 
along the coast of Maine. He and his men were looking for gold, but as 
fishing seemed at that time to be as paying a business as gold mines, and 




CONQUEST OF THE WILDERNESS. 70 

as fishing was a bird in the hand, while mining was still in the bush, he 
concluded to lade his ships with a cargo of the best fish to be found 
along the coast. He carried home, in addition to this, twenty-seven 
savages, seized by his shipmaster, who were taken to Spain and dis- 
posed of there at a profit. But these were rescued by some Spanish 
friars, and finally returned to their native home. After laying the mat- 
ter of cod fishing before the English king and lords, he made another 
attempt to reach America in 161 5, but was driven back to port by 
storms, and historj- tells little or nothing more of him. 

About this time Ferdinando Gorges, who was president of the 
Plymouth Company in England, determined to send out a settlement at 
his own expense, since none of the companies seemed to second him in 
his aspiration to establish a successful fislier}\ The man whom he chose 
to cany out his plan was Richard Vines. So many selfish and con- 
temptible characters figured in the early history of America, that it is a 
relief to think of one man who was thoroughly good and noble in all 
that he did. Richard Vines was associated with no great discovery or 
conqest. He did not bring his nation any great wealth, but his life was 
one which everyone is glad to think of He reached Sago Bay in 161 7, 
and found that a terrible plague had broken out, which was rapidly 
thinning the Indian tribes. Vines coiild easily have left and gone back 
to England, or to some other port, but he stayed among the plague- 
stricken Indians as a physician, and attended them constantly through 
all of their trials. Neither he nor his men were ever ill, although they 
laid in cabins where the Indians were dying with the disease. His 
work of exploration through this tedious winter was verj' careful. He 
made the coast more thoroughly known to the English, and ventured 
far into the interior. It is said that he was the first to describe the 
White j\Iountains, if not the first to venture among them. Another 
thing that distinguished him from other Englishmen, was the fact that 
he always opposed the giving of rum to the Indians. 

Gorges sent out other expeditions, which, for various reasons, had no 
satisfactory results, though one of his mariners discovered Long Island 
Sound. The Northern Company of Plymouth had much difficulty 
about its charter at this time, not being satisfied with the relations 
which they bore to the Virginian colony. The French here pvit in a 
claim that the London Company was encroaching on the south. 
The Dutch had begun to creep in the slip which was left between 
the boundaries designated by tlie London and Plymouth grants. Just 
how all of this was finally divided up, it would be wearisome to 



So THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

write, and wearisome to read, and, since none of the grants were very 
enduring, it is perhaps best to pass over the geographical division. 

But one of these, the Laconia grant, given in 1623, should be 
especially mentioned, because from it came the settlement of New 
Hampshire. This was owned by Gorges and John Mason, and these 
two men sent over a ship-load of settlers, some of whom were fishennen, 
and others farmers, with a suppl>' of food and tools. A part of this 
company settled at Strawberry Bank, which they named because of the 
beautiful wild strawberries growing rank over the fields. What was 
Strawberr)- Bank, is now Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The other 
party went up the river a few miles and settled the plantation of Dover, 
which was verj- near the place where the present city of Dover stands. 

About this time, the English trade on the American coast had so 
increased, that in one year fifty ships came into English ports, with 
cargoes of various sorts, from America. 

The settlement of the ]\Iaine coast went on slowly. Many expeditions 
were sent out, which promised, in the beginning, to be successful, but 
the Englishmen seem to have been afflicted with home-sickness, and 
were forever leaving their cabins on that stern coast and going back to 
their milder countr}-. A certain merry captain, by the name of Levitt, 
started a plantation at the place he called York, which stands near the 
present city of York, and many other men built similar plantations, and 
fishers scattered huts along the beach, which protected them upon their 
fishing expeditions. At this time, all of the Plymouth company was 
under charge of the Governor, Robert Gorges, the son of Ferdinando. He 
visited America, but did not like the countr}-, and only remained a few 
months. It was not until 1625 that the company from Bristol, under 
the patronage of Robert Aldworth and Giles Eldridge, came to Monhegan 
Island, which these two wealthy merchants had purchased. They also 
bought the Point of Pemaquid, and established there a vigorous colony. 
A little later, the towns of Biddeford and Saco were founded by Richard 
Vines and John Oldham. In 1631 Mason and Gorges divided their 
grant, drawing the boundary between Maine and New Hampshire, 
Mason taking New Hampshire, and Gorges such portion of Maine as 
belonged to him. Gorges offered to bring planters to his dominion, 
promising to give them land at a very low rate, and, if they would consent 
to form a city or town, to give them such laws and liberties as they had 
enjoyed in England. His system of law-giving had in it a touch of 
feudalism, although this arose from its simplicity, aud not from any 
desire of Gorges to play the tyrant. He did more than an}- other one 



CONQUEST OF THE WILDERNESS. Si 

man iu the Northern Company towards settling America, but his repu- 
tation had suffered, because he was thought to have prejudices against 
the Puritans, who by this time were clinging like barnacles to the stem 
rocks of Plymouth. 

More interesting to the present American than the details and dates,. 
is the life of those early settlers. One likes to think about them living 
among these magnificent Maine woods, which alread)- began to furnish 
the ships of the rich countries of the Old World with spars and masts. 
The colonists were poor, it is true, but their wants were few. People of 
all stations made their morning and evening meal of boiled corn and 
milk, or pork and beans, or pork and peas. They drank home-made 
beer and cider. Tea and coffee were not }-et brought to this country. 
Their bread was usually of rye and Indian meal. They were not gay 
people like the French. They lived sternly, with rigid laws, and had 
a very high standard of morality. If vice was not punished with death, 
it was followed with such disgrace that the culprit had no longer any 
desire to live among his old friends. The laws here, however, were 
much milder than those of the other New England colonies, and people 
)ersecuted by the Puritans found that the\- could take refuge in Maine. 
On the other hand, there were disadvantages in being so close to Canada, 
for the French and Indians continually threatened the English colonies, 
and man}' Englishmen were carried captive up through that gap called 
Crawford's Notch, where the Sago river winds in creek-like narrowness, 
and which Richard Vines was the first white man to pass through. The 
traditions of Crawford's Notch are many and pathetic. 

The Indians had good cause to be bitter. There were acts of such 
wanton cruelty and contempt on the part of the settlers that the Indians 
would have been less than human had they not retaliated. At one 
time Massachusetts, fearing for the remote New Hampshire settle- 
ments, sent one hundred and thirty men to Dover to join the force of 
Major Waldron, who commanded there. He desired to punish the 
Indians for some massacres of which they had been guilty, and gave 
orders to his men to seize all of the Indians who had been guilty of 
murder. He invited the Indians, who were disposed for peace, to come 
to him under flag of truce. This was in 1671. He then drew his men 
up in line of battle, and asked the Indians to take part in a mock 
training. Anything of this sort suited their nature well, and they went 
at the sport with enthusiasm. At the command to fire, their muskets 
were emptied into the air, and then the troops closed around them, and 
took them all prisoners at the point of the bayonet. It had been 



83 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Major Waldron's intention to retain only those interested in the massacre 
referred to — which was not extensive, thongh very heart-rending in its 
details — but little care was taken to look into the personal character 
of the Indians, and two hundred were sent to Boston and sold as slaves. 
It is no wonder that such treachery was punished. Murders among the 
outlying farms became frequent, and in 1689 Major Waldron's mock 
training bore its fruit. He had sown the wind and reaped the whirlwind. 
At Dover, there were five garrison houses, secure and well built. 
With such protection Waldron thought the people safe, and allayed the 
suspicion of some, who noticed the unusual actions among the Indians, 
by telling them to go back to their pumpkin planting; that he could 
attend to the Indians. One fair June day, at ever}' garrison house two 
squaws asked that they might be allowed to spend the night. The peo- 
ple let them in. At midnight the squaws arose, imbolted the gates and 
admitted the Indians. Old Major Waldron, now eighty years of age, 
was sleeping securely in his bed when the savages entered, fierce with a 
pent-up indignation of thirteen years. His determination and strength 
had not deserted him for all of his old age, and he drove the Indians 
from room to room by the soldierly method in which he handled his 
sword. But their number was too great for him. They seated them- 
selves at the table, on which they had placed Major Waldron in a 
chair. The women of the house they forced to serve them. After they 
had eaten, each of the Indians slit some part from the body of the 
Major. His nose, ears and right hand were cut off, and when, at last, 
he failed from loss of blood, they held a sword so that he might fall 
upon it. Everything of value was taken from the house, and it was 
set on fire. Throughout the settlement there was a general conflict. 
Twenty-three persons were killed, and twenty-nine were taken to 
Canada and sold to the French. But it was the stealing of women and 
children from the farm-houses, the terrible captivity, the long marches, 
the strange and savage life, not unfrequently accompanied by torture, 
which held the people in the northern settlements in the greatest fear. 
The details of the various fights with the Indians are too sad to tell. 
There was no time entirely free from hostility, and, in 1690, when the 
Governor of Canada organized expeditions of French and Indians 
against the colonists in New England and New York, and the northern 
settlements, of course, suffered intensely. Traditions of great heroism 
have come down from those times. The endurance of the people was 
wonderful, and it is difficult for us to believe how much they could 
undergo and live. 



CONQUEST OF THE WILDERNESS. 



S3 



The settlemeuts of Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire have now 
been tonched upon. Their colonies grew very slowly. At one time 
^•^ew Hampshire was connected with Alassachusetts in government, and 
at another time with New York, but finally, in 1741, it became a sepa- 
rate province, with a royal governor, who lived in great elegance at 
Portsmouth. Englishmen of great wealth and learning settled here, 
building substantial houses and furnishing them with massi\-e and 
costly goods. The northern townships constantly filled with imriii- 
grants from Scotland and Ireland, and, by the time of the American 
Revolution, New Hampshire was a very sturdy and independent colony. 

It was one hundred ^-ears from the time that Champlain first entered 
Vermont that the European settlers built there, and, until the time of 
the Revolution, it was not known as a separate colony, but was called 
New Hampshire grants. 



FOR FURTHER RE-^DING 
HiSTORV— Parkman's "The Old Regi; 
Beamish' 
Belknap'; 



Canada.* 

'Histon- of Nova Scotia." 
New Hampshire." 




CHAPTER XI. 



THE SETTLEMENT OF NEW YORK — THE DUTCH; THEIR EXPLORATIONS 
AND SETTLEJIEXTS — THEIR DEALINGS WTTH THE 
W;^' \ "^ I INDLANS — THEIR SUCCESS. 







p^r- \*i^i ^ ^^^ beginning of the seventeenth centur>- ther? 
were three European colonies established — none 
of them ver>- strong. This was when the French 
^ .-<f^^ were still in Acadia, the Spanish at St Augus- 
^/^ " tine, and the English on the James river. Spain had 
'^wi«^<" '- grown strong in Mexico and Peru, and in the conquest of 
i^P^^W those countries had gained enormoits riches, but the other 
nations had received little return for the money and 
enterprise la\ished upon the New World. Spain, puffed 
up with pride, here lost, by following a selfish policy in 
every direction. The Indians were being persecuted, 
the inquisition was in force and the Netherlands were 
being heavily oppressed. Great sums of money had been 
taken from the Netherlands, and a revenue drawn from 
them out of all proportion to their possessions. The}- were intelligent 
and liberal people, but were not allowed to have institutions of the sort 
that they demanded, and were treated more like slaves than a nation of 
great merchants and farmers. A most brutal governor was placed over 
them, and out of his cruelty- grew the long series of wars, which finally 
ended in a struggle for independence. At the close of it, the Netherlands 
became one of the most vigorous nations of Europe, and a refuge for all 
who were oppressed in other countries. Everyone knows how they 
seemed to snatch their lands from the very arms of the ocean. Their 
farms flourished with wonderful luxuriance. Their cities became 
leading commercial cities of the world, and their dykes barred the 
ocean from their possessions, only admitting it when it could aid them. 
The East India trade, which for so many years was one of the chief 



THE DUTCHMEN OF NEW NETHERLAND. 85 

sources of income to Europe, was almost monopolized by them, and 
they had the sole right to send trading vessels around the Cape of 
Good Hope and through tlie Straits of Magellan. They also established 
a company for the purpose of trading at the West Indies, though for 
sometime this was not successful. As their interests were so associated 
with those of the East Indies, they, as well as other nations, had looked 
for that never-to-be-found northwest passage. The voyages which they 
sent out were many, but all of them failed. At last their little country, 
which gave out such wonders of wealth, seemed to be cultivated almost 
to its last acre, and they began to tuni their eyes toward the New World. 
They had watched the English voyages with much interest, and had 
heard of the .skill of a certain navigator, Henr}' Hudson, who had been 
employed in one of these expeditions. For this man they sent, and 
signed a contract with him which was to give him a certain sum of 
gold for his family during his absence, and to give his widow a sum of 
money in the e\-ent of his death, if he would search to the best of his 
ability for the pathway to India. On Saturday, the 4th of April, 1609, 
Hudson sailed from Amsterdam, on the Half Moon. His crew was 
composed of English and Dutch sailors — rather an unfortunate combina- 
tion. The Half Moon went up the Norway coast toward North Cape, 
and toward Nova Zembla; but so crowded was the .sea with jangling 
bergs and floating cakes of ice, and so impatient was his crew, that he 
was obliged to turn back. Acting upon their advice, he concluded to 
sail westward, and, reaching the American coast, to search for the 
possibility of an opening, by waj' of a river, to the desired Indian sea. 
He anchored in Penobscot Bay on July 18th, and remained there 
several days, while his crew repaired the vessel. Tliey treated the 
Indians in a murderous way, and found it necefsar)' to leave the bay in 
haste. He went close to the entrance of Chesapeake Bay, but did 
not visit his friends at Jamestown, perhaps because he did not wish 
to be seen in the service of another country. He turned northward 
again, and coasted until the 2d of September, when he reached a most 
beautiful bay, and .saw the hills of Neversink to the northward. The 
men were delighted with the wonderful harbor that lay before them, 
and passed beyond Sandy Hook, up into the Narrows. The small boats 
were put out to explore and fish, and on the 4th of August the first 
European stepped upon Coney Island. Finally the strait beyond the 
Narrows was explored, and grassy shores, pleasant flowers and goodly 
hees were all examined. They had a disastrous encounter with the 
Indians, who killed one of the sailors and wounded two others and 



86 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

then Hudson decided to push his boat up the great river which opened 
before him. It was in the midst of August, and oppressively hot, though 
clear. 

It can easily be imagined that the hills of Staten Island and all those 
wonderful woods of L,ong Island were at their best. The boat went up 
with the tide, anchoring at night. The Indians were much delighted 
with the novel sight, and crowded out to the ship, bringing corn and 
tobacco with them. Nearly two centuries of civilization have not been 
able to spoil the Hudson, but one can guess that it must have been even 
more majestic then than now. So silent was it, so wild and rugged, 
that the sailors were awe-stricken as their boat turned slowly up the 
stream, and floated by the wooded hills and the Palisades to the High- 
lands. At length the stream got too narrow for the Half Moon to go 
farther, and Hudson was obliged to content himself by sending portions 
of his crew, in small boats, as far as the present site of Albany. With 
much regret, he was forced to believe that this was only a river running 
north, through which he could hope to find no opening to India. It 
was then that Hudson gave to certain Indian chiefs, with whom he had 
had pleasant trading, the banquet which lived in Indian tradition one 
hundred years, and which even the Dutch settlers along the banks oi 
the Hudson have been glad to relate of Hendrick Hudson and his merry 
crew. The Indians saw him depart with much regret, for he had 
furnished them with a very novel excitement; but it seemed as if Euro- 
peans were never to visit this country without being guilty of some act 
of great injustice to the natives. Hudson's men did not leave the 
beautiful "River by the Mountains," as they called it, without brutally 
killing a couple of Indians. The affair led to a general fight. Hudson 
started for Holland, but stopped at Dartmouth harbor, in England, and 
was held there by the English government, which saw that it had made 
a mistake in letting a man of such ability pass into the employ of a 
foreign nation. He was retained in the service of the Moscovy 
Company, for which he had previously sailed, and in 1610, made that 
last fatal voyage to the northwest, when he discovered the bay whicii 
bears his name. There among that white and desolate waste his men 
mutinied, tied him hand and foot and threw him on board a boat, with 
his son and a few companions. No one ever heard of him aftersvards, 
but the little children living up among the highlands on the Hud.son 
river still say, when the thunder rolls, "There are Hendrick Hudson and 
his crew playing nine-pins among the hills." 

Holland did not seem to be especially interested in Hudson's 




'% 




THE DUTCHMEN OF NEW NETHERLAND. 89 

discoveries. It was not anxious, like Spain and England, for great 
territorial possessions. Since it could not have the northwest passage, 
il cared little about America and her virgin soil. But, though the 
governn-.ent was indifferent to the matter, certain private merchants 
thought they saw a way to make much money, by exchanging trifles 
for costly furs. The experiment worked well, and, in a short time, a 
very brisk trade had sprung up between the Indians and the Dutch ; the 
funny little vessels of the Hollanders going along the coast and up the 
streams, visiting the Indian hamlets and giving a few beads, or some 
other such trumpery, in exchange for beautiful skins. A sort of fort 
and store-house was built on Manhattan Island, as a station for their 
wares. The Netherland merchants soon saw that they had struck a 
good thing, and began to push their territory- north and south. 
Incidentally, they added some fresh discoveries to the few which their 
country had made. Among the captains distinguished in these discov- 
eries were Hendrick Christaensen, Adriaen Block and Cornelis Jacob- 
sen May. Adriaen Block was the first European to pass through Hurl- 
gate. This was in 1614. He, too, discovered and named the rocky 
little island which raises its head fifteen miles out of the New York 
liarbor, and which bears his name to this day. He spent the winter of 
161 3-14 on Manhattan Island, having lost his ship, the Tiger ^ by fire, 
and finding it necessary to build another. This he named the Onntst^ 
meaning the restless. It was he who first traversed Long Island 
Sound and sailed up the Connecticut river. He went along the New 
England coast as far as Nahant, and called that the limit of New 
Netherland. He entered the blue Narragansett Bay, and saw there the 
red island, or Roode Island, as he called it, fro n which our State of 
Rhode Island takes its name. Cape May was named after Captain May. 
Hendrick Christaensen biiilt the first great trading post up the Hudson 
river, on Castle Island, close by Albany. He was an excellent agent, of 
adventurous spirit, and was rapidly acqtiiring power and wealth, when 
he was killed by an Indian whom he had taken on a voyage to Holland, 
but had safely restored to his home. His position as Governor was 
taken by Jacob Eelkens. Out of the many Dutch navigators, these 
three men are especially remembered for their faithful services to 
Holland. 

The merchants who had first opened trade about Manhattan and the 

Hudson became alarmed at the munber who had followed their example, 

and succeeded in getting an ordinance to protect themselves. In this 

charter the name of New Netherland was officially given to that strip 

6 



yo THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

of land which lay between the 40th and 45th degrees, and which had 
the London Company upon one side and the Plymouth Company on the 
other. This was four years from the time that Hendrick Hudson's 
men pushed the //a// Moon into the Narrows. The merchants desired 
that this be given them for a term of three years, for they saw nothing 
in the venture except chances for successful trade. They were satisfied 
with their own, which, indeed, was the most advanced of the age, and, 
having no desire to settle on their new possessions, merely wished to 
get what wealth they could out of it. Their trading grounds extended 
widely, and their relations with the Indians were friendly. The shores 
of Delaware Bay and river were explored, and the trade for seal skins 
opened with the natives. They went as far south as the cape they named 
Henlopen, and wished to have a charter for the ground to this limit, 
but the Republic of Holland was afraid that it might be an encroach- 
ment upon the bounds of Virginia, and refused. The trading post on 
Castle Island was moved to a safer spot, where the spring freshets could 
not disturb it, and put in a more secure building, in 1618, the charter 
for which the Holland merchants had asked expired, but they continued 
to trade with much the same freedom as before, and with so overbeai- 
ing a policy that few ventured to trespass upon the ground which 
they claimed. So, in 162 1, the West India Conipau)', which had 
never really done anything previous to this, secured a charter which 
gave it great power. Among other things, its authority over the 
Dutch territory in America was absolute. It had a right to appoint all 
of the governing officers, and to rule with what laws it chose. It was 
to build forts, and to insure the protection of its own possessions. It had 
a board of nineteen delegates in the brave little country at home, and 
these ruled the great stretch of land by the Hudson. Thirty-two ves- 
sels-of-war and eighteen anned yachts were at the service of the com- 
pany, in case it needed protection. 

The first ship which went over with settlers was in 1623. ^^ her 
was a large company of Walloons. These Walloons were not Dutch- 
men, but Frenchmen, who had been driven from their home on account 
of their religion, to find a settlement in free Holland, for in France 
they had been treated in a most cruel and relentless manner. They 
were a class quite by themselves, and had kept, for many generations, 
their old French words and customs, so that they neither belonged to 
France of that day nor to any other country. The>- were quite 
distinguished for their mechanical cleverness, and for their .saving 
industr/. It is easy to see how such people should have an ambition to 



THE DUTCHMEN OF XEW XETHERLAND. cjl 

enter a countn- which the\- could call their own, and the West India 
directors, hearing of this aspiration, made them offers whicli they 
accepted. They sailed imder Captain Cornells Jacobsen May, and 
settled on the site of Albany. In a short time they had a group of 
comfortable bark houses, a goodly field of corn, and a pier, at which 
the round-prowed vessels of the Dutch could anchor. A part of the 
Walloons, and of the New Netherland passengers also, settled at Fort 
Orange. Some went to the north of the Connecticut river, and others 
to the western end of Long Island. A fort was built on the South 
river, and a trading establishment on Manhattan Island. So the Dutch 
now traded peaceably along the coast of the New Netherlands, and, 
being thrifty people, who were willing to treat the Indians with fair- 
ness, and with a love for buying and selling, they soon became quite 
prosperous. The Dutch settlements had three different governors 
during this period of its existence, the last of whom, Peter Minuet, 
succeeded, after a series of successes and mistakes, in making Man- 
hattan the central point of interest. The first pictures of this are 
very curious. They show groups of new buildings of wood and bark, 
and Fort Amsterdam, with its quadrangular stone walls, and a great, 
awkward Dutch wind-mill, which the ships in the harbor dwarfed to 
insignificant size. Under Peter Minuet, the colonists tried to come to 
an understanding with the Plymouth Company, but, though many 
courtesies were exchanged on both sides, the English frankly said that 
they considered the Dutch intruders. 

A great need was felt for some more substantial scheme of govern- 
ment. It was evident that the Dutch were not sufficienth' interested in 
the country to which they had come, and that it was a mistake to take 
all of the products to Holland and bring so few in return. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Duulap's "History of New Netherlands.'* 

Barnes* "Early History of Albany." 

Clute's "Anna'ls of Staten Island?' 
Fiction — Irving's "Knickerbocker History." 

Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow." 

Mrs. H. F. Parker's "Constance Aylmer." 



CHAPTER XII. 



0Ui0r* 



THE PURITANS — THEIR TRIALS AND WANDERINGS — THE LANDING A1 
PLYMOUTH ROCK — THE FIRST WINTER. 



NOVELIST feels at liberty to go from one 
place to another, that he may keep the 
reader advised as to what all his characters 
are doing, in different places, and under 
different circumstances. Historj', like 
fiction, forces the writer to constantly go 
back, and reach his Rome by another road. 
The Dutch had become well acquainted 
with what we call New York before the 
greatest of all the colonies was settled, 
that of Plymouth. No other colony has 
such a fascination for the American 
reader. No other seemed to hold in it, 
to such an extent, the elements which 
went to make up the best in our 
republic. These people, as well as the 
settlers of IManhattan, came from Holland, 
though they were Englishmen. For 
years the Puritaus had been persecuted in England. The cause for 
their persecution was, that they objected to the ritual of the Church of 
England, and desired to have a simple gospel, with unpretentious 
teachings. They did not believe in what they called the Anti-Christian 
greatness and tjrannical power of the established church. This frame of 
mind was an offshoot of the Reformation. James I had no patience with 
these Puritans. He boasted of having peppered them soundly, and \va.= 
well pleased with any one of his magistrates, or sheriffs, who persecuted 
them. They were scattered throughout England, and existed in large 
numbers in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire. They were 
inspired by certain simple orators, who had a remarkable gift of 
eloquence. Almost all of the Puritans were yeomen, simple, sturdy 




THK MAYFLOWER. 



93 



folk, direct of speech, and strong of muscle. They were acquainted 
with no luxuries, although they seemed to have had enough money to 
enable them to emigrate to another country, when they found that they 
could no longer live, in liberty, in their own. They were not without 
education, and one of their chief ambitions was to send their sons to 
the universities. Being educated, they were all the more determined 
to protect their rights, and to insist upon being allowed to worship after 
their own manner; therefore, when they were hunted and imprisoned, 
their houses beset with spies, and their means of livelihood taken from 
them, they decided to leave England. In this, Brewster, their leader, a 
man of much experience, who had been a successful courtier and an office- 
holder under the government, sustained them. But though the English 
did not wish them within their neighborhood, neither did they seem to 
wish them to leave. It may have been, merely, that they never allowed 
them to do anything they wanted to do. On several occasions, when 
the Puritans had secured means of reaching Holland, where they 
understood every one was allowed to follow his own faith, they were 
detained by mobs of people and brought back, to suffer the jeers and 
cruelties of the hard-hearted people about them. Imprisonment was 
the general punishment for any such attempt to escape. At length 
they engaged a Dutch ship to take them on board, at a quiet place 
between Hull and Grimsby. They gathered from various directions, 
with all of their goods which they could carr>', and were waiting there 
when a mob of country people, armed with all sorts of rude weapons, 
rushed upon them. A boat load of Puritan men had been taken to the 
ship, and these had to witness the cruelty with which their wives and 
children and the small force of men left on shore were treated. The ship- 
master of the Dutch ship, frightened at what he saw, set sail, and 
carried the despairing men out to sea. The greater part of the 
unfortunate Puritans who were left on shore were arrested. After this 
their experiences were most pitiful. No magistrate seemed willing 
to decide upon their case, and they were driven from one place to 
another, until their money was exhausted, and all of their goods lost 
Finally, some people of note and money were moved by their patlietic 
condition, and secured means by which they reached Holland, wliere 
they were united with their friends. In the midst of opulent Holland 
they succeeded, in spite of their simple ways and meagre experiences, 
in earning a living, and were always treated with kindness and 
consideration by the Dutch. But as time passed on, they felt it a pity 
that their English children should grow up in the midst of Dutch 



94 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

surroundings, learning a foreign language and strange, un-English 
ways. It is not strange that the reports of America delighted them. 
They believed it to be a land where they would have fewer difficulties 
to struggle with, and where they might find an Eldorado where gold 
was plenty and ease ensured. They corresponded, therefore, with 
some of the leading men of Jamestown, especially with Sir Edward 
Sandys, who had been a friend of Brewster years before. 

He probably ad\'ised them to obtain a patent, for they sent two of 
their most trusty men, Robert Cushman and John Carver, to England 
to see if the king would grant them one. After many delays and much 
evasion on the part of the king, they got one, although it was never 
used. It was a grant of land somewhere near the mouth of the Hudson 
river, and the Puritans, who were under obligations to the Dutch, 
probabh- did not feel as if they cared to infringe upon their trading 
ground. Holland offered them its protection, but this also was refused, 
being unwilling to vex their native countr}-men, the English. It will 
be seen that they were very war,- and discreet people, anxious to be a' 
peace with everyone. 

In the month of July, 1620, at the Puritan Church in Leyden, 
Holland, the good pastor, Robinson, held a day of prayer, singing many 
psalms and feasting. The last night they spent with their friends in a 
long, long talk, and in the morning departed very sorrowfully, with 
many tears, from the spot which had been their dwelling-place for twelve 
years. The two ships, the Spccdivcll and Mayflower^ carried one 
hundred and twenty people from Southampton, on August 5th, but the 
Speedwell proved unseaworthy, and the Afayflozvcr finally went alone, 
carrying one hundred and two persons for the new colony, besides the 
crew. The ship was not strong, and half w^ay across the ocean they 
were on the point of returning, but pra}'erfully decided to go on, and, 
on the 9th of November, saw Cape Cod. They cast anchor in the 
harbor, where they could be free from the winds, and a few of them 
went on shore, where they fell upon their knees and thanked God for 
the perils which they had escaped, and for the new life which was 
opening before them. More than a month was spent in looking for a 
spot where they might settle. During this time they made a compact 
of government, in which it was agreed that they should bind themselves 
into a civil body politic for their ordering and preservation, and should 
feel at liberty to enact laws from time to time for the good of the colon>-. 
All of the profits in trading, fishing, planting or anything else, were to 
go, for a period of seven years, into common stock, and at the end of 



THE JIAYFLOWER. 95 

that time were to be equall)- divided among all who had contributed 
money to the enterprise, and those who had engaged in it personally. 
Every person o\'er sixteen years of age was rated as owning a single 
share, or ten pounds, and if he provided his own outfit to the amount of 
ten pounds, he was entitled to two shares. This was according to the 
advice of Thomas Weston, who had helped to supply ships and mone\- 
for the enterprise. The captain of the Mayflozvcr was impatient to land 
his passengers and return to England, and, therefore, the>- landed at 
last upon this "stern and rock-bound coast." Man)- journeys were 
made to the mainland, and one place was found where there were corn- 
fields, and little brooks of running water. Here it was decided to build 
the colony, and on the 15th of December, the Mayfloivcr\t{'i\\^r harbor 
at Cape Cod, and dropjjed her anchor half way between Plymouth and 
Clark's Island. Ten days later a shallop left the ship with the distinct 
purpose of landing the pilgrims upon the spot of their future home. 
Men, women and children went to look it over and say what they 
thought about it. The first shallop was filled with sailors, for the most 
part, but there were a few women aboard, and in the prow sat John 
Alden, the >oung scholar, and Mar}- Chilton, a gay young girl, wlio 
was the first to spring upon the rock. It was not imtil the 2 ist of March 
that all of the company went on shore. Shelter was still insufficient, 
and provisions were poor and scanty. Disease began to spread among 
them, and when spring came, almost one-half of the little company was 
dead. Miles Standish, the stalwart captain, was a widower, and half a 
dozen of the most reliable men of the company were in the same unfortu- 
nate state. John Carver, the Governor, died in April. Mar>' Chilton, 
the light-hearted girl, was left an orphan. There was great fear from 
the Indians, although they did not disturb them. One can see, in 
imagination, their poor little houses, built of logs, cemented with mortar, 
the low, thatched roofs, and the oil-paper which ser\'ed as window glass. 
Side by side in the rooms stood the beds, as many as could be crowded 
into an apartment. There was a great shed for the public goods, and a 
melancholy little hospital for the sick. On the top of the church stood 
the four brass cannons, pointing toward the several directions. 

FOR FURTHER RE-A-DING: 
History— Palfrey's and Elliott's "New England." 
Barrj*'s "Massachusetts." 
Young's "Chronicles of Massachusetts.'' 
Fiction— L. M. Child's "Hobomoc." 

H. V. Cheney's "A Peep at the Pilgrims." 
J. L. Motley's "Merry Mount." 
Poetry— Longfellow's "Courtship of Miles Standish." 
Mrs. Heman's "Landing of the Pilgrims." 
Rev. John Pierpont's "The Pilgrim Fathers." 



CHAPTER XIII. 



>\b Jlail^ !^ouiih* 



THE NEXT THREE YEARS — THE ORDER, CIVIL, MARTIAL AND RE- 
LIGIOUS, WHICH THEY .MAINTAINED THE 

MANNER OF THEIR DAILY 
LIVING, ETC. 





'XTHOUGH we now see fit to hold the Indians in 
such contempt, the early settlers realized that 
^1 they owed much to them. Such knowledge as 
i ", they had of planting corn and other indigenous 
productions, they had to thank the Indians for. 
The pilgrims at Plymouth had seen but little of the 
Indians through their tedious winter, but when March 
came, they were surprised one day by the sight of a 
naked Indian walking into their camp and looking 
around with unfeigned curiosity. This man's name 
was Samoset, and he gave them much knowledge of 
the country and of the Indians near them. Indeed, 
he opened friendly relation between them and the 
Indians round about, for he was able to speak the 
English tongue, having had dealings with certain explorers, whose 
settlements had been unsuccessful. Samoset introduced them to Massa- 
soit, the Sagamore of that region. These northern Indians seem to 
have lacked that dignity of carriage and grace of manner, which made 
the Indians of the islands in the West Indies so attractive. Samoset had 
an Indian friend who visited the colony much, and taught the colonists 
many things, for which they owed him a great debt of gratitude, and he, 
later, acted as guide for the ambassadors from the colony, when they 
made their treaty of peace with the surrounding Indians. The health 
of the people improved as the soft New England spring opened, and 
they gained courage from the very influence of the budding vegetation 
about them, and from the sea, which was alwa}'s in sight. The ground 
was carefully cultivated, and fishing became a fine art, so that at last it 



THE DAILY ROUND. 97 

became possible for them to make journeys into the country, and become 
acquainted with the region about them. They explored the «;ape, and 
went as far as Boston harbor, and were filled, it is said, with regret that 
they did not settle upon this pleasanter spot, which was so sheltered and 
secure, compared to the bold and barren place which they had selected 
in the dreary January weather. The summer passed, and in November, 
a ship came from England, It was the first news that they had heard 
from home, and the eagerness with which they read their letters, and 
received their share of the supplies, can better be imagined than 
described. The Fortune brought, also, a new patent, issued to John 
Pierce and associates by the Plymouth Company, and for the tirst time 
establishing the Puritans legally. 

The London adventurers had the hardihood to send a letter filled 
with reproaches that the Mayflower had been sent to England 
without a cargo from America. They seemed to have no thought of 
the difficulties which the colonists had had in merely preserving life 
and beginning their settlement. What they expected as a cargo they 
did not say. There could have been very little to send them at that 
time. Bradford was now Governor, and he returned a quiet letter, that 
so general had been the disease through the winter, that the living had 
scarcely been able to bury the dead, and the well not in any means 
sufficient to attend the sick. ' However, they succeeded in putting some 
lumber and peltry on the Fortune^ on her home vo}-age, only a part 
of which reached England, as she encountered a French ship, which 
overhauled her. The second winter passed calmly, and with much less 
suffering than the previous one. It was a ver}' orderly community, not 
indulging in much pleasure, and yet not without quiet enjoyment. 
There were few books in the colony besides the Bible and hymn book, 
of which, indeed, there were very few copies. 

A little revelry was attempted on Christmas day, by some of the 
young men who had come over in the Fortune^ but this was promptly 
checked by Governor Bradford. The young men had said that it was 
against their conscience to work on Christmas day, and had, therefore, 
been excused from their tasks, but when the Governor returned at noon 
and found them playing at ball and pitching quoits in the street, he 
remarked that it was against his conscience to let others play while he 
worked. No doubt, however, there was good fellowship among the 
people, and many an hour of not unpleasant gossip in the twilight. The 
firm, religious faith of the people, and their sincere devotional exercises, 
were a great source of gladness and strength to them, and a help to that 



98 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

statesinaia-like order which made their little settlement so admirable. 
The Narragansett Indians at one time showed hostile intentions. 
The best description of their dealings with the colonists can be found in 
Longfellow's "Courtship of Miles Standish. " They sent a bundle of 
arrows, tied together with the skin of a rattlesnake. It was a challenge 
to war. Miles Standish, swelling with rage, stuffed the snake skin full 
of bullets and returned it. It was answer enough. The Narragan- 
setts left the colonists undisturbed, but it was thought best to palisade 
the town, and to keep the men in martial order, ready at any time for 
an attack. Toward spring, a fort was built on the spot called Burial 
Hill. 




THE RATTLESNAKE SKIN WITH Ui:LLKTS. 



In the simimer of 1622, a number of men were sent to the colony, 
who were of a ven*- vicious nature, and this occasioned the first actual 
difficulty with the Indians. They were a lazy, mischievous and dis- 
order!}, set of men, whom it was a great burden for the colony to 
support. It became necessary to send them away, such an offense 
were they to the upright and moral founders of tire community, and 
Plymouth rejoiced greatly when these unruly fellows set up a separate 
colony at Wessagusset, which we know as Weymouth. The manner 
in which these young men treated the Indians was shameful. Not only 
did they deal unfairly with them, but were giiilty of actual crimes 
toward them, and toward their women, which made them most obnox- 
ious. Even an Indian is a judge of character, and they soon perceived 



THE DAILY ROUND. 99 

that they had to do with a lot of bullies, who, like all people of their 
class, were lacking in true courage. One of the colonists stole corn from 
the Indians, and his fellows decided to hang him, to appease their 
wrath. They had some doubt, however, about the advisability of 
wasting a strong and vigorous man, as the culprit chanced to be, and it 
was proposed by an economical wag to hang an old and feeble man in 
liis place, but fortimately for the old and feeble man, this was overruled. 
So offensive did this colony become that the Massachusetts Indians 
finalh- made up their minds to kill the whole of them off, and be well 
rid of them. They supposed that such an act would greatly offend the 
Plymouth colonists and call for active revenge, and, therefore, thought 
it best to kill all of the English. A yen,' slight accident prevented the 
entire massacre of the colonists. Massasoit, the great Sagamore, fell 
very sick, and two delegates from the Plymouth compan}' were sent to 
his place to express sympathy, and give help, if possible. They found 
the chief very ill, but by careful nursing and some simple medicine, 
restored him to health. The gratitude of the Sagamore was great, and 
he revealed the plan against the colonists. Captain StandLsh started 
out with eight sturdy men, and visited their disorderly neighbors at 
Wessagusset. He found them in a bad state, physically and morally, 
and quite unwilling to do anything in their own defense. Standish, 
therefore, engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle with the chiefs of the 
hostile tribles, and succeeded in killing two of them. Afterward, there 
followed a skinnish in an open field, but without loss. The head of 
one of the chiefs was taken to Plymouth, and exposed as a warning to 
the natives. As for the Wessagusset men, part of them went up to the 
Maine colonies, and the rest joined the pilgrims at Plymouth. The 
peace-keeping Puritans o\'er in Holland heard of this engagement with 
deep regret. The}- could not well understand how their old friends 
should have reached a point where they could shed blood. It was 
quite impossible for them to know anj'thing about the conditions. 

A little later than this, another colony was started by Robert Gorges, 
who was now Governor of the entire territory known as Massachusetts, 
upon the very spot where the Wessagiisset colon\- had been, but his 
people became di.scouraged in a short time and only a handful 
remained. 

So dissatisfied did the people become with their articles of agree- 
ment with the London adventurers, which called for so much work, 
and from which they personally reaped no benefit, that it became 
nece.ssar}' to make some change. They followed the example of the 



lOO THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Virginian colony, and gave to each man a certain quantity of laud to 
work on his own account. As in Virginia, also, this was the beginning 
of prosperity. The colonists took a deeper interest in the land which 
they now could call their own. 

At another time they had a struggle to preserve their independence, 
because John Pierce, procuring a second patent, wished to make them 
his tenants. This would have started a land system like that in England, 
but, fortunately for the colonists. Pierce met with such losses in send- 
ing a ship to America that he was persuaded to return the grant. The 
Puritans still remaining in Holland were very anxious to join their 
friends in Plymouth, but the London Company objected to this, and 
wished to force upon the devout Puritans people of a different sort. To 
this end they sent over a minister, named Lyford. He had been in 
Plymouth but a short time when he tried to introduce the old service of 
the Church of England. The Puritans resented this with pride and 
fierceness, and finally sent the minister and his friends from the colony. 
He had drawn about him many discontented spirits, among them John 
Oldham, who was finally expelled, with much disgrace, at the butt ends 
of the muskets of the sturdy Puritans. The company in London defended 
the action of Lyford, and finally refused to be responsible for the fate of 
the Puritans. This left the colonies without protection. They could 
no longer rely upon supplies from England, and were left to work out 
their own destiny. With such brave and stalwart men, nothing better 
could have happened. To be independent with them was to be success- 
ful. They sent for their friends in Leyden, but their dear old pastor, 
Robinson, whom they looked forward with so much pleasure to meet- 
ing, died, like Moses, in sight of the promised land. The colonists did 
not hear the last of Lyford for some time, for the London adventurers 
saw fit to send him over again to found a colony upon Cape Ann, a 
district which the pilgrims protested belonged to them, by right of a 
patent made out to Robert Cushman and Wiuslow. The choleric Miles 
Standish nearly got into an engagement with the Englishmen at Cape 
Ann, but finally made a compromise, by which they were to work 
together in the production of salt, and so lived amicably. But this 
colony came to little, though a company was formed at Dorchester, 
England, which sent out for three successive years men and cattle. The 
colonists went back to England, or scattered along the coast, and a few 
of them settled on the spot we now call Salem. Meanwhile, the 
Plymouth colonists had got some cattle, three heifers, and a great white 
bull. 



THE DAILY ROUND. lOI 

The daj-s went on peacefulh- now. On Sundays, evetyone who was 
not sick met at the little church. The men sat upon one side and the 
women on the other, with those of noble rank quite by themselves. 
The little boys, very impatient at the long service, were crowded on the 
pulpit stairs and guarded by constables. These constables each had a 
wand, with a hare's foot on one end, and a hare's tail on the other. 
They used this to keep the people from sleeping. A woman's forehead, 
if by any chance she nodded, was only touched with the tail, but if any 
naughty little boy went to sleep, he was promptly pounded with the 
hare's foot. The services were three or four hours long, and the sexton 
stood near the minister, turning over the great hour-glass as it emptied. 
It was not until 1836 that they got the Metrical Bay Psalm-Book, with 
its great black notes and rugged lettering. They knew less than a 
dozen tunes, and sung these over and over, year in and year out. The 
houses were scrupulously neat. ]\Iost of them were one story in 
height, built of logs, with very steep roofs. In course of time a few 
wood and brick houses were built, two stories high in front, and one 
behind. The windows had many panes, and opened on hinges like 
a casement, and the huge fire-places admitted logs which would burn 
for nearly the whole day. There v/ere no clocks, only sun-dials, and 
many of the houses were built facing the south, so that the sun at noon 
would fall square on the floor, and tell them it was mid-day. The law 
allowed none of them to wear finerj-, unless he or she could prove that 
it could be afforded. All through the week the women wore home- 
spun, and on Sunday brought out from their chests the silk hoods or 
lace neckerchiefs which had been brought across the sea. Miles 
Standish kept the soldiers well drilled. They had match-lock muskets, 
fired by a slow match instead of a percussion cap. So heavy were 
lliese weapons that even these sturd\- soldiers had to have a large iron 
fork stuck in the ground to hold them. They were belted with bando- 
liers, wliich contained a sword and a dozen tin cartridge-boxes. Steel 
helmets and iron breast-plates were not unknown, although many of the 
colonists wore padded overcoats to keep off the arrows of the Indians. 
To be a voter, one must also be a church member. In everthing, 
religion ruled. The State had no existence without the Church. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Cheever's "Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. '' 
Biography— Anderson's "Women of the Puritan Times." 
Fiction— H. M. Whiting's "Faith White's Letter-Book." 
E. N. Sears' "Pictures of the Olden Times." 
Mrs. J. B. Webb's "The Pilgrims of New England.'' 
Poetry— Whittier^s "The Garrison ot Cape Ann." 



CHAPTER XIV. 



ITHE MASSACRE AT JAMESTOWN — LORD BALTIMORE AND THE SKTTLiS 

AfENT OF MARYLAND — THE LIBERAL LAWS OF THE 

BALTIMORE SETTLEMENT. 




(:^BOUT the time that the little Plymouth colony 
became alarmed at the threatening attitude of the 
Indians, the colony in Jamestown, Virginia, siifFered 
a great calamity. The condition of the colony was 
peculiar. In one way it did not lack prosperity. 
The raising of tobacco was continued to the exclu- 
iJ sion of everything else. Laws were made to regulate 
this, but it is a well-known fact that a law is good for 
nothing unless the people will agree to enforce it, and 
the people of Virginia did not wish this law enforced. 
King James had begun to look upon the colony with 
some suspicion. He suspected treason, and not without 
reason, for it was quite true that they did not care to be 
dictated to by their governors at home. Sir Edward 
Sandys was thought to be a man of too much intellect to safely act as 
treasurer of a community which was so rapidly increasing in power, 
and the Earl of Southampton was appointed in his place. Sir 
George Yeardley retired from the governorship in 1622, giving place to 
Sir Francis Wyat. These were all men of sense, and they did what 
they could for Virginia. They tried to raise grapes for the purpose of 
making wine, but they do not seem to have understood the art very 
well, for the wine had a trick of souring before they got ready to drink 
it. Mulberry trees and silk worms were brought over to start the 
cultivation of silk, but for all of that, most of the colonists were dressed 
in rags. Workmen were brought from Italy and employed in the glass 
works, and about the same time iron works were started. The 
Americans began making their own salt, and building their own ships, 



THE REWARD OF TREACHERY. IO3 

and saw-mills were put up by Dutchmen, but this work was very 
slow, and none of it really successful. They spent all their time, 
strength and money in the raising of tobacco, so that, fourteen years 
after the colony was started, there was next to no barley, oats or peas in 
the country, and even at this period they were frequently threatened 
with starvation. In the meantime, they treated the Indians with the 
same selfishness and lack of wisdom which they showed in all other 
matters. The Indians had, no doubt, long intended to take revenge. 
However that may be, suddenly, on the 22d of March, 1692, the Indians, 
loitering about the village, rushed upon the people in the fields and in 
the houses and slaughtered them. 

They did not even spare the little children, but killed all, regardless 
of the innocence of their victims. They went further than this, and 
hacked at the dead bodies with a wild cruelty of which only the 
American Indian is capable when he becomes imbruted by the sight of 
blood. The houses and barns of the people were burned and their 
animab killed. This did not occur in Jamestown, but in the little 
outlying villages and plantations. Jamestown would have suffered the 
same fate, but for the warning which one friendly Indian carried the 
night before. All who could, took refuge within the city, and took 
every possible means for defense. The panic was wide-spread. Some 
of the smaller places were entirely deserted, and it was many years 
before the plantations recovered from the harm which this did to them, 
for men were afraid to remain in isolated places. After this there was 
no mercy shown upon either side. The English were quite as cruel 
and remorseless as the Indians had been. The corn-fields, the fishing 
weirs, the villages of the natives, were entirely destroyed. Whenever a 
white man saw an Indian he shot him, and blood-hounds and mastifis 
were trained to follow and tear them to pieces. The King seemed to 
blame the colonists for the present state of affairs. The company was 
still more dissatisfied than the King, and out of the various misunder- 
standings which grew from this, and the disregard the colony paid to 
the King's wishes, came the breaking up of the Virginia Company. 
The government of the colony was put into the hands of a commission, 
with Sir Thomas Smith at the head. 

The unhappy people of Virginia were long in recovering from their 
calamity. The people were crowded once more into close quarters, and 
there was a great deal of sickness, of discouragement, and of hunger. 
Their viciousness took another, and yet more dreadful form. It was 
turned from wantonness and selfishness to revenge. They prayed, with 



I04 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

a show of devotion, that the Indians might fall into their hands to be 
murdered and bereft of all that they owned. There was no longer 
any show of Christian kindness. If the colonists were filled with 
revenge, they were none the less troubled with fear, and it was a long, 
long time before they dared venture back to the cultivation of their 
plantations. This great anxiety about home matters made them rather 
indifferent about the whims of the London Council, and they worried 
little because their patent was taken away from them. After King James 
died, very little attention was paid to them one way or the other, and if 
they received no benefit, neither did they receive any checks from across 
the ocean. Four colonial governors served in turn, but they were 
displaced for the first royal governor, Sir John Harvey, who was sent 
over by the English King to administer royal laws after the King's own 
views. How the people, who had so long been independent, detested 
this arrangement, can well be imagined. 

Shortly before the appointment of Harvey, Jamestown had had a 
distinguished visitor. It was Lord Baltimore, a Catholic English 
nobleman of much wealth and culture. Virginia was quite in excite- 
ment about the visit of so distinguished a gentleman, and the council 
grew so curious that they oSicially inquired why he had come, and how 
long he was going to stay. The Virginians were neither the Church of 
England people nor Puritans — the Puritans having come later — and 
they objected to a settlement of Catholics among them. The}-, there- 
fore, put the oath of allegiance to the colony to him, which was of such 
a nature that he could not take it, for religious reasons, and the colonists 
were glad of this excuse to ask him to return to England. Seeing that 
his visit was disagreeable, he courteoush' withdrew from the colony, but 
left his family behind him at Jamestown. One reason why he was 
disliked at the colony was because he was principal Secretar)- of the 
State to King James for the last five or six years of that monarch's life, 
and the difficulty between King James and the colony was naturally 
visited upon Lord Baltimore. He held a grant to some lands in the 
southeast part of Newfoundland, and had there a Protestant colony, 
which he had established. It was after visiting this, and finding the 
climate not to his liking or at all suited to his delicate health, that he 
came to Virginia. This was in the spring of 1629. Leaving Virginia, 
he visited Chesapeake Bay, was charmed with that region, and begged 
the King to give him a patent to it. This the King willingly did, but 
before the patent was signed. Lord Baltimore died, and it was left for 
his son to carr}' out his plans. The new Lord Baltimore named the 



THE REWARD OF TREACHERY. 105 

region Maryland, in honor of the Queen. The charter included all the 
country lying in the irregular triangle formed by the 40tli degree of 
latitude, the Potomac river and Chesapeake Bay, as well as that part of 
the Peninusla between the ocean on the east, and Bay of Chesapeake on 
the west, with a line dividing it from the rest, drawn from the head- 
land, called Watkins Point. With very slight changes, this is the State 
to-day. The grant gave this property to the Lords of Maryland abso- 
lutely, as long as they were faithful in their allegiance to the King. 
Not even taxes were required. No gift could have been more complete. 
All the acknowledgment required of Lord Baltimore was that twice a 
year he was to send to the King two Indian arrows as a token of fealty. 
But the charter did not overlook the rights of the colonists. It gave the 
people the right to call themselves together to take part in framing the 
laws which were to govern them. No religious nor political distinctions 
were made, but Maryland was to be the home of all Englishmen who 
wished to move there. Lord Baltimore found himself unable to go 
with the first expedition, and sent his brother Leonard in his stead, and 
with him two friends, also cultivated and able gentlemen, Jerome 
Hawley and Thomas Cornwallis. The Catholics were being greatly 
persecuted at this time, and Maryland became a refuge for them. In 
addition to the many gentlemen of wealth and influence who resorted 
thither, were many mechanics and laborers, and two Jesuit priests, 
whose simple and tender lives have made a white page in histor}-. 
These were Father Andrew White and Father John Althan. The 
former of these wrote the only narrative which was kept of the 
experiences of the colony, which was composed of about three hundred 
souls. They were borne to America on The Ark and The Dove, 
starting November, 1633. They encountered many dangers on their 
passage from stonns, pirates and war-like Spaniards, bnt at length 
reached Jamestown, where they were entertained for a week by Governor 
Harvey. The early part of March they sailed to their own possessions, 
and turning up the Potomac river, were enchanted with what they 
found. The groves of beneficent trees, the many inflowing streams 
and stately bluffs persuaded them that they could not have found a better 
place for a settlement. They landed first upon Blackstone Island, 
which then covered four hundred acres of land in the midst of the 
Potomac. It is now two centuries since, and nothing is left of these 
islands but sandy shoals. The 25th of March, the day of the landing, 
was the day of the annunciation of the most Holy Virgin, and they cele- 
brated mass upon the beach, at the close of which they planted a cross 
7 



Jo6 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

of wood upon the highest part of the island, taking possession of it for 
our Savior and for our Sovereign Lord, the King of England. 

They used much tact in their first dealing with the Indians, asking 
permission of them to settle upon their laud. It was a piece of good 
fortune for them that they chanced to meet with Captain Fleet, an 
Englishman, quietly trading in peltries upon his own account. He had 
been a prisoner for several years among the Indians, and was on 
excellent terms with them. Through his influence the colonists were 
soon in friendly trade with the natives, and the danger of hostility was 
averted. Fleet guided them through the forests and up tne rivers, 
showing them the best points of the country, and advising them about 
the site of their first town; and at the end of the broad harbors on 
the noble bluff they decided to build. Behind it lay the beautiful 
valley which the people of Baltimore know, with growths of nut trees 
and oak and springs of clear water. On the bluff stood a huge 
mulberr)' tree, and standing by this, Leonard Calvert, the brother of 
Lord Baltimore, made his treaty with the Indians, who had a village 
upon that spot. The tribe was called Yaocomico, and for a certain 
payment in goods prized by the Indians, the strangers were to share 
their town with them until their harvest was gathered, after which the 
savages were to move elsewhere. The first village of Maryland was 
called St. Marys, and the expedition being managed by men of states- 
men-like quality, and having in it workmen of strength and common 
sense, they immediately began building and planting. The Indians 
were of much help to them, teaching them not only how to plant native 
vegetables, but how to cook them in the best manner. Religious 
services were held from the first, and as soon as possible a neat little 
chapel was made. By the time the Indians had left them, quite a little 
town had been built, and some public buildings started on the bluff. 
Winter found them well provided, and already the liberality with which 
the government was conducted, began to invite the oppressed, not only 
from England, but from the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies as well, 
for in the Jamestown colonies Catholics were disapproved of, and in the 
Plymouth colonies the slightest deviation from the orthodo.x principles, 
as the Puritans held them, was promptly punished. 

Lord Baltimore's city was the first one in America where every man 
w;is allowed to worship God after his own conscience. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
HiSTORT — McSherry's "Marylanu." 

Griffith's "Annals of Baltimore." 
Fiction — Paulding's "Konigsniark." 

Kennedy's "Rob of the Bowl." 



CHAPTER XV. 



\}p fmu-\$$pv^. 



PROSPERITY OF THE MARYLAND SETTLEMENT — CONSPIRACIES AGAINST 
THEM — THE TRIUMPH OF VIRGINIA OVER THEM, AND THE 
PERSECUTION OF THE CATHOLICS — CALVERT'S SUCCESS 
•^ AND THE RETURN OF THE JESUITS. 



j^^IRGINIA disapproved of the new colony of Mary- 
land. There was, certainly, ground enough upon 
the Atlantic coast for both of those settlements, 
but whether there was policy enough, was quite 
another question. The Virginians, it will be. 
remembered, had lost their royal charter, and the 
fact that lyord Baltimore's colony came with the royal 
grant, and with the royal encouragement, made them 
very envious. One man in the Virginian colony, 
especially, resented the settlement of Maryland. It was 
the secretary of the Virginian Council, William Clay- 
borne. He had taken possession of Kent Island, in 
Chesapeake Bay, and built a store-house there, for the 
beaver and other furs, in which he traded extensively. 
When Baltimore's people came, Clayborne said that he owned the 
island, and he refused in advance to leave it. 

The Viiginians had sent a protest to the King against the settlement 
of Maryland, but it had been decided in England that Baltimore's 
patent should not be destroyed, and both colonies were advised to be as 
amiable as possible. Amiability, however, was not in Clayborne's line. 
He had worked hard upon the ground where the Marjlanders now 
settled, and he felt that he had a right to it. Being a willful and strong- 
minded man, he took the worst methods for preserving that right. 
He incited the Indians against the colonists, who found it necessary to 
build a block-house for refuge, in case of attack ; but as the Indians met 
with nothing but kindness from the settlers, they became persuaded at 




I08 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

length that Claybonie had misinfonned them. The ]\Ianlanders tried to 
capture Claybonie, but he knew the ways of the woods too well for them 
to succeed, and reached Jamestown, where he worked upon t!ie i:)roini- 
nent men, and won them to his side of the case. 

When the sprin<^ of 1635 came, and Clayborne wished to carry out 
his usual trading trip, he started for his island with a small vessel, 
called the Long Tail. The Marylanders met him with two armed 
pinnaces, under the command of Cornwallis. The Long Tail was 
seized after a vigorous fight, two of the Virginians being killed and 
one of Cornwallis' men. Then the people of Jamestown were in a 
great state of mind. They gathered in the streets, and talked and 
talked. They called an assembly and talked some more. No one had 
any sympathy with the Marylanders' defense of their property, except 
the royal Governor Harvey. So indignant did the people become with 
him that they sent him to England to be tried, but he was promptly 
sent back again by the King, with an inquiry as to what right they had 
to arrest a governor appointed by him. 

The people in Maryland, finding that they were to be protected, 
went on working busily. Their harvest was a great success. They 
stored away enough corn for the winter, and sent one thousand bushels 
up to Plymouth, asking for salt-fish in exchange. The cattle and 
poultry which they had purchased from Virginia had been so well 
managed by certain experienced breeders of stock, that it had greatly 
increased, not alone supplying them with eggs, but allowed them plenty 
to kill and eat. The people were not long satisfied with the rude build- 
ing.5 which they had first built. They had met with suflficient 
prosperity to be able to send to England for bricks and other building 
material, and the houses which they erected were firm, and to some 
degree elegant. A manor was built for Governor Calvert, and within 
two or three years an excellent State House, in the fonn of a cross, was 
built upon the bluff. In front of it stood the famous mulberry tree, 
luider which the first treaty had been made with the Indians, and upon 
this were nailed all the notices and State papers which the Governor 
issued. Here the little armed force gathered for drill, and here the 
town punishments were made. A little further back stood the church, 
and about it the church-yard. 

Certain fashions were set in the building of those days which are 
noticeable now in the city of Baltimore. The ground floor and base- 
ments were made of red brick, or paved with square red tiles. Some 
of the houses were of red brick, ornamented here and there with black. 



THE PEACE-KEEPERS. 109 

There were high, red brick walls, and stout chimneys built upon the 
outside, with the fire-places paved in red tile. Plantations began to be 
cultivated around the town, tobacco being the chief staple raised for 
exportation. 

In 1635, Lord Baltimore began to make grants of lands to settlers. 
To those who had come upon the first voyage extensive grants were 
made, so that the pioneers became, to an extent, lords of the property. 
Mills were built, both at St. Mar>''s and on the plantations, so that it 
became possible for them to make their own flour, and to start various 
other home industries. Under these fortunate conditions people 
crowded to the colony, and, in 1635, it was found necessary to make 
a new code of laws. The simple rules, which were at first sufficient to 
control the community, were no longer adapted to their growing and 
complex civilization. But Lord Baltimore did not approve of the laws, 
and refused assent to them. Two years later he made out a code, but 
tlie assembly of the people would not accept his laws any more than he 
accepted their's. It was not because they objected to the laws that he 
made, but because they wished to govern themselves, and at last they 
had their way, though it was not for several years. 

The Indians who lived about St. Mary's were always friendly to 
the settlement, but the Susquehanna Indians were the enemies of the 
Yaocomicos, and, therefore, of all whom the tribe were friendly to. In 
1642 the Susquehannas opened quite a warfare with the Marjdanders, 
which lasted for two years, when treaties were made. 

The kindness which the Catholics of Maryland had shown to all 
people of other religions did not meet with a proper return. The 
Catholics were the friends of the King in England, but the Protestants 
preferred the Parliament, which, at this time, was having much 
difficulty in getting along with the King. So when the revolution 
came in England against the King, the people of Marjdand were divided 
on this subject, and it put the Catholics against the Protestants in a 
way which made much trouble in the colony. Leonard Calvert became so 
troubled about the quarrels of the people he was trj'ing to govern, 
that he sailed for England, to have a talk with his brother. Lord Balti- 
more, leaving Giles Brent to look after the colony. 

This was a splendid chance for Clayborne to have revenge upon the 
Marylanders. He went to St. Mary's and stirred up the Protestants, or 
the Parliament faction, against the government of Baltimore, and his 
plans were aided in an unexpected way. Brent ordered that a vessel 
belonging to the Parliament party should be seized when it got to St 



XIO THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Mar>''s, and its commander arrested on a charge of treason against the 
King. This made the Protestants very angry, and they allowed 
Clay borne to come in and take possession of his old island of Kent; so 
when Calvert returned he found everything in a very bad state, and he 
and his council and their friends were driven from the colony, and had 
to go to Virginia for safety. Captain Edward Hill, a Virginian, was 
made Governor, but everj'thing was done about as Clayborne said. 
Though he was such a determined man, he did not understand how to 
govern, and while he remained, there was constant quarreling and 
dissatisfaction in the colony. 

The Jesuit priests had to leave St. Marj^'s. They built a mission 
on the Ba)' of St. Inigo, and here Governor Calvert erected a fort, with 
a mill inside and a few buildings about, besides a chapel. Calvert 
collected his friends on the Virginia border, and in April surprised St 
Mar3''s, and took it with but little trouble. The people seemed to have 
been glad to get back a man who would govern them with lirmness and 
order. Captain Edward Hill was sent back to Virginia, and Clayborne 
escaped to Jamestown. Governor Calvert died in 1647, leaving Thomas 
Green to be his successor, and Mistress Margaret Brent the adminis- 
tratrix of his enormous possessions. She was a remarkable woman, 
with great strength of will, and a good understanding of business and 
government affairs. 

Mar}'land continued to be free to people of all religions, and the 
gentle Catholic missionaries continued their work. In many ways this 
was the most successful colony in its beginning upon the Atlantic coast. 
Its leaders were men of good blood and training, with a sincere rever- 
ence for God. and some experience in government. Their laws were 
suited to the time and the people, and Lord Baltimore's name is still 
held in high regard in the city which is called after him. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
BroGR.A PHY— Spark's "Calvert." 

Mill's "Fouuders of Maryland." 
BlCTioN— Mathilda Douglas' "Black Beard." 



CHAPTER XVI. 



NEW JERSEY — THE SETTLEMENT UNDER PETER MINUET — OPPOSITION 

OK THE DUTCH — THE TRIUMPHS OF THE DUTCH UNDER 

PETER STUYVESANT — END OF SWEDISH 

INDEPENDENCE IN AMERICA. 



^vEW JERSEY was the only State settled by the 
Swedes. In 1614, when the first Dutch settled 
their fort on Manhattan Island, they built also a 
redoubt on what is now the New Jersey shore, 
and the whole of this region they called New 
Netherlands. But little attention was paid to 
this, and the ground was practically unoccupied. 
Ten years later, William U.sselinex, of Antwerp, who 
had first succeeded in establishing the great Dutch West 
India Compan\', visited Sweden. Gusta^'us Adolphus was 
King of Sweden then, and before him, Usselinex laid 
the plan of founding a Swedish colony in America, 
telling him of the great profits which might arise from 
the trade there. The King was much impressed with 
the business-like eloquence of the Dutchman, and perhaps still more 
impressed with the idea that another Christian church might be built 
upon savage shores. He felt that Sweden had been behind the other 
nations, and it would greatly add to his power and reputation if he were 
to further such a scheme. The Diet of Sweden favored the King's 
project, an 1, therefore, when Gustavixs Adolphus was killed, in 1632, on 
the battle-field, the plans which he had laid were carried out. It was 
several years, however, before the company was fonned, calling itself 
the Sweden West India Company. Peter Minuet, who had been dis- 
charged from his post as Governor, asked to have charge of its first 
expedition. It was given him, on account of the experience he had 
had, and in the autumn of 1637, he set sail from Gottenburg, with two 




112 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

vessels and fifty emigrants. These vessels entered Delawaie Bay and 
sailed up the river, which they named after their Queen, Christina. 
Minuet bought of the Indians all the land on the west side of South 
river, from Cape Henlopen to near where Trenton now stands. As 
usual in such purchases, the land was to run westward indefinitely. 
They built a fort near the present site of Wilmington. 

The Dutch promptly resented this intrusion upon their territory, 
and sent down a sounding proclamation, which warned Minuet, in the 
most serious terms, that he was trespassing upon their rights; but the 
Swedes were charmed with the country' so in contrast to their bleak 
native land, and were in no mind to leave it. Minuet had said, in 
answer to the first question asked him by the Dutch, that he came for 
wood and water, but as the Swedes began gardening and building, he 
was forced to confess the truth. To the Dutch proclamation, however, 
he paid no heed, but went on working upon his fort and trading house 
and establishing commerce with the Indians. Twenty-four men were 
placed in possession, and vessels were sent home well laden, to return 
with more emigrants. Though the Dutch were very indignant, they 
hesitated to venture against the detennined and well-armed Swedes, who 
took a very flourishing trade away from the Dutch West India Company. 

The first summer and winter passed pleasantly with them, but in 
the second winter their supplies became low, and they seriously thought, 
at one time, of going to the Dutch at Manhattan, or of finding a way 
for returning to their native home. In the spring, however, matters 
became better. Some trade was established in New Netherlands, and 
further additions to the colon}' came from Sweden, bringing with them 
abundant supplies. They were an exceedingly industrious and saving 
people. Their selection for a settlement had been most happy; they 
lived at peace with each other and with the Indians, and in a short 
time their little towns began to wear a look of vigorous prosperity, 
especially in the autumn, when more colonists came, with tools and 
mechanics to use them. Three ships, at least, came in the autumn, and 
it is said that many were anxious to come, but had been unable to do 
so for want of ship-room. The following summer (1641) Minuet died 
in the fort which he had built. The Swedes were much attached to 
him, and mourned him deeply. A Swede — Holleandare — became Gov- 
ernor in his place. 

The English pursued toward them the policy which has made them 
the greatest nation in the world. They were bent on conquest, and 
constantly interfered with their quiet neighbors. At length a number 



A BRIEF AUTHORITY. 113 

of New England colonists, under the charge of Robert Cogswell, left 
Connecticut and came to the South river, having heard that that region 
was especially beautiful. William the Testy, Governor of the Dutch, 
protected in his usual high-flown language, but the English quietly 
worked on, and before the end of the summer, had planted corn and 
built trading posts on Salem creek and on the Schuylkill. New Haven 
took these towns under her especial protection, and William the Testy 
knew that it would be useless to come in conflict with the New Eng- 
land confederation of colonies. The Swedes, as well as the Dutch, 
were vexed at this intrusion of the English, and in 1642, when the 
Dutch sent a commissar\' to force the intruders away, the people at Fort 
Christina gave them all the help they could. The English were obliged 
to yield. They were taken prisoners to Manhattan, and then sent to 
their own homes. New Haven thought it best not to resent this insult 
to her dignity. 

About this time a fort was built twelve miles below where Philadel- 
phia now stands, and called the New Gottenburg. The building of 
this was superintended by John Printz, a cavalry lieutenant in the 
Swedish ser\-ice, who had been sent out to take the place of HoUeandare 
as Governor. Near the fort, Printz built a manor house, magnificent 
for that time, which he called Printz Hall. The home goveniment 
appropriated a large sum of money for the support of the colony, and 
promised to keep it supplied with soldiers. Printz was a very over- 
bearing and proud man, who, from first to last, managed the affairs 
of the colony with decision and dignity. Neither English nor Dutch 
were allowed longer to take liberties with the Swedes. His fort of New 
Gottenburg compelled ever}' vessel to show her colors as she passed, and 
no trade was allowed which did not pay tribute. The Dutch continued 
to send out fierce letters, but to these, a man like Printz was not likely 
to pay any attention. The English tried to trade on the rivers which 
the Swedes now claimed, but they were promptly arrested by order of 
the Governor, and the English learned that for once they were not to 
be allowed to have their own way. 

In 1645, the rather amiable commissar}- at the Dutch fort, Nassau, 
was removed by William the Testy, of New Amsterdam. The officer 
Avho took his place was more aggressive in his nature, and seized the 
first opportunity to put the authority of the Swedes to test. Disputes 
began between the governors of the colonies, and much diplomacy, and, 
to tell the truth, no little deceit was used. When Hudde, the new 
Governor of the Dutch fort, tried to start a settlement on some land 



114 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

■which he had bought near the present site of Philadelphia, Printz sent 
some men to stop it, and the Dutch arms were torn down and used in 
a manner which greatly outraged the feelings of the patriotic colonists. 
Letters of great stateliness and hostility were exchanged, but the choleric 
Governor Printz refused to listen to the sensible advice of Hudde. 
When the sergeant, by whom Hudde had sent his letter, reached Printz 
Hall, and had got through the anny of servants around it to where the 
Governor stood upon the steps, the letter was snatched from him and 
thrown carelessly to a man in waiting. After standing about unnoticed 
for some time, the Dutch soldier begged for a reply. This request was 
met in a way peculiar to the plethoric Printz, who weighed about four 
hundred poiinds, and was a man of extraordinary muscle. He picked up 
the unfortunate sergeant and threw him violently out of doors, taking a 
gim for the purpose of shooting him. After this there could be nothing 
but quarrels between the two nations. The Dutch trade was rapidly 
decreasing, for the Swedes kejjt both them and the English off the 
valuable lands which they occupied, and from which the Dutch had 
formerly made much money. Large companies of settlers continued to 
come to New Sweden, and these later settlers were of a much better 
class than those which had come at first. When New Netherlaud was 
at its most abject state, under the mismanagement of William the Testy, 
New Sweden wore an air of considerable prosperit}'. From the mouth 
of the Schuylkill to the Capes of Henlopen and May, Governor Printz 
held absolute control. It was one of the richest territories on the 
Atlantic coast, with sweeping hills and magnificent forests of trees. 
Not only did they claim the lovely waters of the Delaware, but many 
streams and winding creeks as well. Before them lay the bay, one 
hundred miles in length. 

When Peter Stuyvesaut was appointed Governor of New Netherlands, 
the polic)- was somewhat changed. For several years Stuy vesant could 
do little but support Hudde in the position which he had taken, and to 
sustain, in a negative way, the title of the Dutch, but at length he found 
time to visit the Swedish territor)-, and, being an old soldier, saw 
immediately the cause of the Dutch failures. Fort Nassau, instead of 
being at the mouth of the Delaware, was far up the stream, and quite 
useless to .protect against invasion. The Swedes had taken possession 
of the mouth of the Schuylkill. At the confluence of these two rivers, 
trade even then found its center. Printz had seen that this must be the 
case, and had built his forts there and barred the approach to that point 
bv others further down the Delaware. Modem commerce has improved 



A BRIEF AVTHORITV. 1 15 

the selection of Printz, by concentrating the shipping trade of Philadel- 
phia at exactly this point. Stuyvesant saw that Fort Nassau was 
useless, and ordered its destruction. He bought from the Indians all 
the land from Christina to Bombay Hook. Within this territor}-, about 
four miles below the mouth of the Christina, is the bold promontor>', 
which commands a view of the Delaware both up and down. On this 
point, where the town of Newcastle now stands, they built Fort Casimir. 
Governor Printz was indignant, and said that this was an invasion on 
the soil of the Swedes, but Stuyvesant seems to have quieted him iu 
some way, and the Swedes no longer commanded the Delaware. Their 
fort at the mouth of the Salem creek was abandoned as useless, but 
Printz was too proud to tell the real reason for its evacuation, and gave 
it out that the mosquitoes had been to bad for them to remain there 
longer. 

The Swedes and the Dutch were united about this time in a common 
fear. The}- dreaded the English much more than they did each other, 
and made a compact of mutual protection. It is certainly true that the 
English continued to cast envious eyes at the beautiful stretch of 
country with its genial climate and broad, noble hills. Besides, English- 
men do not like to be beaten, and will hardly admit defeat. They had 
not forgiven the Swedes and Dutch for uniting to drive them from this 
place a few years before, and, shortly after the compact between the two 
governors, sent a company of fifty persons from New Haven to make 
another attempt at an English settlement on the Delaware. The}' 
stopped at New Amsterdam to visit Governor Stu}-vesant, and to tell 
him their purpose, but the independent Governor arrested them 
promptly, and onh- let them go when they promised to return to New 
Haven. 

Printz, liowever, had nothing of the diplomat in his composition, 
and could not abide the Dutch so near him, so he sent to Sweden for 
aid, but his impatience would not let him wait until he received an 
answer, and he sailed for Sweden himself, passing on his way John 
Rysingh, with a force of about three hundred men, who had been sent 
out to his relief The first act of this force was to demand the capture 
of Fort Casimir. The fort yielded without resistance, for they had no 
powder. The bark of the Dutch was apt to be much worse than theii 
bite". Thus the Swedes were again in absolute possession of the South 
river, and all the Dirtch in and about the fort were made to take the 
oath of allegiance to Sweden, or else forced to leave that part of the 
country. Fort Casimir was called Fort Trinit}', because it was taken 



Il6 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Oil Trinity Sunda}-. It can be imagined that the excitement in New 
Amsterdam was great, and that tlie indignation meetings among the 
hot-headed Dutchmen were many. Governor Stuyvesant felt, with some 
justice, that he liad been imfairly treated, and seized every opportunity 
for retaliation. In this, the directors in Holland sustained him, but 
the winter passed and spring came before he was able to make prepa- 
rations for humbling the Swedes. At length a fleet of seven vessels, 
manned by a force of from six hundred to seven hundred men, sailed 
toward the South river. This was not until the loth of September. 
All the Swedes in the country did not number more than half the 
invading force. Resistance was absurd. The Swedes surrendered, and 
a part of them were made to take the oath of allegiance to the high and 
mighty lords and pratroons of this New Netherland province. Next, 
Fort Christina was taken, and after a siege of twelve days, a third fort 
surrendered. The invaders destroyed the little village of Christinaham, 
burning the houses and killing the cattle and seizing all the plunder 
they could. At length Rysing surrendered, conditionally. It was 
declared that the property belonging to the Swedes was to be unmolested, 
and that all who wished could have free passage to Europe. So ended 
Sweden's rule in America. Some Swedes still lived along the banks of 
the Delaware and cultivated their fanns, doing snuch to develop early 
the best resources of that country. 

Stuyvesant appointed Johans Paul Jaquet as Governor over the 
southern territory of the West India Company. The Swedish colony 
was now called New Amstel,- and the burgomasters of Amsterdam 
became much interested in their new possessions, making great offers 
to those who would move thither. The following years, however, were 
full of discontent. Malaria, as in all new agricultural settlements, 
weakened and dispirited the colonists, and though the farms promised 
well, the harvests were not plentiful, for insects of various sorts nearly 
destroyed the crops. Death became very frequent, especially among the 
children, and they came so near famine that they were obliged to use their 
seed corn for food. The Amsterdam Company no longer sent them sup- 
plies, as it had promised to do, and began to ta.x them. The colonists lost 
hope. Many moved to Virginia. vSome returned to their own countries, 
and those who had contracted with the company to remai-n for a given 
length of time, escaped through the forest to the southern settlements- 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Carpenter's "History of New Jersey." 

Smith's "Historj' ol the Colony of New Jersey." 



CHAPTER XVII. 

ilh nine in :|«tu |ollteB. 

THE "PATROONS" OF NEW NETHERLAND — THE SETTLEMENT AT 
MANHATTAN — THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE 



DUTCH- 






-ESTABLISHMENT OF POPULAR 
LAND LAWS. 




T will be remembered that we left the Dutch in 
their settlements upon Long Island and the 
Hudson, just at the time when they were begin- 
ning to feel the need of a firmer government. 
None of the settlements had been prosperous 
until they were given an interest in the land they 
occupied. It was certain that this scheme must be used 
with the Dutch, for New Amsterdam settled but slowly, 
and it was .seen thst trading-posts were not the best 
means of establishing civilization. Only poor emigrants 
came for a long time, but after a while rich men from 
Holland were sent out, and given privileges by the 
Dutch West India Company. Each of these important 
gentlemen was allowed to found a colony of fifty 
persons, and to own a tract of land sixteen miles in length on any 
shores or streams not }et occupied. Westward there was no limit placed 
on his possessions, which were allowed to run into the interior as far as 
they might — to the Pacific coast, had he but known there was a Pacific 
coast. His colony was to be established within four years from the 
time the land was granted him, and he was required, by just provision 
not usually employed, to pay the Indians for liis land. His estate was 
called a "manor," and it was quite independent of colonial government. 
He was actually a lord of the soil, and lived in much elegance and w-ith 
a full sense of importance, such as the men of his time and nation were 
apt to feel. The.se "patroons" as they were called, were allowed all 
'privileges, except the manufacture of woolen or cotton goods, which 
the West India Company wished to keep a monopcly of The company 



Il8 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

supplied the manors with negro slaves, which they imported from 
Guinea, but after a time this feudal system began to give wa)-. There 
seemed to be something in the air of the New World which was opposed 
to the pretentions of nobility. Even the stately patroons came to see, 
after awhile, that the>' were regarded more as land-holders than as 
lords. 

It was so easy to see the injustice of giving a man such ad\antages 
over his fellows that the people would not patiently endure it. Nothing 
could more finnly prove that the plan of the government of Europe 
was, and is, false and wrong, since it fails to give men equal opportu- 
nities. It has existed so long in the Old World that it has almost come 
to seem right. Here, where it could be seen at its beginning, it was 
recognized as altogether wrong. The company had had a selfish reason 
for employing the feudal system in the New Netherlands. It believed 
that if it intrusted the care of immigration to the patroons it would be 
saved the expense of sustaining the government, and if each patroon 
protected his own property, with men established under him as serfs, 
there would be no need of any officers to do so. For, indeed, the people 
under these Dutch lords were little else than serfs. No "man or 
woman, son ordatrghter, man servant or maid servant," could leave a 
patroon' s service during the time he had agreed to remain, except by 
his written consent. On the other hand, the patroon was under no 
obligations to his people, but could do as he saw fit. It brought about 
evils almost as great as those of slavery. 

The right which was given to the patroons to settle upon any terri- 
tory not yet occupied, soon began to affect the great West India 
Company. They had wished to secure and retain a monopoly of trade, 
but by the short-sighted means employed they defeated this. A number 
of the Amsterdam directors availed themselves of this opportunity, and 
settled upon immense tracts of land, to which they gave high-sounding 
names. When it was too late the company perceived what it had done. 
The enterprising directors hastened to settle colonies upon their land, 
and so settlements were spread down to the South river, along the 
shores of what we now call Delaware Bay, and to the present town of 
Louiston, Delaware. One director went over to Cape May and bought 
a large tract of land there. One of the largest settlements was on 
Bear's Island, about twelve miles below Albany, to Smack's Island, and 
extended two days' journey inland. Afterward this estate was carried 
to the confluence of the Mohawk, and thus it was again extended. 
Another director acquired a vast quantity of land opposite Manhattan 



OLD WINE IN NEW BOTTLES. H9 

Island, and gave it the name of Hoboken — Hacking Island. This man 
afterward got the whole of Staten Island, and then the region where 
Jersey Cit)' now stands. Upon this estate the owner bestowed the name 
of Pavonia. 

The patroons were not satisfied to confine themselves to agriculture. 
They began a most profitable trading in peltries, so that the exports of 
Holland, in 1626, were valued at six thousand guilders. This, of 
course, was an infringement upon the rights of the Dutch Company, 
which drew up an order forbidding any one to deal in peltries, maize 
or wampum. The constant disputes which arose out of this greatly 
delayed the progress of New Netherland. 

The colony founded in Delaware, where Louiston now stands, was 
called Swaanendael, or the Valley of Swans, and here a curious thing 
happened. A pillar had been set up bearing the anns of Holland, in 
token of possession. This an Indian chief saw, and thinking it would 
make delightful pipes, took it down and proceeded to make it up into 
them. But to this piece of symbolical tin the Dutch attached a great 
deal of importance, and the officer left in charge of the colony fretted 
and fumed, with many high-sounding Dutch words, until the Indians, 
thinking that their chief had committed a terrible crime, put him to 
death in hopes of regaining the friendship of the Dutch. The officer 
explained then that his wild gestures and oaths had simply meant that 
he wished to have the chief reproved. The Indians were naturally out 
of patience to find that they had made such a sacrifice to so little a 
purpose, and soon after, a party scattered themselves through the town 
in a friendly manner, and then fell upon and murdered ever>' person at 
the post, leaving nothing but the ruins of the jurned houses. Peter 
Minuet, returning from Europe at this time, tliought best to make a 
treaty of peace with these Indians, and with the representatives of all 
other tribes which he met. He went to Janrestown instead of visiting 
the Dutch colony, which was at that time without a governor. 

A short time after this Wouter Van Twiller was sent over from 
Holland as Governor. He had married a niece of Van Rensselaer, the 
chief of the patroons, and came in much state and great finery. He 
had just got settled in his manor at New Amsterdam when an English 
vessel came into the harbor. The officers of the vessel dined with Van 
Twiller and his ceremonious Dutch friends, and made a great show of 
courtesy, but they coolly announced their intention of going up the 
river to trade with the Indians. Of course, all the Dutchmen fell into 
a rage. They swore that the English should not trespass upon their 



I20 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

grounds, and in a warlike fever caused the flag of Orange to be raised 
over the fort and saluted with three guns, while the English quietly 
sailed on their way up the stream. Van Twiller saw that more active 
measures would have to be taken, so he got all the people in the fort 
before his door and ordered a barrel of wine to be broiight out. 

Upon this he mounted and set the example to his men of drinking 
glass after glass in defiance of the Englishmen. In the meantime the 
English had sailed out of sight. Several days after a force of soldiers 
did go after the scornful Englishmen and compelled them to return, 
but the Governor's reputation was gone. 

Though the settlement at Manhattan was twenty years old, it was 
still little more than a trading post. The company seemed to sap its 
strength. The interest was not so much in the soil as the money that 
could be got out of the country. Some new houses had been built 
which were firm and siibstantial, and three great wind-mills had been 
erected. About one hundred soldiers were well quartered. A good 
church had been built and shops established by various tradesmen. 
But it was lacking in that appearance of permanence and domesticity 
which characterized the New England colonies. 

Nothing could have been more crooked than the streets. The 
houses were of wood, with gable ends built of small black and yellow 
bricks, brought over from Holland. The doors and windows were 
many, and the date of the building of the house was put in iron letters 
in the gable; frequently the name of the builder was added. The 
Hollanders were noted for their cleanliness. Indeed, the people of 
Holland were scrupulously clean, at a time when the most cultivated 
people of England were walking on dirty rushes and had not yet 
learned to clean out their courts. The Dutch in the New Netherlands 
spun linen as they had done in the old country, and heaped up their 
closets with it. Their silver and brass-ware was kept perfectly polished. 
The floors were covered with white sand, on which figures were traced 
with a broom. Their stately furniture had claw-feet of metal. The 
time was told by hour-glasses and sun-dials, and neither of the time- 
pieces were allowed to keep the pompous Dutchmen in a rush. They 
ate plenty and drank plenty, knew how to tell a good story and how to 
laugh at it, and were forever having betrothal feasts, wedding banquets 
and gala days. Christmas, as we celebrate it, is a custom introduced 
by the Dutch. They taught us how to make and exchange colored 
eggs at Easter, and but for them, we should never have had the practice 
of New Year's calling. They loved to smoke and to drink, and thei*- 



OLD WINE IN NEW BOTTLES. 121 

hospitality was ven- great. The reputation for this their descendants 
have never lost. Then, as now, the Dutch housekeepers were excellent 
cooks, and were especially noted for the delicious cakes and cookies 
which they made, and which ever^'one who went to their houses had to 
share with them. 

Though religion was not, as in Pl)-mouth, the object of their lives, 
they went to church steadily and held their "dominies" in high esteem. 
There was a great deal of comfort, but little money, and wampum or 
beaver skins were frequently used in the place of money. The women 
dressed as they had done in Holland, with short, bright-colored, quilted 
petticoats, and knitted stockings of bright gieen, purple, or red. About 
their heads were white muslin caps, beneath which their hair was 
plastered down with pomatum. The jDortly Dutchman — and they were 
all portly — wore coats of linsey-woolsey, with wide skirts and large 
buttons of brass or silver. They sported several pairs of knee breeches, 
one over the other, with long, knitted stockings and immense buckles at 
their knees and on their shoes. One of their chief industries was ship 
building. They were A-er}' proud of their vessels, and gave them 
remarkable names, such as ''The Angel Gabrier'' and '■'King Solomon.'''' 

Van Twiller became so ridiculous in his management of the New 
Netherlands that he was removed, and William Kieft, who aftervvard 
acquired the name of "William the Testy," was sent out. He found 
things in a very bad state. There had been altogether too much 
drinking, too much smoking of pipes and telling of stories. The walls 
of the fort were down, the houses in need of repairs, the work shops in 
a useless condition. William the Testy began to straighten out things 
at once, not as may be imagined in the most amiable way. The 
company had bought back Pavonia and the Valley of the Swans, and 
thus checked some of the abuses of the patroons' rule. Affairs reached 
a crisis, for the people were becoming impatient at having first one 
monopoly and then another over them, and, therefore, the council of 
nineteen, at Old Amsterdam, decided that each man should have as 
much land as he could properly cultivate, and the Dutchmen were given 
free passage to New Netherland. Affairs began to improve imme- 
diately, not only along Staten Island, but awaj' up to Albany. 

But with the English there had been many difficulties, and they 
were steadily encroaching upon the land claimed b\' the Dutch. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Davis' "History' of New Amsterda 



CHAPTER XVIIl. 



THE GOVERNMENT OF WILLIAM THE TESTY — TROUBLE WITH THE 

INDIANS — THE NIGHT ATTACK ON PAVONIA — REVENGE 

OF THE INDIANS — DISMISSAL OF KIEFT AND 

, ARRIVAL OF PETER STUYVESANT. 




<ILLIAM THE TESTY was no wiser in his 
treatment of the Indiaiis than in his government 
of the Dutch. The frauds of which the trades- 
men were constantly guilty were not checked by 
him, and the serious mistake was made of 
placing guns in their hands. The Mohawks were 
enabled to arm four hundred men. This made 
the other Indian tribes ver}' envious, and even while the 
Mohawks remained friendly, the other tribes were 
gradually becoming hostile. When at last, in 1640, a 
a tax was laid upon the Indians, exacting corn, 
wampum, and furs from them, the injustice was enough 
to bring about an open war. The Raritan Indians 
destroyed the settlement on Staten Island, in revenge 
for which William the Testy offered a bounty for the head of every 
Raritan which should be brought to him. Later in the year — this was 
in 1641 — a young Indian chief murdered a farmer in retaliation for the 
killing of his uncle. Another private murder was committed by an 
Indian, and these two crimes aroused the enmity of all of the Dutch 
settlements. At the same time, the people considered it wisest and 
best to use policy. Governor Kieft, however, had nothing politic in 
his nature. He wished to send out an armed force against the Indians, 
and would have done so immediately had the people not protested. 
The tribes at the lower part of the river were not a prey to the enmity 
of their white neighbors alone, but were constantly harassed by the 
powerful Mohawks. Man}' of tliem had to flee from the coast into 



KNICKERBOCKER DAYS. 1 23 

those dark and interminable forests which stretch westward. Some of 
these unhapp}' Indians at last had to take refuge with the whites, so 
merciless were their Indian foes, and by some of the whites they were 
treated with great kindness. But certain of the twelve selectmen of 
New Amsterdam insisted upon attacking the Indians at Pavonia, 
across the river; and, though the wiser men of the community tried to 
dissuade them from this action, an anned force was sent to fight them 
in the dead of night. Perhaps one thousand Indians in the encamp- 
ment were sleeping quietly in their tents. So sudden was the onslaught 
that the unfortunate victims believed that it was the Indians from 
Fort Orange who had fallen upon them, and some of them actually fled 
to the Dutch settlement for protection, only to learn who their true 
enemies were. 

One hundred and twenty Indians were murdered that night, with 
horrible and indescribable tortures. The limbs and arms were hacked 
from the little children. They were bound to boards, then cut to 
pieces. Some of them were thrown into the river to make their 
parents go after them, where they were kept at bay, by the muskets of 
the Dutch, until they were drowned. Those who escaped, and came 
out in the morning to beg for food, were killed in cold blood. Some 
were drowned, and some burned to death. The troops, marching back 
to the fort in the morning, were received with many praises. 

Then, over all the colonies, broke a wave of war and outrage. 
Everywhere in New Netherland, fanners were killed and wives and 
children carried away into a terrible imprisonment. Now and then a 
sort of a half peace was made, only to be broken — first on one side, 
and then on the other. Late in the summer the tribes on the 
Hudson Highlands began an open warfare, and made it impossible 
for trading boats to come up the river. Ann Hutchinson, the witty 
woman preacher, was killed near New Rochelle. Savages crept into 
the ver}' villages and murdered men in the twilight. The people had 
no longer any patience with Kieft. They felt that his terrible cruelty 
had been responsible for all this suffering. He appointed a council to 
help him decide upon this difficult matter; and, under this council, 
a large force of soldiers were armed and thoroughly drilled, with John 
Underbill at their head. John Underbill was a Massachusetts captain. 
A petition was sent to the states general of Holland for help — a 
petition eloquent with fear and suffering. Through the winter which 
followed, they lived in a terrible state of anxiety, crowded together at 
the southern end of the island, and being afraid to venture bevond their 



124 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

own doors. Occasionally, the Dutch would sally out and succeed in 
making a small skirmish, which only added to the Indians' hatred. 

There was a little settlement called Hempstead, on Long Island, where 
a number of English families were settled. These had been exceed- 
ingly annoyed by the Indians near them, and prayed that they might be 
protected by the Dutch. Consequently, one hundred and twenty 
soldiers made an attack on two Indian villages, which they sacked, 
killing more than one hundred braves, and carrying some to Manhattan, 
where they were tortured. 

Later, the little army marched through the snow-covered forests 
upon the prinr-pal village of the Long Island Indians. This they fired, 
and furnished light to do a most murderous deed. Only sixty-eight of 
seven hundred Indians escaped. The Dutch had fifteen men wounded. 
After this, the proud spirit of the Indians was broken, and, when a 
fresh force of one hundred and thirty soldiers was sent to New Nether- 
land, the Indians sulkily retreated to their forests. 

These soldiers were a terrible burden to the poverty-stricken settle- 
ment, and Kieft made the great mistake of taxing beer for their sup- 
port. This was the one thing under the sun which the Dutchmen 
would not have taxed, and they begged for Kieft's dismissal. They 
had to wait a whole year before their prayer was answered. In the 
meantime, the Indians lurked under the very palisades which they had 
built for their protection, and which stood on a line with the present 
Wall street, which, of course, took its name from that ancient fortifica- 
tion. The following spring the Indians signed a treaty of peace with the 
Dutch, and gathering iipon the spot still known as the Battery, smoked 
the pipe of peace with them. In the wars of the last few years sixteen 
hundred of the Indians had been killed, and nearly all of the Dutch 
settlements had been destroyed. In all the province there were no more 
than three hundred men capable of bearing arms, and the settlers 
prayed for a new Governor, who should bring to them peace and 
quietness. 

In the Connecticut valley, the English had steadily crowded upward, 
until Dutch control was gone. Fort Nassau, however, was still retained 
by the Dutch, and established as an important Indian trading post. 

On May 27, 1647, Peter Stuyvesant, the new Governor of the New 
Netherlands, arrived. He was an old soldier of bravery and experience, 
and lost a leg in his country's service. He wore, in the place of that 
tnember, a wooden leg bound with silver. The solemn burghers met 
him with uncovered heads, and he allowed them, it is said, to stand in 



'^T^ ?S» 




J^ O-.z-f^^- ^^^ .fc--^^^ . 



KNICKERBOCKER DAYS. 12/ 

the sun for several hours in this way, and seated himself with great 
ceremony while they remained standing. These king-like airs were 
not well received, but, in a short time, the honest vigor of the man 
began to be felt in the colony, and his very tyranny was in happy- 
contrast to the former governor's weakness. The men who had brought 
a complaint against Kieft were not sustained by Stuyvesant. He said 
it was treason to petition against magistrates, very wisely thinking that 
it would not do to allow such an example to pass unreproved, for 
he knew that he himself might soon meet with popular disfavor. The 
men who had complained of Kieft' s abuses were tried and condemned 
to suffer severe punishments 

The West India Company was no longer much interested in the 
colony, and left the severe and angry-natured Stuyvesant to do as he 
pleased. As for Kieft, he started to sail for Holland, but his ship was 
pounded to pieces on the Welsh rocks, and, at the last, he was seized 
with repentance for the murders which he had committed and the 
cruelty with which he had treated his friends. The two men who had 
been persecuted, because of their complaints against him to the 
Governor at Holland, were on the ship with him, and he called them to 
him, saying: "Friends, I have been unjust toward you; can you forgive 
me?" 

Governor Stuyvesant began to lay heavy taxes upon the people, and^ 
though in many ways they lived safely and well under him, with a 
sense of security in his finnness and courage, they nevertheless felt that 
he was an unjust Governor. He was assisted in his affairs by a board 
of nine men. These men were only allowed to advise the Governor. 
They could make no laws, and give no orders without his approval. 
One of the first things which Governor Stuyvesant tried to do, was to 
come to a pleasant understanding with the English; but though the 
English wrote polite letters, they were not inclined to remove their 
boundaries farther from the Dutch, and they even claimed that they 
held the first title to Long Island. Finally, a Dutch captain seized an 
English ship, and, against this high-handed act. Governor Eaton, of 
New Haven, protested vigorously. Henceforth, he and Governor 
Stuyvesant wrote hot and furious letters to each other, and the two 
Governors quarreled about things which school-boys might have been 
ashamed to get angry over. He got in disfavor with his own colonists 
at the same time, by putting a check upon their tradings with the 
Indians, for, in spite of his forbiddance, they sold the Indians arms and 
ammunition. It was through this cause that he got into his fierce 



128 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

quarrel with the }'oung patroon, Van Rensselaer, for the old patroon of 
that name was now dead. He could not well control a lord owning 
such vast extent of territory, and used to exercising such power, without 
getting into trouble. When the young patroon defied Stuyvesant's 
authority, the Governor sent a squad of soldiers to enforce it. These 
lie ordered to take stone and timber from the patroon' s land for the 
purpose of repairing the fortifications at Fort Orange, but the people of 
the village around about, who were loyal to the young lord, would not 
permit such intrusion, even from their great Governor, and, for once, 
Peter the Headstrong failed to have his way. So, with many jealousies 
and small envies, the next few years of the New Netherland colonies 
went on. Any one wishing to study the history of New York can find 
plenty, both amusing and instructive, in the pages of the old State 
chronicles, but, for one who wishes to take a broad and hasty view of 
national history, it is hardly worth while to linger over the foolish 
quarrels and pretensions of these Dutch burghers. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction — Cooper's "Water-Witch." 

J. H. Paulding's "The Dutchman's Fireside. 
"Woolfert's Roost" and "Rip Van Winlde," from 
Washington In-ing's "Sketch Book." 



CHAPTER XIX. 



)}p §Ih Ja^ ^0llbm$nl 



THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY COMPANY — THE TRIALS OF THE FIRST YEAR- 
ARRIVAL OF ROGER WILLIAMS — ^JOHN ELIOT — PERSECU- 
TION OF WILLIAMS — HIS SETTLEMENT 
AT PROVIDENCE. 



TNE of the most important colonies has not yet 
been spoken of, for, though it had much influence 
in forming the United States, it was not made 
until June, 1629, when the other settlements were 
well under way. Six vessels, with their crews, 
four hundred and six men, women and children, one 
hundred and forty head of cattle, forty goats, and a 
large quantity of provisions, tools, arms and building 
materials, left England, and arrived at Salem, Massa- 
chusetts. It will be remembered that a few rude 
buildings had been put here by people who, for one 
reason or another, saw fit to leave the colony at 
Plymouth. Like the Plymouth colony, this had a 
deep and dignified purpose, and for this reason it and 
the Plymouth colony are the best remembered and the most talked of to 
this day. These English wanderers did not come to make money. They 
came to worship God as they saw fit. They were Puritans. Not like the 
Puritans of Plymouth, pilgrims who had journeyed from one place to 
another, but people who had protested against the practices of the 
Established Church of England and who had found it necessary to seek 
the new land if they wished to live the life of their liking. They had 
come out under the royal patent of the Massachusetts Bay Company, 
which had been formed at Dorchester. John Endicott was made 
Governor. He was a stern man, who, having made up his mind that 
a certain thing was best to do, never yielded or gave way. He showed no 




130 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

merc}' toward any one who broke his rules. He was very honorable a.nd 
straightforward, but he wished everyone to be of his way of thinking. 
This was shown by his treatment of the Reverend Ralph Smith, one of 
the several ministers who came over in the fleet. It is hard to find in 
what small particular Mr. Smith differed from his fellows, but he had 
some shade of belief which did not agree with their' s, and he was not 
suffered to stay in the colony, but was obliged to take his family and go 
to Nantasket, where he became so poor and underwent such hardships 
that the Ph-mouth people took pity on him and invited him to their 
settlement. Before the colony had been established six weeks, a day of 
fasting and prayer was held. One of the ministers who had come over 
to aid as counsel to Endicott was chosen pastor, and another teacher. 
A delegation was invited from Plymouth to witness the ceremony of 
establishing the government of the colony. The ver}- life and conver- 
sation of men was to be subject to the rules laid down. The book of 
common prayer, belonging to the Church of England, was discarded, 
and a covenant was set up according to directions found in the New 
Testament. 

It was hard to get all of the ministers who came over as counsel, to 
agree. One of them went back to England, as he could not approve of 
the m^ethods of the Reformed Church. Two of his followers, John and 
Samuel Brown, men of a good deal of importance, would have nothing 
to do with the new church, but called about them all who still had 
sympathy with the Church of England, and held separate meetings, 
worshiping after the Episcopalian method. Of course, Endicott would 
have none of this. He summoned the Browns before him. The 
Browns held, that if men had come to America to escape intolerance, 
they should not be persecuted because of their religion, but the 
ministers held that they had come because they wished to escape' the 
sinful corruptions of the church, and the Browns were sent back 
to England. Thus the Massachusetts Bay colon}- showed at the first, 
why it was started, and how it intended to govern. It did not wish to 
be governed by the council in London, nor looked after by a corrupt 
church, and a still more corrupt court. They therefore begged for 
a transfer of government, and in the course of a few weeks they were 
allowed to become an independent colony. This showed great courage 
and force of character, for the protection of the King was thought by 
all but these men to be a great thing. 

Endicott and his friends had the pluck to take matters upon their 
own shoulders. It was necessar}' now to make new appointments, and 



THE OLD BAY SETTLEMENT. 13I 

John Winthrop was elected Governor, with six men as council. John 
Winthrop was a lawyer of good birth, with quite a fortune for that day. 
He had a gentle nature and great tenderness of heart, though he did 
not lack in firmness. He was in England at the time of his election, 
but sailed immediately for Salem. He found the colony had suffered 
from the experiences which met most settlers during their first winter 
in America. Eighty of them had died, and they had many tales of woe 
to tell. Within a short time one thousand persons followed Winthrop 
to Salem. Settlements were made at many places along the coast, and 
quite a large one at Charlestown. Winthrop thought it best to 
strengthen his hold on the possessions of the colony by settling all 
along the coast. Some of them went up the Charles, and the beginnings 
of Dorchester, Medford, Watertown, Cambridge, Roxbur}', Lynn and 
Charlestown were made. Boston Common was settled on because of 
the excellent spring of water there, and Ann Pollard, a merry young 
girl, was the first person, according to tradition, to leap ashore where 
Boston now stands. 

There was a great deal of sickness in all of these settlements — 
partly from want of proper shelter, partly from the malaria, which 
always comes with the clearing of ground, and more than all, from the 
want of a variety of wholesome food. In Salem, some had reached such 
a bad condition that a day of fasting and prayer was ordered. Their 
prayers seemed to meet with prompt answer, for Captain William 
Pierce, who had made so many journeys over the Atlantic, appeared at 
the right moment with a large supply of provisions. On that ship was 
a man named Roger Williams. Williams was a young man about thirty 
years of age. On all subjects he was thoroughly radical. The condi- 
tion of his mind then was like that of most iVmericans now. He 
believed that every man had a right to do a thing in his own way. He had 
no respect for anything simply because it was established and approved 
of by the majority. He must have been an attractive young fellow, 
with a good deal of personal magnetism. Governor Winthrop liked 
him very well, but he shocked the Governor by his out-spoken ways. 
He was invited to act as teacher of the Boston church, but upon 
examination it was found that he did not agree with their religious 
beliefs. That ended it, of course. He would not even join the church, 
because the members would not openly express their repentance for ever 
having communed with the Church of England. He held, too, that 
the magistrate had no right to punish a breach of the Sabbath, and that 
civil government and religious government should not be confounded. 



132 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

His eloquence was attractive, and he was chosen minister of the Boston 
church, in spite of these heresies. Endicott, down at Salem, heard of 
this, and gave them no peace until he was driven from the church and 
had taken refuge at Plymouth. Governor Bradford had no fault to find 
with hiui, and he did much active work in the course of the next year. 

Little by little the Massachusetts Bay colony grew into a common- 
wealth. It is true that it had enemies. There was one gay Sir 
Christopher Gardiner, who laid conspiracies against Winthrop, but he 
was finally arrested and sent back to England. Morton, of Merriment, 
had never forgotten the time when Endicott had grimly marched over 
and pulled down his May-pole, around which he and his hard-drinking 
friends were dancing with a company of Indian girls. This was a little 
colony called Merrimont, of which Morton was the leading spirit. 
Captain Standish had been obliged to take this man prisoner for his 
disorderly conduct, and to send him over to England in the custody of 
John Oldham, who had worked himself into favor with the Puritans 
again. Sir Ferdinando Gorges also quarreled with the Massachusetts 
Bay Company about patents, and the Browns were still sulky, but none 
of these did the colony any great harm. The ministers largely con- 
trolled matters, and to be a good citizen, according to the status of the 
colony, was also to be religious. 

One of these reverend gentlemen, John Eliot, of Roxbury, was 
renowned for his saintliness of character, and the work he did among 
Indians. For years he studied the Indian dialects, and was finally able 
to preach to them in their own tongtie. He made an entire translation 
of the Bible into the Indian tongue, one of the most important philo- 
logical works ever published in the United States. Copies of it are 
still extant, and sell at fabulous prices to collectors of Americana. He 
converted a whole tribe of Indians, who were known afterward as the 
praying Indians, and for whom the rest of the savages had a great 
contempt. Eliot's work was very difficult. The Indian was strangely 
lacking in moral sense, and it was necessary to teach him many things, 
which an European would know by instinct, about matters of right and 
wrong. Even the colonists seem not to have thought very well of the 
praying Indians. They preferred to have the native left in his savage 
state. 

Another minister of especial note was John Cotton, a man of such 
winning and triumphant eloquence that he influenced all who cime 
near him. After a time Roger Williams came back to Salem, and 
immediately got into trouble. Governor Bradford, his friend, was 



THE OLD BAY SETTLEMENT. 1 33 

bound to admit that Roger had some vety strange ways of thinking and 
acting, and he warned the church at Salem against him. But the 
young man was so attractive that he overcame prejudices of this sort, 
and the Salem brethren took him into the church, where he began 
prophecying. His prophecies were not liked by the Salem people, and 
they arrested him for a treatise which he had written while in Ply- 
mouth, relating to the Indian title to the country, for he did not believe 
in the expulsion of the Indians. Nothing could be proved to his harm, 
however, on that charge. But Mr. Williams could not keep quiet. 
He certainly had very peculiar ideas. He convinced all of the women 
that it was immodest for them to go out of their houses unless they 
were veiled. Very naturally this was approved of neither by young 
men nor old men, and Mr. Cotton, the melting preacher, was called 
upon to persuade the wives and virgins that it was not necessary for 
them to hide their fair faces. Mr. Cotton went further, and repeated 
his sennon in the Boston lecture course, where Endicott fiercely got up 
and quarreled with him on the subject, and the debate got so hot that 
the Governor had to put a stop to it. Endicott was a fervid follower of 
Williams by this time. He went around looking everywhere for signs 
of anti-Christ, and actually cut St. George's cross out of the flag of 
England one time when he found it in Salem streets. The English 
soldiers very naturally refused to march after a flag which had been 
shorn of its sign of victory, and Endicott' s rash act made such a disturb- 
ance among the soldiers that he was dismissed from the council, and it 
was some time before he was readmitted. 

Williams and his friends asked the council for a grant of land at 
Marblehead, but it was not granted them. It was the first time that a 
church had been refused land to build on, and, of course, it only 
strengthened Roger Williams' following. Endicott's protest was so wild 
that he was imprisoned until he was ready to apologize. Williams was 
accused of unheard-of heresies. He held that the State had no right to 
meddle with a man's conscience or religioiis opinions. He was right, 
but he was also disagreeable. He would not bend to the advice of the 
court, nor take the warnings of the other ministers, and he was finally 
banished, though he was allowed to remain in town until spring. 
There was an attempt to put him on board a ship and send him to 
England, but he escaped and fled to the woods. There he lived, on the 
best of tenns with the Indians, for whom he had a great respect and 
affection. His dealings with them were upon a basis of equality'. 
Canonicus, chief of the Narragansetts, gave Williams a large tract of 



134 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

land, but the generous minister kept little for himself, and he gave 
away his lands to all that he thought in want. The place where he 
lived he called Providence, in his gratitude to God for having escaped 
from his enemies. 

Many persons persecuted for their religious beliefs in the different 
colonies came to live with him. Among these was Ann Hutchinson, a 
woman with a high sense of humor and of independence, who had 
mimicked some of the dry old preachers in Boston, and had drawn about 
her a number of people fond of a more simple. and straightforward 
doctrine. Ann Hutchinson, although she is almost forgotten, was one 
of the most remarkable women of the early history of this country. 
The new colony, after much trouble, obtained a charter under the name 
of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Never was there a more 
radical man than Roger Williams. The laws of his colony were based 
upon a plan of perfect religious toleration. He held that the most 
Paganish, Jewish, Turkish or anti-Christian conscience should be pro- 
tected in his colony. Such a thing was unheard of. It was new to the 
world. Thus was Rhode Island settled. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Arnold's "Rhode Island." 
Fiction — Miss SedgTvick's "Hope Leslie." 
Holland's "Bay Path." 
Longfellow's "Rhyme of Sir Christopher." 



CHAPTER XX. 



;\t \mn^u of SiuiiiHiintt. 



THE AMERICAN INDIAN — THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BLOCK ISLAND 
INDIANS — THE EXTINCTION OF THE PEQUOT TRIBE— 
THE FEDERATION OF THE ENGLISH 
--^ COLONIES 




HE white man's first business in America was to 
.\^ destroy the forests. Before he could build him a 
home he laid his axe at the foot of a tree. From 
the very first, he showed how he diifered from the 
Indian, for the Indian lived in the forest; he wished 
to preserve it. The game in it was his means of 
livelihood. The wilder the streams, the better the 
fishing, and the only sort of warfare which he knew had 
to be conducted in the solitudes and fastnesses of the 
woods. His superstition had made it holj' to him ; his 
loves had made it dear, and from the first, the most 
thoughtful of the Indians had looked with great dread 
upon the growing power of the white man, and wondered 
if it could be possible for two nations so different in 
ever\-thing to live together in harmony. In the begin- 
ning, although the Indian was subtile in his dealings with his enemies, 
lie was true to his friends. He had the naturalness of a child. When 
he gave his word, he could be trusted. He could endure pain with a 
bravery only eqtialed by the old heroes of Sparta. In him was a lo\-e 
of liberty that centuries of injustice has not been able to crush, and in 
certain directio;is his mind was trained in a manner unequaled by any 
except the mystics of Asiatic India. He knew every sign of the forest, 
and the most timid animal had no match for his cunning. The soli- 
tudes were an open book to him, and the best power of his intellect was 
spent in evoh-ing a philosoph)' from its pages. He held mental and 
moral qualities in high esteem, and was willing himself to do but little 
manual labor, leaving that for the women of his tribe. Few nation? in 



136 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the world have been found so swift of foot, so keen of sight and hearing, 
and so clever in detecting signs which no others might see. He was 
not without imagination or poetry, and for him, mountains, woods, lakes 
and streams were filled with spirits, good and bad, who watched over his 
destiny, or thwarted him in his ambitions. His life satisfied him, and 
so did his religion. It is not strange that the religion which the 
Englishmen offered him in place of his own was received with coldness. 

The lives of the Puritans did not set a good example to the Indians. 
Crimes of a certain nature were very frequent among them, and it is 
certain that the Christians did not teach the Indians honesty. Too 
much theology and too little religion naturally confused the Indian as 
to what the Christian faith really was, so when they saw themselves 
being driven inland, mile after mile, they knew that it meant the 
extinction of their race. They were forced to leave behind them the 
places which they cherished with a love almost fierce in its nature. 
The places where their dead lay buried, the monuments to which, day 
by day, the children added a stone, must all be left behind. The sea 
was no longer theirs. They saw that in a short time there would be 
nothing for them to do but march toward the setting sun, leaving the 
beloved sea behind them. 

This brooding hatred and distrust had its results. Captain Oldham 
had once more been taken into the favor of the Puritans, and when liis 
boat was found drifting at sea, with a band of Indians upon it and his 
dead body on the deck, the colonists made up their minds to reveuge 
his death; so in August of 1636, nearly one hundred men, in five small 
vessels, .sailed from Boston to Block Island — for it was the Block Island 
Indians who had murdered Oldham. In command of this expedition 
was John Endicott, the sternest Puritan of them all. To land at Block 
Island, even in fair weather, was a difficult thing. To do it in a 
heavy wind was a most dangerous one. Any seaman would shrink 
from it, but the Boston force did it in the midst of a shower of arrows 
from the Indians. The invaders stayed upon the island two days, laying 
waste the two hundred acres of land under cultivation, burning the 
maize already harvested, as well as the wigwams and all their furniture. 
Not one of the Englishmen was harmed, but such of the Indians as 
were left alive remained upon the island without shelter or food, or 
canoes in which to escape. Most of them perished wretchedly, but a 
few must have lived, because much later than this, the Indians of Block 
Island are referred to. 

Endicott took his men to the mainland near the mouth of what is 



THE RAVAGES OF CIVILIZATION. 1 37 

now the Thames river. Proud of his victor}' over the Block Islanders, 
he wished to take revenge upon the Pequot Indians, for their murder of 
a Puritan named Stone. He asked that the Pequot chief be brought to 
him, but the chief would not come, and the Englishmen and Indians 
had some engagements, in which the Indians suffered severely. After 
burning the Indian villages, Endicott's men coasted on up to the mouth 
of the Connecticut river, where there was a fort imder the command of 
Captain Lion Gardiner, who was much distressed when Endicott stopped 
there. He had tried to keep on friendly terms with the Indians, and was 
much more afraid of starving to death than of being killed. Events 
show that Gardiner was right. The Indians were greatly irritated and 
were detennined to be revenged for the injustice done to the Block 
Islanders. They came upon the English at all sorts of unexpected 
places, and destrojed a large part of the corn which Gardiner had 
planted. It was hardly safe for the men to venture without the fort, 
for the Indians lurked about it constantly — never seen, bitt frequently 
felt. Cattle were killed or stolen, and the settlements near were greatly 
harassed. Wen went to church carr^'ing their weapons in their hands, 
and were afraid to labor in their own yards. Both men and women 
were fallen upon in the fields and murdered or carried into captivity. 
Had the Indians wished, they might have exterminated the English. 

Roger Williams saw the great danger. No man knew better than 
he the strength and qualities of the people on both sides. His diplomacy 
alone prevented a concerted attack by all the Indian tribes upon the 
colonies. Governor Winthrop and the rest were very glad to receive 
help from the man whom they had driven out in the dead of night and 
of winter because of his daring to differ from them. The efforts of 
Williams secured the friendship of the Narragansetts, who had long 
been enemies of the Pequots. The Massachusetts General Court 
decided at their May meeting to go to the help of the people in the 
Connecticut valley. They knew that the red cloud of war might sweep 
on to Massachusetts. Feeling that it was a common peril, the Bay 
people called upon Plymouth for help, but Plymouth held back. She 
had certain quarrels to pick with the Bay government. Both Massa- 
chusetts and Plymouth could take time to think. They were not — like 
the dwellers on the plantation of the Connecticut — being murdered in 
their beds, by their well-sweeps, and in their doorways" 

But in May, a force of ninety men, under the charge of Captain 
John Mason, sailed from Hartford for Fort Saybrook. Here they were 
joined by the friendly Uncas, the great Mohegan chief, with a body of 



138 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Indians. Mason decided to attack the Pequots in the rear, although this 
was in disobedience to the orders of the general court. In pursuance of 
this plan, Mason left the fort and bore away for Narragansett Bay. The 
Pequots thought he was retreating, and late into the night they sang 
and boasted that their superior numbers had put the woman-hearted 
Englishmen to flight. But Mason landed near the entrance of Narra- 
gansett Bay, and marched eighteen or twenty miles distant on the 
Pequot frontier. The Narragansetts had a fort here, and Mason was 
anxious to make sure of their friendship. On the 25th of May the 
little army made the tedious march through the woods, with little to eat 
and less to drink, and encamped at night at the head of the Mystic 
river. Near that was the principal Pequot fort, crowded with men, 
women and children. 

Verj' early in the morning, when the east was first streaked with 
light, Mason awoke his men. Uncas, the Mohegan chief, guided them 
near to the palisaded village. There seemed to have been no sentinels 
about the fort, and, but for the barking of a dog, the Indians would not 
have known that the Englishmen were upon them. A part of ^Mason's men 
rushed in on one side, and the rest upon the other. The Indians could 
do but little, and, mad with terror, tried to rush for the woods, but there 
was little chance of escape. Mason was not satisfied with the rapid work 
that guns and swords were doing, but cried, "we must burn them," 
and snatching a brand from one of the smouldering fires at which the 
evening meal had been prepared, thrust it among the dead leaves that 
carpeted the wigwams. Some of the Indians, rather than die at the hands 
of their hated enemies, ran with a pride past all taming into the flame? 
and perished there. Others, seeing that their wives and children could not 
escape, threw themselves upon the swords of the Englishmen, who 
stood in an unbroken circle around the village, and behind whom was a 
yet sterner and more cruel company of their own countrj'men. 

It was hardly an hour from the time of the attack when the burned 
and bleeding bodies of nearly seven hundred Indians lay among their 
smoking wigwams. Only two of the English were killed. 

There was another Indian village belonging to the Pequots not many 
miles distant, and in this there were still three hundred and fifty warriors. 
A handful of men had escaped the morning massacre, and flying to this 
village, told their countrymen the particulars of the morning slaughter. 
Mad with sorrow and anger, these were soon upon the trail of the 
English. Mason's men, exhausted with the terrible fight, a third of 
them wounded, and all suffering from hunger and the intense thirst which 



THE RAVAGES OF CIVILIZATION. 139 

follows such excitement, were in a very weakened condition, but they 
were able to repulse the Indians, and in the course of the day were met 
b}' a reinforcement of forty men from Boston. 

The Pequots were now the enemies of all the other tribes of Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut, for the Narragansetts and Mohegans allied 
themselves with the stronger side. This the Indians always did in war- 
fare. So the Pequots were hunted mercilessly through the forests. 
The)- hid themselves in rocks, and caves, and bushes, and wherever 
they were found they were killed. The worst of it was that they were 
seldom killed immediately, but were tortured in the most terrible ways. 
Twent)- )oung Englishmen sometimes pulled the legs and arms of an 
Indian from their sockets by sheer brutal force. Few of the women 
and children were killed, but were sent to the West India Islands as 
slaves. In Jul}-, the remnant of this tribe were ensnared in a swamp. 
Here they fought like wild beasts, with the ferocity of despair, but 
most of them were killed or taken prisoners, and such as were left met 
with a fate still more hateful to them. They were permitted to become 
either Mohegans or Narragansetts, and lost their individuality as a tribe. 
They were a brave race of warriors, and their pitiable downfall and 
overthrow cannot but touch the heart of any who admire courage and 
patriotism. A few who fled to the Mohawks were treacherously killed, 
and their scalps sent to Governor Winthrop as a sign of Mohawk friend- 
ship. 

The Pequot war lasted five months. This great tribe, numbering 
over one thousand warriors, was extinguished by a force of two hun- 
dred Englishmen. It is true that the Narragansetts and Mohegans had 
helped them, but they were never to be relied upon. There is no more 
striking proof of the superiority of civilized warfare. 

After this, for many years, the Indians of Connecticut were subdued. 
They were sometimes annoying, but seldom dangerous, and while the 
Dutch were suffering all the terrors of Indian conflict, the New 
England settlements remained for forty years in a state of comparative 
peace. 

The heavy expense of this war had fallen upon the people of the 
Connecticut valley, and the colony was badly in debt. Its strongest 
and best men had been called to military service, leaving the women to 
look after the farms, and it seemed £3 if there might be a great lack of 
food for the coming winter. Active measures had to be taken to 
prevent this, ana every kernel of corn was carefully gathered and 
preserved. Companies of home soldiers were well drilled at every 
9 



140 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

settlement, and the young colon)- had begun to feel its strength 
and firmness so well now that within eighteen months from this time 
the new government adopted a constitution. This constitution was 
very simple and eloquent, and said that the people of Connecticut 
recognized no allegiance to any other power, not even that of England. 
It constituted a popular government, in which all the freemen were 
equal before the law, promising to maintain the liberty of the gospel of 
our Lord Jesus. 

For two hundred years this was the basis of the law of Connecticut. 
John Haynes and Edward Hopkins served as Governors for many years, 
sometimes one and sometimes the other holding the position. The life 
of every man and woman in the community was carefully watched by 
the magistrate, and no license of speech was pennitted. No one was 
allowed to say what he or she thought about the minister's last sennon, 
or allowed to laugh at the peculiarities of his or her neighbors. From 
the ver\' strictness of the laws, now and then some man or woman 
broke out into a strange frenzy of viciousness or crime, which would be 
seldom heard of in a less severe community, where light amusements 
and diversions are allowed. The stern monotony of life seemed 
to make the heart prey upon itself, and the people broke into vice to 
supply the necessary excitement. In 1643 ^ confederation was made, 
embracing Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut and New Haven. 
Their distance from each other was so great that it was not practical to 
have a single government for them all, but they had desired to link the 
English plantations together, that they might defend themselves against 
the people of several nations and strange languages who were settling 
around them. England, occupied with her own troubles, could pay 
little attention to her colonies, so they looked for no further help from 
the home country'. The main object of this confederation was an 
offensive and defensive league in case of war. In all other things each 
colony held the right of self-government. This was the genn of the 
Federal Union, which has grown great among the nations as the United 
States of America. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Penshallow's "Indian Wars in New England." 
Biography— Winthrop's "Life and Letters ' 

Fiction— L. M. Child's "First Settlers of New :^Dgland." 



CHAPTER XXI. 



THE RELIGIOUS LAW OF BOSTON — GORTON AND HIS BELIEFS — THE 

SETTLEMENT AT SHEWANET — PERSECUTION OF THE GORTON- 

ITES — PERSECUTION OF THE BAPTISTS — THE OBTAINING 

OF A ROYAL CHARTER FOR RHODE ISLAND AND THE 

PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 

ro 




HE Boston people had come to America to worship 
God in what they believed to be the right way. 
If that was the right way, all other ways must be 
wrong, and they allowed no one to differ from 
them in the smallest shade of belief When Ann 
Hutchinson was driven from among them, they 
had hoped that all these ' 'notable errors' ' of belief were 
done with, and that God would reward them with con- 
tinued peace for driving such heresies from their 
midst. Indeed, they believed that God dev'oted the 
most of His time and attention to them, and the mis- 
fortunes of all others were counted to their own glor>'. 
If any one who had opposed them or criticised them 
fell sick or met with misfortune, they believed it another 
sign of the Lord's care. To be a citizen, it was first 
necessary to be a member of the church, and the court 
of justice was little more than a religious examining seat. If any one 
made remarks upon the preached word or showed any contempt of the 
preacher, he was called a ' 'Wanton Gospeller, ' ' and stood for two hours 
openly upon a block four feet high, on a lecture day, with a paper on 
his breast with "A Wanton Gospeller" written thereon in capital 
letters. It was this firm belief in their own righteousness which caused 
the people of Boston to persecute so many people at diiferent times on 
account of religious differences. 

One of the men who suffered most from this unforgiving spirit was 



142 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Samuel Gorton. No one of a later day was able to tell just what this 
man believed, but it was certain that he believed something different 
from the people around him. He was one of the early settlers of 
Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and was given to advertising new theories, 
and to standing by them in a manner not so wise as it w?.s determined. 
He visited both Boston and Plymouth, and while at Plymouth got into 
his first fight with the authorities because he defended a servant of his 
own family who so far forgot herself as to smile in church, and who was 
therefore declared to be a heretic. At length he was driven out, 
and, very naturally, went to Acquidneck, Roger Williams' settlement, 
■where everyone was welcomed. In the year 1641, Gorton bought land 
at Pawtuxet. This was where Cranston now stands, and was within 
the bounds of Providence. Of the people of Providence,* Governor 
Winthrop had a very poor opinion. He said that some of them were 
against the baptizing of infants, and that others denied all magistracy, 
and claimed that Gorton was their captain. 

Roger Williams managed to keep them (the Gortonites) peaceful for 
a time, but at length arguments waxed so hot between them and their 
neighbors that blows followed. A man named Arnold, and a dozen 
others, appealed to Massachusetts for aid against Gorton and his friends, 
•who seemed to have had certain socialistic ideas in regard to land, ver}' 
offensive to people used to complicated government. Boston, however, 
refused to send help to the people of Pawtuxet, since they did not live 
imder the government of Massachusetts, as both parties had found 
Boston so little to their liking that they had run away from it. They 
were not willing to submit themselves to its government again even to 
win their point, but at length the quarrels grew so hot that they sent 
again to Boston for help. This appeal was sent out by four men, of 
whom Arnold was one. These four men submitted themselves to 
Boston, with their lands and possessions, and as these were very 
desirable, Boston consented to give them help. Having got the lands 
in this cheap way, the Massachusetts magistrates gave the four men 
leave, if they had a just title to anything which Gorton and his friends 
possessed, to proceed against them in court. This they did immediately, 
the case being, of course, decided in favor of Arnold and his friends. 
By this ver)- simple method, Massachusetts gained possession of that 
beautiful garden of the Narragansett. 

There were about twelve men of the Gorton party, and these imme- 
diately deserted their homes and gardens in Pawtuxet, and moved away 
in search of a new place. They settled about twelve miles south 



THE PRIDE OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 14J 

of Providence, calling their settlement Sliewanet. Before going there 
Samuel Gorton sent a remarkable letter to the Boston magistrates, 
which set forth all of their religious beliefs. The magistrates seemed to 
know what it meant, for they found twenty-six blasphemous particulars 
in it, though no one since has been able to tell what Gorton's theology 
was. The land at Sliewanet was bought of Miantonomo, the young: 
sachem of the Narragansetts, and it was so far from the settlement 
of any one else that they hoped they might be left in peace, but Arnold 
was not the man to let a personal matter drop so quietly, and he 
induced the Indians to say that they had been forced to sign the deed 
giving title to Gorton's people, and two small sachems, who were hired 
to tell this lie, were received as subjects of the Massachusetts govern- 
ment. That these two new subjects might be properly protected, the 
twelve men of Sliewanet were asked to appear before the general court 
at Boston. This, Gorton and his friends refused to do, and the colony" 
sent back a threat which showed the Shewanet people that they were iit 
danger of their 'lives. A band of soldiers and Indians charged uport 
the village, and the troops did not disdain to level their muskets u^jon 
women and children. Some of the people ran for the woods; others 
waded out into the river to reach a boat, which some Providence people, 
in pit3' for their condition, had brought to the place. Though none of 
them died at the time, a number died afterward from the exposure and 
suflfering. The men had not supposed that the Boston troops would 
trouble their wives and children, and had fortified themselves in one of 
their log houses. They stood the siege for several days, but without firing 
a shot — for they did not believe in the shedding of blood. Their 
houses were pillaged, their cattle driven off, and their wives and 
children, who lurked in the woods near by, were fired at. 

At length the Gorton men promised they would yield, and go to 
Massachusetts to be tried, if they could go as free men, and not as 
prisoners. This the soldiers promised, but as soon as they got in the 
house, the arms were taken from the Gorton men and they were marched 
off as captives. In Boston, they were received as if they were the most 
dangerous and dreadful men. 

The clergymen called the people together in the open streets to. 
thank God for his goodness in giving them the victory, and Governor 
Winthrop went out and publicly blessed the soldiers. The trial lasted 
four days, and the elders declared that the oflense of these men was 
deserving of death, but the large body of the delegates would not 
permit this sentence. The men were imprisoned. The winter tlie^ 



144 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Spent in jail did not, however, keep their doctrines from spreading, and 
and at length Governor Winthrop thought it best to set them free. 
Within three days, however, they were told to depart out of the town 
before noon. They had nothing to do once more but to take to the 
wilderness, where they lived among the Indians. In time they succeeded 
in getting from King Charles a document which let them pass safeh* 
through any town of New England, and which gave them an order for 
the grounds at Shewanet, from which they had been evicted by Arnold 
and his friends. Of course, they had much trouble in carrying this 
into effect. The Earl of Warwick was the president of the Board of 
Commissioners who had seen to the rights of the Gorton party, and in 
gratitude Shewanet was named Warwick. Warwick became a part of 
Providence plantation under a charter got by Roger Williams, in 1644. 
This charter Williams carried to Boston and made them recognize its 
power, but they treated him w'ith no more friendliness there than they 
did before. He did not need to mind, however, when he was received 
at home with so much love. When the people heard that he was 
returning, the river was crowded with canoes, and the people gathered 
iipon the banks to welcome him. This charter gave to the people of 
the Providence plantations full power and authority to govern and rule 
themselves, and all others who came within their boundaries. It was 
the first colonial charter of the sort that had ever been given. When 
the first general assembly met under it at Portsmouth, the)- declared 
that the form of government established in Providence plantations was 
democratic; that is to say, a government held by the free and voluntarv 
consent of all, or the greater part of the free inhabitants. It granted 
to ever}' one absolute freedom of conscience. 

By this tinie political parties had begun to be felt in America. 
Men who had been Whigs and Tories in England, were Whigs and 
Tories here, and this declaration of democrac}' greatly offended the rov- 
alist party, who thought it an insult to the King. Some of these asked 
to be luiited to Massacliusetts, but were refused unless they would allow 
that their land came within the Plymouth patent. This, of course, 
they would not do. It came about in time that a royal charter was 
obtained from Charles II, after he was restored to the throne, which 
imited Rhode Island and the Providence plantations. The events which 
led to this are interesting, and form another chapter in that marvelous 
book of religious persecutions which go to make up so great a part in 
colonial history. 

The Re\erend John Clark was one of the most popular citizens of 



THE PRIDE OF THE RIGHTEOUS. ^45 

Rhode Island, and tlie pastor of the Baptist Church at Newport. The 
Baptists were one of the exiled sects who had come within the protec- 
tion of Roger Williams' strong arm. Holmes and Crandall were also 
Baptist ministers, and these three went together to Lynn, in Massa- 
chusetts, to visit one of their faith who was old, sick and blind, and had 
desired to see them. While they were visiting this old man they held 
divine service in his house, and were arrested by constables for daring 
to preach the despised religion on JNIassachusetts territor}'. Tbey were 
sent to the Boston jail until the court set, and, after ten days' confinement 
there, were found guilty of being Baptists. They were sentenced either 
to be whipped or pay a fine, and when they asked what they had been guilty 
of, Endicottreplied that they denied infant baptism, and John Wilson, the 
pastor of the Boston Church, so lost his temper that he struck Holmes. 
Friends paid the fine of Clark and Crandall, but Holmes' conscience 
would not allow him to be released that he might escape a painful 
punishment, so he was led out of the prison into the presence of the 
people to be whipped. The coat which he had put on with much 
neatness, that he might look worthy of the Lord, was taken from him, 
and he was given thirty strokes with a three-corded whip. When the 
sheriff had finished, and even the hardest-hearted of the bystanders 
turned sick at the sight of his bleeding back, he turned smilingly to 
the magistrates by, and said: "You have struck me as with roses." 

The political quarrels of the different towns of the Providence 
plantations had weakened their government, but the manner in which 
these Providence preachers had been treated determined them to see to 
their rights in the future, that they might be able to retaliate with 
proper force should Massachusetts interfere in this way again. Clark 
was sent to England to obtain the royal charter, which he did after 
working and waiting for several years. 

FOR FURTHER RE.^^DING: 
Biography— Spark's "'Gorton." 

Fiction— J. Bauvard's "PrisciUa." 

Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter " 



CHAPTER XXII. 

il^rougl^ fnln la ymu. 



1*HE QUAKERS — THEIR PERSECUTION GEORGE FOX AND HIS FRIENDS 

— MARY FISHER AND ANN AUSTIN — THE 
<^ -^QUAKER CHILDREN. 




7 



L l^\^HE Boston church seemed to feel for a while that 
it had done its duty, but after a time some 
strange people were found in their midst, who 
were called Quakers. Once i:iore the church 
was up in arms. It wanted to know who the 
Quakers were. They found that the)' were the followers 
of George Fox, a man who mingled much poetic 
mysticism with the stern and self-denying religion. It is 
said that he had the power of perceiving evil thoughts 
in others, and could not pass by a wicked person 
without stopping to point out the path of reform. His 
own life was beautifully pure and sanctified, and it was 
certain that he could read minds and influence people 
as it is given to only a few to do in this world. The 
doctrine of the Friends, as the followers of Fox were called, was to 
be at peace with all the world, to put aside vanities and show, to trust 
to the guidance of the inner spirit, and to put scholarship and holiness 
above gain in all cases. They used no titles, and would not permit 
steeples on their churches, and dressed in plain garb of uniform color, 
in protest against all the gay ruffling and slashing which they saw in the 
streets of England, where Fox was born. Plainness of speech, as well 
as plainness of dress, was held to. Fox dressed in a suit of leather, but 
it may not have been so much to be different from other men as for the 
convenience of having one durable suit to wear upon his long journeys, 
and to keep out the damp and cold of the many dungeons in which he 
was placed. One of the things which most irritated the magistrates 
was the habit which the Quakers had of continually wearing their hats, 
believing that they should pay no more honor to one person than 



THROUGH PAIN TO PEACE. 149 

another, and that it was a waste of time and sense to keep up so foolish 
a ceremony. The Friends insisted upon speaking in the churches, and 
interrupting the ministers when they overheard a remark to which they 
could not give their support. They believed that they had a call to 
bear their "message" into the verj' strongholds of their adversaries, and 
sometimes launched speeches against them so fiercely that it is little 
wonder that the Puritan ministers were irritated, especially as the 
Quakers objected to their receiving any money for their services. The 
fight they made against "hireling religion" was very bitter. The 
personal life of the Quakers was thoroughly pure. Indeed, to such a 
high strain did their minds grow, that it is difl5cult for any one in this 
busy and more commonplace age, to appreciate the ferv^or and beauty 
of their visions, their sacrifices, and their prophesies. 

The Friends were first called Quakers by Justice Bennett, of Derby, 
in 1650, because the people trembled or quaked when they listened to 
the powerful words of Fox. Fox even had the courage when he was 
taken to London, in 1654, as a prisoner, and lodged in the old Mermaid 
Tavern, which Shakspeare and his friends made famous, to write to 
Cromwell, protesting against the drawing of the sword of war. The 
English had grown to fear the Quakers, even before they came to America. 

In July, 1656, the first Quakers came to Boston. These were Mary 
Fisher and Ann Austin, who were imprisoned upon their arrival and 
sent back to the Barbadoes, from whence they had come. Mary Fisher 
had traveled, not alone over Europe, but in parts of Asia, preaching 
the word, and in the autumn of 1653, three years before her imprison- 
ment at Boston, she had preached to the Cambridge students. Endicott 
was absent, when the "Swallow" arrived, with Mar>' Fisher and Ann 
Austin on board, but the depitty governor had their baggage searched, and 
all of their books and tracts taken, and an order was issued, which was 
the first act of Massachusetts against the Quakers, in which the women 
were called preachers of corrupt, heretical, and blasphemous doctrines. 
While they were at Boston they were confined in the jail, with the 
windows boarded up. No one was allowed to speak to them, or render 
them any assistance. They were stripped, and examined for signs of 
witchcraft, but as they fortunately had no moles or freckles upon them, 
they were cleared of that charge. The people were even cautioned not 
to feed them, but Nicolas Upshall, an old gentleman of Boston, who 
held very grave ideas of justice, gave the jailor money to provide for 
them. He was arrested and thrown in jail, and upon release, was 
exiled. They would not receive him at Plymouth, and he went to live 



150 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

among the Indians, who had a friendly feeling for any who, like them 
selves, had the Puritan religion so obnoxiously thrust at them. The 
Swallow was barely out of sight, when a vessel from London arrived 
with eight Friends on board. Their boxes and chests were immediately 
searched for "hellish pamphlets," and, after many questions, they were 
sent to jail. They were ordered to return on the vessel which brought 
them, and when the master refused to take them at his own expense, 
he was imprisoned until he yielded. The people became dissatisfied 
with measures which could not be sustained by the laws of the colony, 
and on October 14th a law was passed which made every ship-master 
bringing Quakers to New England subject to a payment of one hundred 
pounds, or imprisonment until the money was forthcoming. Any 
Quakers who arrived should be put in the house of correction, severelj- 
whipped, kept at constant labor, and forbidden to talk with any one. 
There were also fines for bringing or sending Quaker tracts to the 
colony. Four of the federate colonies adopted this, but Rhode Island 
refused, and very cleverly held that the Quakers would not care to come 
to Rhode Island if they were not persecuted for doing so. Not that the 
Quakers had any desire to become notorious, or wished a vain martyr 
dom, but they naturalh- insisted upon tr}'ing to reform and soften the 
people who most reviled them. 

It is not necessary to repeat the particulars of each of their abuses 
of these gentle Friends. They were all much alike in cruelty, and it 
became common to whip them from town to town and to keep them for 
many days in jail withoiit food, with not even a bunch of straw to lie 
upon. The instrument used for whipping them was a three-corded 
knout, with knots tied in it. But the more the people suffered, the 
more converts they made. No one was allowed to entertain a Quaker 
without punishment, but for all of that, plenty of kind hearts were 
foimd who were willing to .shelter them. Women were stripped naked 
and whipped, and one of them was whipped with a little babe only a 
few days old clinging to her breast. 

Even the little children did not escape. Lawrence and Cassandra 
Southwick were banished from the colony under penalty of death, 
leaving behind them their poor little boy and girl in extreme poverty. 
They were fined for not attending regular worship, and having no 
money to pay the fine, were to be sold as slaves. It was hoped that 
they might bring ten pounds each, and so the treasury' got the money 
which it ached for, but not a sea captain in the port of Boston would 
take them away, and the magistrates had no choice but to let them stay. 



THROUGH PAIN TO PEACE. 151 

Another little child, Mary Wright, fourteen years of age, whose sister 
had been banished from Massachusetts, found her way from Long Island 
to Boston, that she might protest against the cruelty they were showing 
to these innocent people. Her words were so simple that even the 
hardened men about her were moved, and the secretary' cried: "What! 
shall we be battled by such a one as this? Come, let us drink a dram." 

Sweet Mary Dyer, hearing of some friends in prison, visited them, 
and was arrested for it and put under the same roof She was banished, 
but returned to Boston to again visit the persecuted Friends, bringing 
with her linen to wrap the dead bodies of those who were to suffer. 
With her came a party of Friends, four of whom were women. They 
had guessed right; some were to suffer death, and Marj' Dyer was one 
of them. The 27th of August she and two men were led to the Boston 
Common, with a great force of soldiers about them, and the drums 
beating. Mary Dyer walked as if to some great victor}-, with a smile 
upon her face. The two men were hung, and just as they had tied 
Mar}- D}er's clothes about her feet a cry came ringing across the 
Common announcing a reprieve, which her young son had got for her. 
She was banished, but in a few months returned again to Boston. It 
was required of her, she said, to take her message there. Her husband 
wrote a letter begging that she might be spared, but Endicott would 
show no mercy, and the tender appeal for Frieud Dyer's "most dearly 
beloved wife" only irritated him, so on a certain sad day, with a strong 
body of soldiers about her, for fear of the people who were moved to 
much pit}- in her case, she was led to the Common rud hung there, for 
'jthers to take example by, so her judges said. 

The last man to be hung on Boston Common was William L,eddra, 
who had dared to return after ha\-ing been banished. He came into 
the court dragging a log behind him to which he was bound with chains, 
and answered all questions put to him with a fearlessness which all of 
his sect showed. But by this time the severit\- of the judges began to 
defeat itself The people could not stand such cruelty, and they were 
frightened b}- the wild prophecies of Wenlock Christison. He was 
whipped through Boston, Roxbur}- and Dedham, and cast into the 
wilderness, but his prophecies remained behind him to frighten and 
subdue the people, for oddly enough man}- of them came true. 

At length the King of England put a stop to the cruelty with which 
the Quakers were being treated, and the order was placed in the hands 
of Samuel Shattock, a Quaker, who had been banished from Boston 
under penalty of death. When Shattock walked before Endicott, with 



152 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

his hat upon his head, he was met with the usual brutal questions, but 
when he showed his order, Governor Endicott, overcome with mortifica- 
tion, yet not forgetting his courtesy to an embassy from his sovereign, 
replaced the hat which he had snatched from Shattock's head and 
removed his own. The King ordered that all prisoners should be .sent 
to England. This, it goes without saying, Endicott and his friends 
would not dare permit. They settled the question by dismissing the 
prisoners. However, the cruelties against the Quakers were revived 
later, and men and women were frequently tied to the end of a cart and 
whipped from town to town. 

The last time a Quaker was imprisoned was at the time of Endicott' s 
burial. An old woman, sixty-five years of age, made some remarks, 
true but not savory, about the dead magistrate. These persecutions 
lasted ten years in all, until again the King interfered, sending to Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut orders that all persons of civil lives would 
fully enjoy the liberty of their conscience. 

POR FURTHER READING: 
History— Mather's "Magnalia.'* 
Poetry — Whittier's "Cassandra Southwick." 
Longfellow's "John Endicott." 




I From the paintinR by .\i 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



GOVERNOR BERKELEY AND HIS REIGN — MORE TROUBLE WITH THE 

INDIANS THE PURITANS AGAIN VICTORIOUS THE 

^ RETURN OF THE STUARTS 

TO POWER. 




I TER King Charles I had been beheaded, and 
Cromwell, the great dictator, ruled, many of those 
who had stood by the King, and were now in dis- 
favor and poverty, hastened to the Virginian 
colony. This was the only one of all the colonies 
which had steadfastly believed in the cause of the 
King. So the disappointed royalists of England 
were glad to come by hundreds to the only spot in the 
New World in which all that they loved was respected 
— where the>' could have the church ser\'ice which 
they wished, and where no one reviled the dead King. 
They brought with them their old ways. Used to the 
life of court and camp, they lived carelessly, spending 
their money without thought of its value, and caring 
little for the rights of those poorer or less powerful than themselves. 
They were a merry and elegant set, and even when their clothes were 
worn to rags, they were still wonderfully polite and lordly in their 
manners. 

One of the pleasantest chronicles of colonial life has been left by one 
of the men who came over in the way described. This was Colonel 
Norwood, a young man of much bravery and originality, who was 
wrecked with his company on an island near \'irginia. They starved 
there for ten days, and were taken to the mainland by a party of Indians 
who chanced to pass. Among the Indians they were treated with much 
kindness, and finally were guided from plantation to plantation through 
the hospitable Virginian colonv until they reached the settlement. In 
these careless and genial old days, hospitality was not alone a matter of 



154 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

impulse. There was a law ordering that any stranger coming to the 
house should be cared for as a guest, unless an agreement in writing 
was made with him before he entered. It can easily be imagined that 
not one person in a thousand would do such a thing, especially in an 
age where inhospitality was considered the worst of crimes. 

After Governor Harvey had been sent back by the King to govern 
Virginia, the troubles between Maryland and Virginia continued to 
grow worse. In course of time he was succeeded by Sir Francis W)at, 
and he, in time, by Sir William Berkeley, the best known of the James- 
town governors. He came to Jamestown early in 1642, amid the 
enthusiasm of the people. Nothing was so dear to him as his King, 
and he followed the royal commands in everything. Under his rule 
the colony prospered. wBut the colony took some very ill-advised 
measures, and in 1643 enacted laws which broke up the Puritan 
churches. When, a little later, there was a sudden rising among the 
Indians, and a great number of Virginian planters were killed, the 
Puritans saw in it a meting out of God's justice to their persecutors. 
The Indians were treated as enemies, and it was declared that there 
should be no peace between them and the whites, and that a savage 
might be shot whenever he was seen. The Indians planned a cunning 
revenge, and killed from three hundred to five hundred of the English 
in return for this cruel law. But for .some reason which has never been 
explained, they drew off and retreated to the woods, instead of con- 
tinuing their slaughter, as they might easily have done. This was 
twenty-two years after the Virginian massacre, which had so nearly 
extinguished the colony. But now the province was of more than 
thirty years' standing, with good rulers and well-organized means of 
defence. All the forces of the colony were turned upon the Indians, 
and they were driven from one point to another, many of them taken 
prisoners, and, finally, the great chief who ruled over all of those lands 
where Powhatan had once been King, was taken and brought to 
Jamestown. This chiefs name was Opechancanough. He was nearly 
one hundred years old, and so crippled with paralysis that he could not 
even open his eyes to look at his victors, who crowded about him as he 
lay dying in prison. It had been the intention to take him to England 
to show the people there a man who had kept the colony in a state of 
terror for years, but he was cruelly shot by one of his guards, and so had 
the good fortune to die in his own country which he had loved deeply 
and fought for with extraordinary fierceness. 

During all the time of the great Revolution in England, the Virginian 




J, 2. Alcu^ 



THE ROYALIST COLONY OF VIRGINIA. 157 

colony was in a state of unusual prosperity. Tobacco was the chief 
export, and even in the midst of the war, men would not stop using 
tobacco; therefore, their income did not decrease. In England, there 
was no time to attend to colonial affairs, and Virginia grew stronger 
under home rule. There was plenty of skilled labor among the fifteen 
thousand Englishmen who made up the colony, and -smelting works, 
hemp and flax culture, vine-raising, indigo-making, and the manufacture 
of bricks succeeded well. The plantations grew, and in the midst of 
them were built those hospitable, porch-surrounded mansions which we 
still associate with the colonial period. More than thirty vessels 
brought out English goods every year, and took back cargoes of native 
productions. 

Virginia had had the courage to openly denounce the execution of 
King Charles I, and had made a law calling it treason for any one to 
speak against him, so in 1650 the Parliament in England said that there 
should be no more trade with these uncompliant colonies, and sent over 
commissioners to force allegiance to Cromwell. With these commis- 
sioners came a regiment of soldiers and one hundred and fifty prisoners 
of war, who were to be sold as servants in Virginia. They demanded 
the surrender of Jamestown, and it was found necessary to yield. The 
Puritans were more than a religious party at this time. They were a 
political party as well, both in England and America, and Cromwell's 
men who came to demand the surrender of the Virginian colonies 
represented the Puritans. The terms of the surrender were not unkind, 
and even gave consent that the common prayer book should be used for 
the next year. Consideration was shown Governor Berkeley and his 
officers, and they were given liberty to sell their estates, if they wished 
to leave the colony. A government was established, with William 
Clayborne and Richard Bennett at its head. They were men highly 
esteemed and ver}' generous in their government. Clayborne, although 
he had had such quarrelsome experiences with Marj-land, was a ver}^ 
sensible and clever gentleman, from one of the best families of England, 
and was one of the strongest upholders of the Protestant faith. Though 
he did not forget his old troubles with Marj-land, and the serious 
grievance he had against Lord Baltimore, he was, nevertheless, con- 
siderate at first in his government of Maryland, now that it was partly 
in his power. 

Governor Stone, now at the head of the Maryland colony, was the 
second Governor since Leonard Calvert. The few months that followed 
the triumph of Cromwell were very bewildering to Governor Stone. 



158 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Now he would have a message from the Long Parliament, saying that 
he must proclaim to his subjects the supremacy of the Dictator and give 
an oath of fidelity, and again would receive indignant letters from Lord 
Baltimore, saying that he owed allegiance to him. Several times he 
issued different manifestoes, until finally Bennett and Cla^-borne them- 
selves made a proclamation saying that Maryland belonged to the 
Protector, and removing the Catholic oflBcers, they appointed a Board of 
Puritan Commissioners. 

So at length the Puritans, who had been so much abused, began to 
be the stronger party in both countries. They were men of determined 
characters, who believed that God led them in everj'thing. Lord 
Baltimore protested against the easy way in which Stone had yielded 
to the Puritan will, and under his influence Stone gathered his forces 
and seized the State archives and all the arms and ammunition he could 
find. Then he took his force of two hundred men and embarked on 
twelve boats, which went up Chesapeake Bay to Severn, opposite Kent 
Island, where the Puritans were settled. Stone intended to enforce 
their submission. In the Sev-ern was a large ship, the Goldejt Lion^ 
which sent out shots among the advancing fleet as they came into the 
harbor, and Stone hurried his vessels farther up the creek and took his 
men on shore, with a good deal of noise and bluster. But while they 
were gone, the Puritans took possession of all their vessels, sending a 
detachment by land to force the Catholics up the peninsula. While 
they were retreating, they suddenly met one hundred and twenty men 
who had come out from Providence to meet them. With enemies on 
both sides it was necessar}^ to fight, so crying, "Hey for St. Marys," 
they rushed at the enemy. But the Puritans cried, "In the name of 
God, fall on; God is our strength," and elated with that stern frenzj- 
which carried them through such awful trials, they killed and wounded 
fift}- of the Catholics and took all but four or hve prisoners. Only four of 
the Puritans died in consequence of the engagement. Four of the 
leaders were killed, and Governor Stone was sentenced to death, but 
some of the Puritans begged for his life and he was spared. 

And now a letter came from the Protector, forbidding the \'irginians 
to have anything to do with the affairs of Mar\'land until the bound- 
aries could be settled. Lord Baltimore was pennitted to send out a 
deputy governor to keep his colony quiet, but it was two years before 
matters were settled, and the liberal laws of Maryland ratified by the 
English government. For several years all went well in Virginia 
Bennett resigned his office in favor of Edward Diggs, who was followed. 




CHARLES II. OF ENGLAND. 



THE ROYAl^lST COLONY OF VIRGINIA. 1 59 

in turn, by Governor Mathews. There were still two distinct political 
parties in Virginia, but their interests were too closelj- allied for them 
to keep quarreling with each other, and in these peaceful years nianj- 
laws were passed which were of great value to the colonists. 

After Cromwell died, the Puritans began to lose strength in Virginia, 
and when King Charles II was put on the throne of his father in 
England, the old royalist party of Virginia once more became the ruling 
power, and Sir William Berkeley was elected Governor. He sent a 
glad letter to the King telling how happy he was to serve the royal 
family again, and a day was set apart to the memory of King Charles 
I, to be kept alive by yearly feast on the 13th of January. Berkele\- 
did not put the distinguished Puritans out of office, but let them 
continue under him. The House of Representatives was not to 
meet unless there was positive need for it, so it chanced that for 
fifteen years there was no popular election. Tobacco currency was the 
money used in paying the State officers, and the salary of the Governor 
was equal to the whole annual expenditure of the colony of Connecticut. 

The slavery of negroes was steadily increasing, and a law was made 
condemning all children of mixed blood to serve as slaves for life. 
There were a great many white slaves, also, brought from the jails and 
slums of England, and these were much lower than the blacks, for they 
were vicious, while the negroes were only ignorant. The Church of 
England once more became the established church of the colony, but 
the Puritans were not persecuted, although they were held in check 
and not allowed to preach, even in private. In 1662 a fine was imposed 
upon all persons who would not subscribe to the orthodox religion. The 
Quakers here, as elsewhere, were held in disfavor, and many of them 
were driven into North Carolina. Penalties were still imposed for the 
purpose of making the colonists raise more corn and less tobacco, for 
the supply of tobacco was greater than the demand for it. 

The English made an effiDrt to confine all the foreign trade to them- 
selves, but this they found it very difficult to do. In 1663 a plot was 
discovered to overthrow the government. This may have been the 
outcome of the discontent which the people felt at having these trade 
laws enforced. The plot was discovered and four of the ring-leaders 
hung. After this a day was set for thanksgiving for the defeat of the 
conspiracy, on the 13th of September. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction— W. A. Carruthers' "The Cavaliers of Virsfinia." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



u 



.05, for ^1. iarp' 



THE COLONY OF VIRGINIA — THE INDIANS — THE UPRISING OF BACON AND 

HIS FRIENDS — RESTRICTION OF THE GOVERNOR'S RIGHTS — 

BACON USURPS THE GOVERNMENT — RETURN OF 

BERKELEY — DESERTION OF JAMESTOWN — 

DEATH OF BACON — BREAKING UP 

OF bacon's party. 

IRGINIA was founded upon a wrong basis. In 
1670 there were forty thousand people under the 
'"^i'w Virginian government. The militia of the province 
mustered eight thousand men. Of these forty 
(j thousand, two thousand were negro slaves and six 
thousand were white servants bound for a term of 
years. Many of these were soldiers who had risked 
their lives for liberty in England, and failing, had been 
brought as prisoners of war to the colonies. Every year 
fifteen hundred white servants were brought over, and 
the reason that the colony was not much greater was 
that four-fifths of them, when put upon the new planta- 
tions, died. They had but little clothing and but poor 
.shelter, for money was not plenty. In England, the 
price of tobacco had been reduced, and the price of goods which the 
tobacco was sent in exchange for had been raised to extravagant prices. 
The Virginia planter, therefore, got but little, and as they all took it 
upon themselves to maintain large mansions and generously entertain 
great numbers of guests, they economized at the expense of their slaves. 
The colony was not a religious one at any time, and though Mary- 
land and Virginia did quarrel upon religious grounds, this was but a cover 
for politics. It is true that there were forty-eight parishes in the colony, 
but most of these were illy provided with ministers. Nearly all of 
them were sixty or seventy miles in extent, and could not have 




"hey, for ST. Mary's!" i6i 

been well attended to even b}' the most zealous ministers, which 
the Virginian clergymen were not. They liked the free living of the 
colony as well as did their flocks, and were not held in much awe. 
There were no free schools in the colony, nor was there any printings 
for which Governor Berkeley was sincerely thankful. The taxes grew 
worse from )'ear to 3'ear, and the ofiicers of the go\'ernment more purse- 
proud and arrogant. The people had no voice in the government at all. 
Finally, in 1673, the whole colony was given as a present by the King 
to two of his favorites, Lord Culpepper and the Earl of Arlington. 
This meant more taxes, and the people became thorough !}• discon- 
tented. The Indians, also, were a great source of annoyance and 
anxiety to them, and the colonists wished to organize an anned force 
for protection, but Governor Berkeley was afraid of injuring the Indian 
trade, from which he drew a large revenue, and would not pennit the 
people to organize for defense. But when a quiet farmer was found 
murdered at his own door, the colonists determined to take revenge, 
regardless of what the government might say. Two forces, one under 
Captain Brent and the other under Colonel ]\Iason, started out. They 
invaded two wigwams, killing at least twenty-four Indians. This was- 
the signal for a general Indian war. Four great Indian tribes united to- 
take revenge — the Susquehannocks, Doegs, Senecas and Piscataways. 
Both in Maryland and Virginia the planters were badly alarmed, and 
they united in an expedition, sending out one thousand men, with 
Colonel John Washington and Major Thomas Truman, of Maryland. 
They surrounded the fort where the Susquehannocks had taken refuge, 
and were cruel enough to kill five of the chiefs who came out to peace- 
fully parley with them. Such a dishonorable act, opposed as it was to 
all rules of warfare, brought a severe reproof from the Governor and 
Council. But the Indians entered upon a systematic revenge. Before 
spring came, sixty of the colonists had been killed upon their farms, 
and the Indians were forever lurking in the shadow of the bushes, and 
under the river banks. No one felt safe. The people crowded together 
in the strongest houses, and at night barricaded their windows, and 
slept with their arms beside them. 

The colonists begged the Governor to give them some protection, 
but that rich old gentleman, rapidly making money for himself, 
and contented with his own fine living, paid no attention to their 
appeals. The young men, especially, became indignant at his selfish- 
ness and carelessness, and made up their minds that if he did not come 
to their aid, they would give open war on their own account. Among 



1 62 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the )oung men was Nathaniel Bacon, who lived upon an estate called 
■'Curies," not far from Richmond, where Bacon Quarter Branch still 
stands. He had a plantation, and it chanced that his overseer upon 
this place was one of the iinforttmates on whom the Indians chose to 
take their revenge. Bacon was much attached to his overseer and he 
swore that these outrages must be stopped. Though he was not 
yet thirt}-, he was such a daring and independent young man that all of 
his neighbors looked to him as their leader, and when he had sent again 
to the Governor, asking him for a commission against the Indians, and 
been met with silence, he detennined to march out against the savages, 
regardless of consequences. A large force of men gathered about him; 
but even after that, Bacon sent once more to the Governor asking for a 
commission. As it did not come, they started on their march. They had 
gone but a little way when the)- were overtaken by a messenger from 
the Governor calling them all rebels, and forbidding them to proceed in 
any warlike action. The question was, then, whether any of them 
dare disobey the government of the colony. Fifty-seven of them had 
the courage, and went on with Bacon into the forest, but some of them 
feared that their property would be confiscated, and deserted him. In 
a short time they had annihilated the tribe of the Susquehannocks and 
returned to their farms. 

The Governor had sent a troop of horses after the ' 'rebels, " as he 
called them, and while the capital was thus deserted a revolt broke out 
among the planters at the south of Jamestown, so that when the 
Governor returned he found everj'thiug in such a turbulent condition 
that he had to yield to some of the demands of the citizenis. They 
asked that they might no longer be taxed for the several useless forts 
which their hard-earned money had to support, and also that the 
assembly, which had not been changed for fifteen years, might be 
dissolved, and the people allowed to elect their officers. It showed how 
well the people thought of Bacon that he was one of the new members 
elected. Bacon, confident and proud, came promptly to Jamestown, 
notwithstanding the fact that the title of "rebel" still hung over him. 
Governor Berkeley met him in great state. "Mr. Bacon," said he, 
"have }'ou forgotten how to be a gentleman?" "No, may it please 
your honor," the young man replied. "Then I will take your parole," 
said the Governor. Later, in the presence of all the assembly, Bacon 
delivered a written apologj- to the Governor for his independent and 
headstrong actions. The Governor seemed to be really attached to 
hini^ — and indeed few could help admiring his courage and brilliancy. But 



"hey, for ST. MARY'S !" 1 63 

Sacoii did not trust the Governor, and thought he was trying to deceive 
him, and he ran away from Jamestown to rejoin his neighbors. Some 
people say that he was afraid he would be arrested again, and 
that he had to flee for his life. Perhaps he did think so, but it is 
hardly possible that the stern old Governor would have dared to treat a 
young man of high famil}' so, although he was careless enough of the 
lives of the poor. In a few days, Bacon came marching back to James- 
town, with an anny of five hundred men. The Governor tried to 
gather the militia about him, but their sympathies were with Bacon, 
and in a short time the insurgents were in the capital, camped 
upon the green near the State House, and holding all the streets. The 
assembly was called together, and Bacon stood by the corner of the 
State House, guarded by a double file of soldiers. 

Berkeley came out on the steps, while the assembly hung out of the 
windows and cried to Bacon to shoot him, but the young rebel swore 
that he would not hurt a hair of his head nor any other man's, but that 
he wanted a commission to save the lives of his neighbors from the 
Indians, and reminded the Governor that he had often promised to give it 
to him and had broken his word. When the Governor turned and walked 
away, followed by the council, and Bacon saw that no attention was 
to be paid to his command, he grew furious, and swearing that he would 
kill Governor, council and assembly, and himself last, told his men to 
point their fusils at the windows. All the people shouted for the 
commission, and finally a handkerchief was waived from the window in 
sign of peace. The soldiers were sent away, and Bacon went alone to 
the assembly room, giving them some of his hot eloquence. But every 
one was afraid to act, and the Governor would do nothing. By morning 
the Governor changed his mind. He probably saw that there was 
nothing to do but to yield. Bacon got his commission, and immediately 
began organizing one thousand men to start a campaign against the 
Indians. 

After the Governor had yielded one point, he was forced by the people 
to yield many. The Governor's fees were restricted, and he was no 
longer allowed to have a monopoly of the foreign trade. Taxes were 
regulated upon a certain system ; so hot and furious did the members of 
the assembly grow in talking over these matters that many feuds were 
started in Virginia families, which continued over one hundred years. 
As soon as Bacon's back was turned, the Governor once more declared 
him to be a rebel, but when he ventured to say this before twelve 
hundrwi men whom he had collected about him for the purpose of 



164 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

fomiing a militia, they turned tlieir backs upon liiin and deserted, and 
let the fields ring with their cries of "Bacon!" "Bacon!" As soon 
as Bacon learned that he was once more proclaimed an outlaw, he 
promptly marched to meet the Governor, who fled hurriedly across the 
Chesapeake, leaving the province of \'irginia to the will of his vigorous 
young opponent. Practical!}-, Bacon was now Governor, and he began 
reorganizing immediately, calling a convention for the purpose of 
revising the laws. The matter was a verj- grave one, and the men who 
stood about Eacon knew that at any time they might be defeated and 
suffer the penalties of rebellion. The national revolution itself did not 
call for sterner constancy. 

One of the best inspiratie is of these men was a lady, Mrs. 
Drummond the wife of one of Bacon's closest councilors. Her ad\ice 
was followed in many matters, for she was a woman of great spirit and 
eloquence, and seemed to influence all who came near her. 

But Berkeley was not without friends, and succeeded, through the 
treachery of some of Bacon's men, in getting possession of an armed 
fleet. As soon as the roj-alists through the countr\- saw that there was 
a show of success for the Governor's arms, they came flocking to him, 
and in a short time he was in possession of a ver\- large force. He took 
Jamestown on September 17th, and at once re-established the old form 
of government and reinstated his friends in their places. Bacon had 
dealt some terrible blows to the Indians, and thinking that there was 
no need of keeping his men from their plantations, had allowed his army 
to dissolve. He called them together again and hurried across the 
country to the capital. Throwing up some rude breastworks on a hill, 
he awaited the attack of the Governor. It is said that he captured 
certain Virginian ladies from Jamestown, and taking them to his camp, 
sent word that he would hold them as hostages, and that they were to 
be placed before his men, in case the people of the town should make a 
sally upon them. If this was the case, it w^as no wonder that the men 
of Jamestown could not make a respectable defence. The gentle- 
women, be it said, were safely returned in course of time. Berkeley 
and his friends fled from Jamestown, getting upon their boats in the 
night and taking away their household goods, and ever>'thing, either of 
private or state nature, belonging to them. When Bacon entered the 
town in the morning, he found a deserted cit>', in which there was not 
even victuals for his men. He determined that the wasteful and 
arrogant cavaliers should never return, and ordered his army to set fire 
to the city. Ever>' house in Jamestown was burned to the ground. 



"hey, for ST. Mary's!" 165 

Thus perished the oldest English settlement in America. Bacon 
settled at Gloucester Point, and from there continued his raids upon the 
Indians, but in the midst of his victories he sickened and died. To this 
day the people of Virginia have not ceased to quarrel about the charactei 
of Bacon. A man so brilliant and determined could not but have warm 
friends and warmer foes. His party did not live long after his death. 
As soon as Berkeley heard what had happened, he sent out a force which 
captured several of the leading rebels. A proclamation of peace was 
made from which Bacon's friends were excepted. At length theii 
stronghold at West Point was lost. Drummond, Bacon's dear friend, 
was taken. The old cavalier Governor met him with much ceremony, 
and said, with a show of courtliness, "Mr. Drummond, you are more 
than welcome. I am more glad to see you than any other man in 
Virginia. Mr. Drummond, you shall be hanged within half an hour." 
Worse, his accomplished wife and hei five little children were driven 
out from the town into the forest. Many of the rebels were killed, and 
the bones of Bacon were everywhere looked for, that they might be hung 
in chains upon the gibbet, but to this day the place of his burial has 
never been discovered. 

Affairs became so serious after a time, what with imprisonment, 
banishment, confiscation of property and many sorts of tortuous punish- 
ments, that the King sent some trusted men from England to inquire 
into the state of affairs. Berkeley was taken to England, where he died 
without having had a chance to defend his conduct to the King whose 
approval he had always been so anxious for. It is said that he died of 
a broken heart, because the King disapproved of his conduct, and called 
him an old fool. Bacon had shown the people how strong they were, 
and planted in the colony a stern determination to preserve legislative 
rights. When the time of the national revolution came, Virginia was 
one of the strongest pillars of the new edifice. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction — Camither's "The Cavalier of Virginia." 

Carruther's "The Knights of the Horseshoe." 



CHAPTER XXV. 



y^nt}^ ht !f imsalf* 



THE CAROLINAS — THE PROPRIETORS AND THEIR "GRAND MODEL "- 
THE ALBEMARLE SETTLEMENT — REMOVAL OF CHARLES- 
TON — THE SPANISH BUCCANEERS — SETH 

SOTHELL — QUAKER RULE. 



is odd that the beautiful stretch of coast lyin^ 
between Florida and Virginia should so long have 
escaped permanent settlement. Possibly there 
were many unknown settlements of a quiet nature 
upon it, and that many a coaster had landed upon 
its fruitful shores and strayed among its silken 
grasses. It is known that one Quaker, by the name of 
George Durant, who was fond of solitude, built a cabin 
on the Chowan river, and paddled his canoe about 
between the banks of moss-hung trees. A company of 
New England men had also purchased land at the mouth 
of Cape Fear river, but for some mysterious reason left 
the settlement and their herds of cattle behind them, 
returning to New England with a very bad report of the 
spot they had visited. But it is q.uite possible that they were too indo- 
lent to undergo the hardships of new colonization, or that their treat- 
ment of the Indians obliged them to leave. They left a paper hidden 
in a post, warning everyone who landed there against the countr)'. 
This paper was found by a company of men from Barbadoes, but they 
were not dissuaded from settling there, the country "lying commo- 
diously by the river's side" being more eloquent than the written words 
of the men from New England. These settled about twenty or thirty 
miles up Cape Fear river. 

A very short time after this, settlement under a king's charter was 
made in this country. The King gave to certain gentlemen all the ter- 
ritory, which included the present States of North and South Carolina 




EACH FOR HIMSELF. 167 

and Georgia, with the usual indefinite western boundar}'. The pro- 
prietors to whom the King gave this present were nine noble lords, one 
of them being Clarendon, Lord Chancellor of England, another being 
Duke of Albemarle, who was the leader in the restoration of the King 
to the throne. Besides these were Lord Berkeley and the Earl of 
Shaftesbur}'. These men laid great plans for their colony. It was to 
be the model settlement of the world. The constitution was prepared 
by John Locke, the great philosopher and statesman. So carefully pre- 
pared was this fundamental constitution that the colonies had already 
been established three years before they were finished. It is really worth 
while to quote from this "Grand Model." Eight proprietors were to 
be constituted lords, the eldest to be Palatine of the province, and 
upon his death the eldest of the survivors to succeed him. Seven other 
offices, of admiral, chamberlain, chancellor, constable, chief justice, 
high steward and treasurer, were to be divided among the others — the 
eldest always to have choice of a vacant place. All the rights of 
property were hereditary in the male line; in lack of direct male heirs, 
male descendants through the female line succeeded, and after them, 
heirs general. There were orders of hereditar}' nobility called land- 
graves and cassiques. The domains of the proprietors were called 
seigniories. Every seignior}-, barony and colony contained twelve 
thousand acres; each county four hundred and eighty thousand acres, 
of which three-fifths were to be owned by the people and two-fifths by 
the hereditar}- nobility. There was an absolute prohibition against the 
entrance of any common people into the titled class, and the highest 
dignity to which a common man might attain was to become lord of the 
manor, which manor must consist of not less than three thousand 
or more than twelve thousand acres. There was another small honor 
to be gained imder the jurisdiction of the lords of the seigniory. The 
men who attained to this dignity were called Leetmen. There were 
eight supreme courts and very elaborate laws for a parliament. The 
very amusements of the children were arranged, as well as the fashions 
of the women's gowns. All entertainments and decorations, marriages, 
burials, and every other circumstance and happening of home-life, was 
arranged for as accurately as if men were dices upon a chess-board. 

In the three years that Locke spent preparing this remarkable and 
elaborate system of government, two colonies had become ver\' well 
established in Carolina, as the proprietors called their new possession. 
On May 29, 1664, Sir John Yeamans brought over the first expedition. 
The province of which Yeamans was appointed Governor extended 



1 68 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

from Cape Fear to the St. Johns, in Florida. Sir William Berkeley, of 
Virginia, was asked by the proprietors to establish a government on the 
Chowan. At the head of this he placed William Drummond, the man 
who afterwards was Bacon's faithful friend in the Virginian revolution. 
This settlement was called Albemarle, and here, while this wonderful 
piece of law-making for their benefit was going on over in England, 
the busy people of the settlement had made practical and simple laws 
quite sufficient for their needs. 

The fact that they could never be more than leetmen or lords of 
manors, was not troubling them at all. ^ They were building houses and 
canoes, clearing land and planting fields, quite unconscious of the fact 
that a great, imaginary' population of landgraves and cassiques was going 
to watch over them. The New England people began to come down and 
j-ettle along the coast, and a company of Bermuda people had taken up 
lands by the Pasquotank river. 

Inducements were offered by the settlement at Albemarle to 
English maidens and widows, promising them honest and stalwart hus- 
bands if they were only civil and under fifty years of age. The colony 
had also the appearance of offering a refuge to runaway debtors, for it 
had a law which permitted no debt contracted outside of Albemarle to 
be sued for within five years. As a consequence, the reckless spend- 
thrifts of London found this a very convenient place of abode. Marriage 
was a civil contract, probably because there were so few ministers in 
the colony. There was no wish to discourage colonial lovers by making 
their wedding difficult. As for the great fundamental constitution, no 
one paid any attention to it, and though some men rejoiced in the title 
of landgraves and cassiques, their inferiors gave them little added 
respect on this account, and the "Great Model" was finally rejected by 
the assembly of South Carolina in 1698. 

In July, 1669, Captain William Sayle was sent over with the first 
expedition which the proprietors had directly made. Sayle was com- 
missioned Governor of that part of Carolina lying south and west 
of Cape Carteret, or Cape Remain, as it is now called. Sayle and 
Joseph West reached Port Royal in January of 1670, and finally chose 
a place for settlement on Ashley river. This they named Charleston, 
which still bears the name that they then gave it. This colony did not 
succeed very well, for the proprietors kept a heavy drain upon their 
treasury. Most of the hard labor was done by negro slaves. There 
were too few industrious and worthy men in the country, and far 
too many of the dissipated and vicious class of English criminals. Sir 



EACH FOR HIMSELF. 1 69 

John Yeaman's management had been extendea over these people with 
whom he was unpopular, and when he retired he had a large fortune, 
wrenched from the people and the Indians. Joseph West was appointed 
Governor in his place. West was immensely popular, and affairs, under 
his administration, began to improve immediately. 

Meanwhile, the people of Albemarle had begun to express open 
discontent, and sent an address to the proprietors asking for a Governor 
who could understand their necessities. Many plans were tried, and a 
great deal of money spent on these people, who seemed unreasonably 
hard to manage. Governor after Governor was tried, but none proved 
efficient, and at length Seth Sothell arrived, in 1683, to take his position 
as Governor, to which he had been appointed some time before, but 
having been stolen by the Turks on his way over, had been held in 
captivity for some time. While Albemarle was passing through aV 
this trouble in Northern Carolina, Charleston, under the management 
of Joseph West, was continuing in prosperity. It is true that there 
were feuds between the Puritans of New England, who had come 
down, and the royalists whom the proprietors in Old England had sent 
out. The Huguenots of France also came here, and a large company 
of French artisans and farmers, who understood silk manufacture, vine 
growing, etc. 

As for the people on the Ashlc}- river, they saw that they had made 
a mistake in settling so far up the stream, and in 1680 the old town 
was abandoned and the foundation of a new Charleston laid upon the 
present site of the city of that name. As they had time to lay this 
with care, they saw to it that the streets were large and capacious, and 
that good spots were resen-ed for the building of churches and a town 
house, and artillery grounds for the exercise of their militia, and 
wharfs for the convenience of their trade and shipping. The people 
came to this colony in great numbers, from England, Ireland and llie 
West Indies. It goes without saying that the manners of this mi.Ked 
company were rather loose, though for this very reason less likely to have 
severe church and political differences. West was a man of detennina- 
tion, and saw to it that his militia was kept well armed and the colony 
well protected from the Indians. But out of their greed for money 
grew a most dishonorable method of conflict, which placed a price upon 
the head of every Indian captive, who was then sold to slave traders. 
When this was brought to the notice of the proprietors, however, they 
put an immediate stop to this barbarous practice. The old Spanish 
buccaneers found Charleston a most convenient retreat, and so careless 



170 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

were they with their money, and such good drinkers and story-tellers, 
that the citizens encouraged their coming, and when one of the 
Governors imprisoned some of them, the people protested so that he 
was obliged to release them. 

One act of cruelty on their part, however, brought about the enmity 
of the Carolinians. A company of Scotch Presbyterians had come, 
under the leadership of Lord Cardross, and made a settlement at Port 
Royal, in 1684. Three Spanish galleys appeared suddenly before this 
little colony in 1686, and destroyed the place. They landed again south 
of Charleston, at Bear's Bluif, and sacked the settlement and took 
Governor Morton's brother prisoner. They intended to keep these 
depredations up along the coast, in retaliation for the wrecking and 
despoiling of some of their galleys by the colonists, but they were met 
by a terrible hurricane, and the galley on which Morton was held was 
run ashore, so that she could not be got off. The Spaniards set fire to 
the galley where Mr. Morton lay in chains, and he was burned to death. 
England would not permit the colonists to move against the Spaniards 
at St. Augustine, however, fearing that it might involve the two great 
home nations in war. 

Setli Sothell, who has been mentioned as the Governor appointed in 
1683, proved to be a treacherous and selfish man, and used the govern- 
orship of North Carolina for his own gain. When he heard that there 
was.dissatisfaction in South Carolina, he called his followers together 
and seized the government of the other colony. Having everything 
under his control, he began to pile up a great fortune by a system of 
oppression and taxation. The proprietors were in despair, but finally 
appointed one Governor for all the province, north and south, who was 
to have his residence at Charleston. Philip Ludwell was this general 
Governor. He was sent over from England, and having no experience 
in colonial aflfairs, soon showed that he was not strong enough to 
manage the discontented settlers. Thomas Smith, one of the Caro- 
linian planters, was put in his place. He was a quiet, discreet and 
judicious man, who, without governing brilliantly or decisively, brought 
many benefits to the colony during the two years that he ruled. It was 
during his administration that rice was first planted in this countr). 
The rice grew wonderfully in the marshes along the rivers, of a superior 
quality to that of the east. It was but a short time before it became 
one of Carolina's most valuable products. Thomas Smith found the 
complexities of government too much for him, and wrote to the 
proprietors asking them to send over one of them.selves to govern. 



EACH FOR HIMSELF. 171 

They did so, choosing John Archdale, a Quaker, who had bought out the 
interest of one of the older proprietors. With his hat upon his head, 
dressed in his quaint Quaker garment, this moderate and deliberate man 
stood before the assembly of the Carolinas, and told them gravely and 
firmly how he meant to manage them. He kept his word, with the 
quiet faithfulness of his sect. He inquired patiently into ever>' com- 
plaint which reached his ears, selected a council from among his citizens, 
and, in spite of the fact that he was a Quaker, and opposed to war, 
trained the militia better than it had ever been trained before, looking 
to every detail of militar}- matters himself There were already many 
other Quakers at Albemarle, and these increased in numbers, and 
became, it goes without saying, his wann supporters. All of the colo- 
nists recognized his judicious rule, and after having got the colony into 
a wholesome state, appointed a successor, Joseph Blake, and returned 
to England. Joseph Blake ruled for four years over a colony now well 
established and well ordered. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Ramsay's "South Carolina." 

Williamson's "North Carolina." 
Fiction— Skitt. "Fisher's River." 

Simms' "Cassique of Kiawab." 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



Inns. Jn|umaml^ to ®Hm 



ATTACK OF INDIANS ON NEW NETHERLAND — DESTRUCTION OF 
PAVONIA — PERSECUTION OF LUTHERANS AND QUAKERS AT 

NEW AMSTERDAM — SLAVERY AMONG THE DUTCH 

ENGLISH ENCROACHMENTS — SURRENDER 
OF NEW NETHERLAND — SETTLE- 
MENT OF NEW JERSEY. 



pHILE Peter Stuyvesant was absent conquering 
New Sweden, a terrible calamity fell upon the 
Dutch behind him in the settlement. The 
Indians, realizing that this would be a fortunate 
time for attack, swarmed through New Amsterdam 
SVy one day. The people, knowing their helplessness, 
treated them with as much policy as possible, and suc- 
ceeded in getting them to leave the place at sunset and 
cross to Governor's Island. It was hoped that, by a 
conference between the chiefs and the magistrates, some 
arrangements for peace might be made, but it was not 
yet night when the Indians grew bolder, and the military 
had to be called from the fort to protect the people. 
The Indians fled before the soldiers, took once more to 
their canoes and paddled out across the dark waters, yelling and howling 
as they went. The people watched with anxiety to see what would 
happen next, and in a short time a light springing up over Pavonia 
and Hoboken told them that the Indians had fallen upon the helpless 
settlers there. In a little while the fires died down, and at New 
Amsterdam they knew that Pavonia and Hoboken were burned to the 
ground and the people killed. As it proved later, onl}' one man of 
each settlement was left alive, but the women and children were carried 
away as prisoners. The people at Staten Island knew neitlier of the 
threatenings of the Indians at New Amsterdam or of the destruction of 





(2^' 



man's inhumanity to man. 173 

the villages, and were sleeping when the savages, mad with thirst for 
blood, came upon them. Twenty-three of the ninety people who lived 
among the beautiful hills of the island were killed, and all the houses 
were burned. 

And now the people would have given all they possessed for a 
glimpse of the one-legged old soldier whom they had so frequently. 
abused, and they sent for Stuyvesant with all possible haste. He 
returned, full of determination, and gave heart to the people as soon as 
he appeared among them, though now for three days the Indians had 
been everywhere, ravaging and killing. No man knew better than he 
when to fight and when to treat for peace, and now he urged the people 
to cultivate friendly relations with the Indians and to rescue the prisoners 
with ransoms. Far north upon the Hudson, at Rensselaerswyck, the 
sturdy young patroon, Van Rensselaer, had already been following this 
policy, and had secured a renewal of the treaty with the Mohawks, so 
that that part of the country was spared. For several years compara- 
tive peace was kept between the Dutch and the Indians, but in 1658 
trouble began. Peter Stiiyvesant, after the massacre of 1655, just 
related, had induced the people to build fences about their villages 
and prepare themselves more carefully against attack. He also advised 
them to treat the Indians with fairness, but this they would not do, and 
the trouble of 1658 was brought about because a band of Indians were 
fired upon for being noisy and drunken. It is needless to say, however, 
that the whisky which put them in this condition was obtained from 
the Dutch. For this wanton killing the Indians took a prompt revenge 
by murdering farmers and burning their houses, and for six years the 
Esopus Indians and the Dutch were almost continually at war with each 
other. In 1663 the Indians fell upon the village of Wildwyck, plunder- 
ing the hotises and setting fire to them. Many men were killed, and 
over forty women and children taken as prisoners. Then the Dutch 
were aroused to a wholesome resistance, which ended in a subduing of 
the Indians for a short time. 

But, in spite of all this discouragement. New Netherland continued 
to prosper. Gradually, the people gained power and their governors 
yielded some of their arbitrary rights. The English towns upon Long 
Island became more numerous, but for the most part they lived quietly 
with their Dutch neighbors. Much less religious than the Massachusetts 
government, there was far less persecution among them. Holland was 
the most tolerant of countries, and her colony kept, to a certain degree, 
the policy which had animated the mother country in dealing with men 
11 



174 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

of new and unpopular religions. Yet at one time the Lutherans were 
forbidden to hold meetings in New Amsterdam, and a poor shoemaker 
Avas imprisoned for addressing them. The Quakers, too, were persecuted 
for a time, but it could hardly be expected that any class of men, how- 
ever patient, would care to be railed against as the Dutch were by the 
Quakers. The women who spoke upon the streets against the steeple 
houses, the hireling preachers and the empty ceremonies to which the 
Quakers so intensely objected, were thrown into prison. One Friend^ 
Robert Hodgson, was treated most shamefully, being chained to a 
wheelbarrow and made to do hard work, while a negro beat him with a 
four-inch tarred rope. At night he was thrust into a dungeon. This 
continued for se\'eral days. His sentence condemned him to hard labor 
two years, but at length he was terribly whipped for speaking his 
message to those about him, and was so torn with the rods that his life 
was despaired of for a time. A sister of Peter Stuyvesant prayed that 
he might be released. When Hodgson recovered he was released, but 
banished. The Quakers increased rapidly, as they always did where 
they were persecuted. Finally, a quiet English fanner who professed 
the faith was sent to Holland to appear before the directors in Amster- 
dam. Peter Stuyvesant' s ambition to have the sect crushed had 
overleaped itself, for the directors of Amsterdam reproved him severely 
for the manner in which he nad treated these people, and told him thai 
ever^^one in the colony should be allowed to follow his own conscience. 
After this, the Friends were no longer molested, and the director had 
the grace to be a little ashamed of his actions. 

Slavery was rapidly increasing in New Amsterdam. By 1664, 
Africans were brought by hundreds to New Netherland, but the Dutch 
themselves were fond of agriculture, and did not grow to have that 
complete dependence upon the negro which the Virginians had. 
Slaver>', therefore, never developed its worst feature among the Dutch. 
The English kept steadily encroaching upon the land which the Dutch 
claimed. Lord Baltimore asserted that the whole South river region 
was included in his patent, and sent a delegation from Marjdand to 
demand a surrender for the province. The people in the South river 
country were willing enough to yield. They were dissatisfied with the 
management of the Dutch West India Company, and were perfectly 
willing to swear allegiance to any who would give them more comfoits 
and protection. The claims remained unsettled until after the surrendei" 
of New Netherlands. Then the Dutch and Swedes of the South river 
district quietly yielded to the government of England. New Haven 



MAX'S INHUMANITY TO MAX. I 75 

and the other English towns along the Sound and on Long Island were 
brought under the jurisdiction of Connecticut, by a grant of land which 
John Winthro^J got from Charles II. This new patent covered not onl\- 
Long Island, but all northern New Netherland. 

Peter Stuyvesant was greatly alanned for the independence of his 
countrj'men. For two 5'ears he fought it as best he could. He was a 
man of statesmanlike ability and his policy was clever, but the English 
were very determined. They sent men to stir up discontent in the 
English towns situated in New Netherland, and forced Stuyvesant to 
consent that the Dutch should not interfere in the least with the English 
towns in his province. One John Scott was sent to inquire into the 
English titles upon Long Island and carried with him the news that the 
King had granted all Long Island to the Duke of York. The English 
towns of that district, Hempstead, Gravestead, Flushing, Newton and 
Jamaica, united, choosing John Scott as their president. He started 
through Long Island, with a force of one hundred and fifty men, to 
reduce the Dutch towns to obedience, but he succeeded in doing but 
little, and was finally imprisoned by the magistrates at Hartford for 
asserting his own rights, instead of those of the countn,- he represented. 

The English continued to buy up ground from the Indians which 
the Dutch had already purchased from them, and the King kept on 
giving grants of land to his favorites, which included the territory that 
the Dutch had long occupied. In April, 1664, a force of three or four 
hundred men under the command of Colonel Richard Nicolls, who 
acted as Lieutenant-Governor for the Duke of York, sailed for England 
to enforce the Duke's claims to New Netherland. Peter Stuyvesant 
heard of it, and did all he could to prevent it. To him, Dutch 
independence was more than life. He had the fortifications repaired 
and enlarged, raised money, procured ammunition, stored provisions in 
the fort and drilled his men, but in the midst of these preparations he 
got word from the West India Conipany saj-ing that the fleet under 
Nicolls had been sent to foice the obedience of the Massachusetts 
colonies, and that New Netherland need have no fear. Stuyvesant 
believed that this was so, and went up to Fort Orange on business. 

Though it was true that Nicolls had come to see to Massachusetts 
affairs, he had also come to reduce New Netherland, and, in the course 
of a month, brought his four ships up the bay before New Amsterdam. 
His men seized the block-house on Staten Island and blockaded the 
harbor. Then a proclamation was sent out that none should be harmed 
who submitted quietly to the King of England. vStuyvesant hurried 



lid THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

down from Fort Orange, and j^repared to make a defence, but no one 
would i-cand by him. When he tore up a letter from Nicolls demanding 
surrender, the people made him put it together again, and the mortified 
old Governor, who would so gladly ha\e died for the sake of his colony, 
had to yield to them. He stood on the walls of the fort by the side of 
a gun while the ships passed by him up the harbor and dropped their 
anchors near the fort. He did not order the gunner to fire. He feared, 
perhaps, that his people would not sustain him, and that in the end the 
Dutch would suffer more for such an act, but it can be imagined that 
his proud old heart broke at the humiliation. 

He wrote to Nicolls asking that a consultation might be held, but 
received answer that the white flag must be hung from the fort or 
Nicolls would come upon the town with ships and soldiers. The people 
of the town got up a petition asking Stuyvesant to yield. They said 
that they could see nothing but defeat, with all its terrors, before them, 
"whereas if they yielded, the enemy generously promised them protec- 
tion. The hired soldiers in the fort were as ready to prey upon the 
town as to fight the Englishmen. Stuyvesant knew this, and on 
September 8, 1664, New Netherland surrendered. The troops were 
put on a ship bound for Holland, and the English flag was raised over 
Fort Amsterdam, which was henceforth called Fort James. The 
Englishmen called New Amsterdam New York, and Fort Orange was 
given its present name of Albany. 

• A few weeks later. New Amstel, on the Delaware, was reduced, and 
the Dutch no longer had any authority on American soil. They 
seemed to take very kindly to their change of government, and matters 
went on with them ver>^ much the .same as they had before. There 
was no feeling of bitterness between the two nations, and the English 
had the wisdom to appoint some of the Dutch to the government of 
offices. The city officers were left unchanged. Patroons owning the 
great outlying tracts of land had only to change their patent and take 
an oath of allegiance to England. The Duke of York gave many 
grants of land to Englishmen. New Netherland was divided into two 
provinces, one of which was given to Lord Berkeley, the elder brother 
of Sir William Berkeley, of Virginia, and the other to Sir George 
Carteret. Carteret's province was named New Jersey, and in June, 
1665, Captain Philip Carteret, a brother of the proprietor, arrived as 
Governor, with a company of men. He settled his thirty emigrants 
at the point w.-iich he named, and which is still known as Elizabeth- 
point. In 1666, Newark was settled by a party from Connecticut. 



man's inhumanity to man. 177 

These were joined in a little time by English people from other settle- 
ments, who made it a condition of their joining the company, that none 
should be admitted as freemen, or have the right to vote or hold office, 
who were not members of the Congregational Church. 

Massachusetts was much alarmed with the fear that it might be 
forced to come under the Duke of York's patent. The Duke of York was 
a Catholic, and to have been placed under his authority would be the 
greatest pain for the Puritans which could be imagined. She, there- 
fore, refused to help NicoUs, although Connecticut and New Haven 
gave them what help they could against the Dutch. After the surrender 
of New Netherland, the Duke's cominissioners held a conference with 
representatives from Connecticut, and the boundary lines of the 
provinces were decided upon, Long Island being given to New York. 
The Duke's laws were put in force, and though there were objections to 
some portions, they were accepted in peaceful discontent. Nicolls 
ruled for about three years, while England and Holland, on the other 
side of the wo; Id, were engaged in war. When peace was declared, 
Nicolls asked that he might be permitted to go home. He had always 
greatly resented the loss of New Jersey, and thought the Duke of York 
had made a great mistake in giving away this beautiful country. 
Colonel Francis Lovelace succeeded Nicolls as Governor. He served 
verj' honorably for four years. In no colony of America were so many 
people of different nations and tongues gathered. At the time of the 
surrender of New Netherland eighteen different languages were spoken 
in New Amsterdam. Though it was under English rule, it continued 
to be Dutch in its peculiarities. The people were hospitable and kindly, 
though very simple and a little slow. They educated their children 
with care, and were proud of their respectability. The houses were well 
built and their inhabitants solid and worthy citizens. Their gardens 
and orchards prospered wonderfully. Along the river bank were lines 
of locust trees, under which the people walked in the evening. A 
canal was built to help commerce and a bridge constructed over it. An 
exchange was started for trading purposes and commerce rapidly 
increased. The fort held forty pieces of cannon, and was well built, 
being of stone, with a thick rampart of earth. Within this stood tlie 
mansion of the Governor. 

In 1672 Peter Stuyvesant died, at the age of eighty, and was buried 
in the little chapel which he had built upon his fann. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— "Whitehead'c. "New Jersey." 
Fiction— Paulding's Dulchmaus'Fireside" and "Book of St. Nicholas." 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



§ur icunlr^, ^H^ig^ or Ii[r0ng. 

POLITICAL POLICY OF MASSACHUSETTS — EFFORTS OF ENGLAND TO 

RECOVER THE CHARTER — EDWARD RANDOLPH — COIN OF THE 

COLONY — SIR EDMUND ANDROS — THE EPISODE OF 

THE CONNECTICUT CHARTER — ARREST OF 

ANDROS AND ELECTION OF PHIPS — 

) DEATH OF PHIPS. 



kROM the first, Massachusetts, as a colony, had 
been ambitious for political independence. 
Though the commonwealth had in it little 
liberty, it was in many respects excellent. The 
people were determined, and determination is 
the best corner-stone of government. No good 
intentions can make up for weakness. If the 
people of Massachusetts erred, it was upon the side of 
too much sternness and inflexibility of purpose. 
The>- believed that there was a right way of doing 
things; that their way was the right wa}', and all 
other ways were wrong. Liberty of conscience seemed 
vicious to them — for was not the conscience capable 
of great error? But being so determined in religious 
matters, made them equally so in political affairs, and no wheedling 
diplomacy or threatenings of the government of England could make 
them lose sight of their charter, which they loved as dearly as their 
own lives, and which they protected with no little danger to them.selves. 
Charles I had insinuated that they were governing without authority, 
and in man)- different ways had tried to get them to return their charter 
to England. His letters were passed over without replies from the 
colonial government. To refuse directh', would have been treason. To 
consent, would have been loss of liberty. To keep silent, was to con- 
tinue a delav which might end in victor\' for them. 




OUR COUNTRY, RIGHT OR WRONG. 1 79 

At this time the King had prohibited the Puritans from leaving 
England for Massachusetts, and on several occasions had made com- 
panies of them disembark from the ships on which they had taken 
passage. Two of the men who took passage for Massachusetts among 
the company of Puritans were Cromwell and John Hampden. Had 
they been allowed to get away, the most attractive of the Stuarts might 
have kept his head ujDon his shoulders. After the King was dead and 
the Long Parliament was in session, the charter was again threatened, 
but the temporizing policy of the colonists again stood them in good 
■stead. They wrote a letter to Cromwell which touched that religious 
strain he held in common with the Puritans of Massachusetts, and won 
his valuable friendship. At one time he was seized with an idea 
of removing the Massachusetts people to the Island of Jamaica, that the\' 
might undertake the conversion of the Catholics about there, but the 
general court pointed out the bad economy of such a step, and the matter 
was dropped. When Charles H was restored to the throne, the two 
regicides, Whalley and Goff, fled to America. Massachusetts, in sym- 
pathy, of course, with the Protestant revolution, protected these men, 
and when a royal order was sent for their surrender, succeeded in 
helping them to escape. But at the next general court a letter was 
given to Charles II which protested the loyalty of the colony, and 
asked for the protection of their government. The King sent a reply, 
but demanded again the surrender of the regicides. The Massachusetts 
people met this with their usual irritating silence, and the King's feel- 
ing toward them ceased to be amiable. 

In May, 1661, two men were sent to investigate the humor of 
the colony and see why it refused to obey the King and return 
the charter. The people explained as well as they could that it was 
the foundation of their colony and their protection ; that they were loyal 
to the home government, and desired a royal confirmation of the 
charter. It was granted, but with conditions which the colonists deepl\- 
resented. Every ordinance passed during the rule of Cromwell was to 
be pronounced invalid. iVIembers of the Church of England should be 
free to worship as they chose, and all should have the right of suffrage, 
without regard to their religious opinions. As none but the Puritans, 
who worship after the Congregational method, were allowed to vote, 
this was naturally ver}- displeasing to the Massachusetts people. 

A few years later the royal commissioners, under Nicolls, came 
to secure the conquest of New Netherland, and incidentally to enforce 
the obedience of the Massachusetts colony to the King. This commis- 



l8o THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

sion returned to England after the surrender of New Amsterdsnx 
There had been a thorough attempt on the part of this commission to 
enforce the authority of the King, but the general court was quite as 
firm. Its conscience would not allow it, it said, in Puritanic phrase, to 
swear allegiance to the King except under the protection of the 
charter. The commissioners returned to England baffled. Then came 
the great plague of London, and after that the historic fire. The 
colony was prompt to send all the assistance it could. Its generosity 
was remarkable, considering its size. By this time New Hampshire 
and Maine were included in the government of Massachusetts, and the 
spars sent to England from Maine forests were invaluable to an army 
engaged in naval warfare, as the English were with the Dutch at this 
time. 

These evidences of loyalty might have conciliated the home 
government had not the dissatisfaction felt toward the colonies been 
kept alive by Edward Randolph, a man who had been sent to settle the 
question of the New Hampshire government previous to its incorpora- 
tion with Massachusetts. This man was heartily hated in Massachu- 
setts. He was far too good a servant of the King, and carried stories 
to him which greatly damaged the colony in the royal ears. Especially 
did he complain that they broke the navigation laws, which, under 
heavy taxations, confined and limited the trade of the colony. They 
admitted that they did so, but said it was necessary to their prosperity. 
They offered, however, to cover the matter by an act of their own. 
Randolph would have none of this. He asked the general court to 
help him, but they followed their usual policy by paying no attention. 
Even the Governor seems to have kept a discreet silence. 

Another charge brought against them was that they coined their own 
money, which none but the King had a right to do. One clever gentle- 
man who had visited New England was sent for by the King that he 
might learn something about the matter. This man, whose name was 
Thomas Temple, showed the King some of the colony coins. They 
were of the old pine- tree variety. The King looked at them suspiciously, 
but Sir Thomas, being something of a courtier, told the King that the 
pine tree upon them was a royal oak; that the Massachusetts people did 
not dare to put the King's name upon their coin, and had, therelore, 
put on the oak, which, as everyone knew, had preserved the King's 
life. This money had followed wampum, the exchange of the Indians. 
At one time early in the history of Massachusetts musket bullets had 
been used in the place of money. There was a ver^- large coinage of 



OUR COUNTRY, RIGHT OR WRONG. I Si 

the pine-tree money, and it was used for a long time. At last, in i68r, 
came another letter from the King, asking that deputies should be sent 
to him to tender the submission of the colonies. IMassachusetts dared 
delay no longer, and sent two men to England, armed with a letter of 
such finn pride that the King grew angry, and issued a writ against the 
colony, demanding to show by what warrant it held its charter. 

When Charles II died and James, his brother, became King of 
England, he put Sir Edmund Andros over all of New England. He 
was a proud Englishman of high birth, one of the old-time loyalists, 
who thought obedience to the King a much greater thing than the 
liberty of a people. His manner of living was very disagreeable to the 
Puritans. He gave large drinking parties and made much display of 
his wealth and authority, while it was their habit to live quietly. 

By this time many of the men of Boston were rich. They were 
naturally proud of all that they had done and the respect in which 
they were held, but their manners were without show. The loss of the 
charter which they so loved, the dissolving of the general court, and 
the setting up of an arrogant and selfish Governor over them, filled 
them with an angry discontent. Randolph, whom they so hated, was 
made licenser of the press, and other men as overbearing and disagree- 
able were put in office. No respect was shown for Puritan principles, 
and in the Old South Meeting-House, dedicated to Puritan worship. 
Governor Andros insisted upon holding Episcopalian service. He 
levied taxes pretty much to please himself, and was filled with great 
indignation when the people protested. He even made the land- 
owners give up their titles to him for examination, and said that the 
deeds from the Indians were not worth the scratch of a bear's paw. He 
made conditions, however, by which these titles could become legal; 
but the people would not accept them, since it was a matter of conscience 
to them not to give approval to his rule. In New Hampshire, Andros 
had but little trouble. In Maine, he had succeeded in ousting the 
Baron Vincent de Chastine, Lieutenant of the French government of 
Acadia. 

His next work was to deprive Connecticut of its charter. In vain did 
the people protest. They set forth all they had suffered in subduing 
the soil and overcoming the Indians, and defended their claims to 
independence, but the plea had no effect. Andros insisted upon having 
the charter. The distressed Connecticut magistrates sat about the table 
of the little council chamber listening with anxiety to the royal 
governor. They talked about the matter all the afternoon and until 



lS2 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

evening had deepened and the candles were lit. Outside of the building 
crowds of excited citizens gathered. Andros made a final demand foi 
the charter. It was no gust of wind that blew out the candle. In the 
darkness, the charter disappeared. The crowd outside dispersed. The> 
were contented. The Governor, baflfled and furious, entered an account 
of the meeting upon the State records, and wrote "finis" at the end. 
No one in Connecticut appeared to know where the charter was. It 
was snugly hidden in a great oak tree on the grounds of Samuel 
Wallace, one of the magistrates. But Connecticut had lost its individ- 
uality. It was now a part of the royal province, and in a little whik 
New York and New Jersey were also a part of New England, undei 
Andros. 

But his authority was almost at an end. The pride of the people 
could stand no more, and when they heard that William of Orange hac 
landed in England and the throne of King James was tottering, the> 
wrote and read to the citizens of Boston a declaration of their inde^ 
pendence from ro^al rule. This was read from the balcony of th< 
town-house, on which were gathered the most prominent men of Boston, 
On Beacon Hill, tar barrels were blazing. All throiigh the streets 
the boys were beating drums. Flags flew bravely over the city. Th< 
declaration declared that it rejoiced that the Prince of Orange was upot 
the throne of England and that the power of the Stuarts had been over 
thrown. The royal servants were arrested and thrown into jail, Andro; 
among them. Simon Bradstreet was made president. He was eighth- 
seven years of age, but he was strong with the detennination of the 
Puritans. 

The Massachusetts deputies, who visited the Prince of Orange, had 
permission to use their old charter until a new one coiild be made. 
This hardly satisfied the people, but they were better contented whet 
Sir William Phips was made Governor of New England. Phips hac 
been born on the Kennebec, in Maine, and was therefore welcomed bj 
the colonists. He had been a sheep-tender on the Maine hills, and hac 
worked as a carpenter in the great Maine shipping yards. He mar 
ried a Boston widow who had money enough to start him in business, 
Having a romantic character, he built him a ship for the purpose o; 
dragging lost Spanish treasures from the sea. He went to the Wesi 
Indies and hunted about for the sunken Spanish galleys which had lair 
there for years. One of these he found, but did not get a large amount 
of spoils, and was anxious to search for another which he thought nior< 
valuable. He soon interested the King of England in his project, anc 



OUR COUNTRY, RIGHT OR WRONG. 1 83 

was given a man-of-war, well fitted in all respects. For two years he 
searched without effect, having many odd experiences, and successfully 
stopping a mutiny of his sailors. 

In spite of his failure to secure the Spanish treasure, he had so 
much determination and eloquence that he was equipped for a second 
voyage. This time he found the ship, richly laden with treasure. He 
received a good share of the bullion, coin and plate, and was given a 
cup, valued at one thousand pounds, by the Duke of Albemarle, who had 
sent out the expedition. 

The King knighted him, and he returned to New England, wealthy 
and famous. It was this man who was appointed Governor of New 
England. It was during Phips' administration that a fleet was sent 
northward for the purpose of subduing Canada. The idea was to take 
Quebec and Montreal. The New England soldiers fared badly. They 
sailed along the coast and up the St. Lawrence in so lazy a way that 
Frontenac had time to prepare for defence. Phips was not a soldier, and 
Wallace, who was with him, was a coward. The combination was 
fatal. They made continual mistakes, and at last, with many men lost 
and many more sick, were obliged to turn their ships toward Boston. 
One of the .ships was never heard of, one of them burned, and a third 
was wrecked. 

The expense of the expedition had been so great as to bankrupt the 
treasur\-, and it was necessary to issue paper bonds. These soon fell in 
value thirty-three per cent. , and Phips redeemed them from the soldiers, 
to whom they had been paid, with money from his own private fortune. 
He also made an expedition to Maine, against the Indians, with but 
small results. His impulsiveness and generosity was not sustained by 
wisdom or quiet detennination. Though a picturesque and attractive 
man, he did not make a good Governor, and the vexations of his office 
did not improve his temper, which was always hot. At length he was 
ordered to England to answer certain charges against him, and in 
London, in 1694, he died of a fever. He was one of the most adven- 
turous and romantic of all the men who at that time distingushed 
American history. 

FOR FURTHKK Rl•;ADI^■Gr 
History— Trumbull's "Connecticut.' 



-W. Seaton's "Romance of the Charter Oak." 
R. Dawes' "Nix's Mate," 
E. Charles' "On Both Sides of the Sea." 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



t^soi 



KING PHILIP'S WAR — FIGHT AT BROOKFIELD — FIGHT AT HADLEY— 





FIGHT AT DEERFIELD. 



ORTY years after the destruction of th( 
Pequots, there broke over the New Englan( 
colonies another wave of Indian war. Phip; 
was in England, and William Stoughton, th( 
Lieutenant Governor, was attending to th( 
colonial affairs. There had been no direc 
and flagrant insult to the Indians which promptec 
this, but, through all the long years, there had been ; 
contemptuous treatment of them. For one thing, thi 
Indian did not understand that when land wa 
purchased of him for a few blankets, or scissors, tha 
he was to yield it up forever. His understandin| 
of it was that he gave the white man pennissioi 
to come upon it; but when the white man cauK 
and steadily drove him out, when his friends were treacheroush 
murdered, or sold to slaver}', he perceived too late what was intended 
The Narragansetts had much reason to hate the Englishmen. The} 
had never forgotten the treacherous murdering of their young anc 
beloved chief, Miantonomo. He had been executed, without cause, b} 
the Massachusetts commissioners, away back in 1643, more to please 
Uncas, the Mohican chief, who was the friend of the whites, than fo 
any offence which he had committed. At the present time, the son o 
Miantonomo was reigning over the Narragansetts, and he allied himsel 
to Philip, the second son of Massasoit, the sachem of the Wampanoags 
Massasoit, it will be remembered, had been a good friend of th( 
pilgrims of Plymouth at the time when they needed friends. In i66( 
he died, leaving two sons, to whom he had given English names 
Alexander and Philip. A year after Massasoit's death, the elder o: 



DAYS OF DREAD. 1S5 

these brothers, Alexander, was carried as a prisoner to Plymouth, 
because he was suspected of joining- the Narragansetts for the purpose 
of moving against the English; but the chief died before they reached 
Plymouth. His wife, who was a queen among the Indians, believed 
that they had poisoned Alexander. When, fourteen years later, she 
heard that her brother-in-law, Philip, was going to make an effort to 
wipe out the bitter injustice and humiliation which had come to the 
Indians in all those tr}'ing years, she took her three hundred warriors and 
joined him. It was a fatal move for her. Within a year all but twenty- 
six of her braves were killed, and the young queen, trj'ing to swim the 
river, was drowned. When the Englishmen found her body washed 
ashore, they cut her head from her comely shoulders, and set it up 
where her disheartened warriors could see it, and around it the broken- 
liearted braves set up a most dismal wailing. 

Philip, himself, was a man with many friends. The natural vigor 
and determination of his character, his frank and convincing way of 
sjieaking, his upright carriage, and penetrating eye, forced the admira- 
tion of all. He had tried to treat the white man with fairness; had 
answered to his many rmjust suspicions with dignity and calmness, 
but in return had received many wounds which rankled. He was 
made to deliver up all the English arms which his tribe possessed. 
This humiliated him and his tribe deeply. Another incident irritated 
him also. One of the Indians whom Eliot had converted, warned the 
people at Plymouth that there was a growing anger among the Indians, 
and danger that they might soon break into war. The Indians probably 
learned of the story which the man had told, for he was found 
murdered and thrust into the ice of the river. Three Indians were 
accused of the deed, and a trial by jur}' was held, in which six white 
men and six Indians were impaneled. The accused Indians were 
executed. Philip hastened preparations for war. On a fair June day 
in 1675, the people of Swansea appointed a day of prayer and fasting 
that they might be spared from the horrors of war. Going home from 
church, a man was killed by an Indian in ambush. Several were 
wounded, and two who hastened for a surgeon were killed. Over by 
the garrison six more men were killed. A number of houses and bams 
were burned. This was the beginning of the war. It was the torch, 
so to speak, which called together the bands of savages. All through 
the remote settlements many houses were burned and much property 
destroyed. Cattle were driven away, and frequently farmers were 
murdered. Eighteen houses were destroyed in Providence. Through 



186 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the months of July and August these crimes went steadily on. Ii: 
August the general court sent a ninnber of men to hold a peace confer- 
ence with some Indians at Brookfield. The Indians did not appeal 
there as they had promised to do, and Captain Wheeler, with twent\ 
men, went to look for them. The Indians had prepared an ambush foi 
them, and eight of the twenty Englishmen were killed. The captaii 
and many others were wounded. They hurried to Brookfield to givt 
the alarm to the people. Pell-mell the men, women and childrer 
rushed into the strong house in the settlement. Three hundred savages, 
as mad as wolves at the taste of blood, thronged into the village. The\ 
burned ever}- house except the one where the frightened people wert 
gathered. 

For two days and nights the men in that log cabin held out. Tht 
Indians had ammunition and guns, and kept up the fight from all sides. 
At night they would crawl along the ground and build fires against the 
walls of the building. They tied fire-brands to poles and tried to thrus! 
them through the cracks in the logs, and attached burning stuff to theii 
arrows. But the fires were put out by the besieged. Even wher 
burning sulphur was poured upon the roof, it was extinguished. The 
white men had become as cunning as the savages. They could fight 
them upon their own ground. The- third morning came, and with it 
despair. The Englishmen felt they could not hold out much longer. 

The Indians prepared a terrible machine. It was a cart piled high 
with hay and hemp, and blazing fiercely. This was pushed up against 
the building. It seemed as if there could be no escape. Either the 
brave men must see their wives and children burn there in the fire, oi 
what was worse, let them sufier the horrors of Indian captivity. Pray- 
ing and weeping, the women prepared to take their children in theii 
arms and venture out; but at that moment a cloud overspread the sky. 
There was a clap of thunder and a sudden down-pour of summer rain. 
The fire was extinguished. So wet did the building get that there was 
no longer any chance of burning it. The besieged held out during the 
afternoon, and before evening. Major Simon Willard, of Boston, with fifty 
or sixty men, dashed into the town and routed the Indians, eighty cl 
whom were killed or wounded. 

The war spread steadily. Philip's influence was great. He went 
from tribe to tribe, haranguing, encouraging and threatening. Those 
he could not win to his side in any other way he bought up with 
wampum and gifts. No white man felt safe at this time. Ever>- house 
and every church was an arsenal in which ammunition was stored. 



DAYS OF DREAD. 1 87 

Men earned their arms everywhere, to church, to dinner and to bed. 
Flint-locks were already known in America, although they were not yet 
in use in England. 

The stories which could be told of this time would fill volumes, so 
many were hurried into captivity, so many tortured and mutilated. 
One of the fiercest fights was at Hadley, on the Connecticut, three or four 
weeks after the Brookfield fight. Hadley was a place for military 
supplies and had a garrison. Most of the soldiers were away at the 
time, and as at Swansea, the people were holding a feast day. Some one 
brought the alarm that the Indians were coming. Men had their arms 
at hand, and gathered about the door, while the women and children 
crowded into the corners of the building. The meeting-house was not 
a strong stnicture, and the Indians made an unusually savage onslaught. 
Resistance looked almost useless. The men were unnerved with fear. 
As the Indians surged up, and the first men who ventured to the open 
door were met with well-directed arrows, they fell back with despair in 
their faces. Suddenly an old man stood among them. No one had 
seen him before. He was tall and soldierly, with masses of flowing 
grey hair about his shoulders. He drew his sword like one used to 
wars, and stepping out with intrepid bravery, led the colonists to an 
attack. No one asked who he was. They simply felt that God had 
sent a deliverer. The Indians were chased to the woods, into whose 
murky depths they disappeared, and the colonists looked about for their 
leader, but he was gone. Not till long after did they know that it was 
Colonel Goff, the regicide, who was then in hiding at Hadley, and on 
whose head the King of England had fixed a price. No soldier with 
his experience could see a crowd of brave men perish for the want of 
a leader. 

On the ver^' same day Deerfield was attacked, and here, later in the 
month, the people were fired upon as they were going to the meeting- 
house. The block-house at Northfield was besieged, and a number of 
persons killed. 

Near Hadley a company of young men, eighty in number, were 
sent out to complete the threshing and load the wagons with grain. 
They were under the command of Captain Lathrop. In these days a 
soldier was at the head of every venture. Returning in the middle of 
the month to Hadley, the company stopped in a large grove beside a 
brook, and tl:e men broke their ranks and rested themselves in a 
pleasant spot. Suddenly, with no warning, seven hundred savages 
were upon them, and only seven of the men escaped. This was how 



1 88 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Bloody Brook got its name. Captain Mosley, who had been left behir 
to protect Deerfield, heard the firing, and hurried to the spot with oi 
hundred and sixty men, part of whom were Mohegans. The attackir 
Indians were driven off. 

The English, realizing that there was no prospect of peace, decidt 
that it was best to begin a systematic warfare. Soldiers were called fo 
Massachusetts gave five hundred and twenty men, Connecticut thr( 
hundred, and Plymouth one hundred and fifty-nine. The Mohegc 
Indians gave one hundred and fifty warriors. The idea was to marc 
under Governor Winslow, of Plymouth, to the country of the Narraga: 
setts, in Rhode Island. There they had a strong fort, occupying s: 
acres of dr}' ground. About it was a swamp, and beyond this a hig 
palisade, protected by a chevaiix-de-friese. There was a deep snow c 
the ground by this time, for it was now December. To reach the oi 
entrance of the fort, it was necessary to get over a log as high as a man 
breast. Under a fire from the Indians, four Massachusetts captains we 
killed, and three of the Connecticut leaders. But Captain Benjam: 
Church, putting those firm lips of his together, marched around to tl 
rear, and entered there, carrj'ing three bullets in him, but still : 
fighting condition. The savages were driven out into the swamp ar 
beyond that, leaving seven hundred dead behind them. Three hundr< 
of their wounded men died later. A great many of the old and feeb 
were burned in the wigwams which the Englishmen were foolish enoug 
to fire, within the fort. The colonists also lost heavily. 

In spite of this terrible battle, Philip was determined not to yiel 
He felt, no doubt, that it was the turning point in his countrj-men 
histor>'. If they lost their independence now, it would never 1 
regained, but if they could succeed in exterminating the hated Englis] 
all might be as before. Solitude would be theirs again, and liben 
their own. They could paddle their canoes at peace upon the wi' 
rivers. The deer would return to the forest. The clam banks upc 
the coast would be unmolested. They would no longer be the victin 
of the white man's pride and cupidity. In February, Lancaster w; 
attacked, but after that, for a month or two, affairs were quiet, and tl 
colonists were rarely disturbed. In May, a large party of Indiai 
gathered on the desolated fields by Deerfield, and began planting then 
This news was brought to Hatfield, and Captain Turner rode tweni 
miles, with one hundred men at his back, reaching the Indians in tl 
night. The roar of the fall on the river kept the horses' hoofs froi 
being heard. Leaving the horses in the ravine, the soldiers fell upc 



DAYS OF DREAD. 1 89 

the Indians just at day-break. The Indians, dazed with sleep and 
entirely unprepared for the attack, could not do themselves justice. One 
hundred and forty of them took to their canoes, but, in the panic, went 
o\er the falls and perished. Many were shot, and others took refuge in 
the rocks, or were put to the sword. Turner lost but one man; the 
Indians lost three hundred. But another large party of Indians, not far 
distant, heard the fight, and soon overtook Turner and his men. The 
brave captain was killed, with many oi his followers, but most of them 
reached Hatfield safely. 

Philip had a fisher}' near the falls, from which he had intended to 
provide his men for the winter, and the breaking up of this greatly dis- 
turbed him. He made an attack upon Hatfield, but was defeated, and 
soon after he led seven hundred Indians against Hadley again, but 
many of them were slain and they were obliged to hastily retreat. 
Then he moved farther south. Town after town was sacked and 
burned. Now he was in Rhode Island, now in Connecticut, and now in 
Massachusetts. In these days every man became a fighter. Even the 
boys were enemies to be dreaded, and on more than one occasion whole 
families had been saved, in the absence of men, by the pluck and readi- 
ness of mere urchins. It was a great blow to the Indians when 
Nanuntenoo, the proud and revengeful son of Miantonomo, was taken 
captive. He was executed, of course, but was glad to die, so he said. 

All through the spring and summer of 1676 the colonies were in 
terrible fear. When Sudbury was attacked and partly burned, Captain 
Wadsworth, hurrying to the relief, was caught in ambush and killed, 
with sixty of his men. Captain Pierce was surprised, and his company 
of fifty Englishmen massacred. Only one of them escaped. Major 
Talcott, with a force of three hundred mounted men, surrounded 
a larger body of Narragansetts in a swamp in Rhode Island. All of 
them were either killed in the assault or put to death afterward. 

Philip was becoming discouraged. He saw that his men were 
breaking down under the strain. The white man had learned all his 
secrets. He understood the decoy, the night attack, and the stealthy 
waiting as well as the Indian, now, and to this he united greater 
endurance and courage in the face of heavy odds. Twice Philip had 
barely escaped capture. He had been obliged to disguise himself. At 
last, worn out and disheartened, he fled to his home on the isthmus of 
Mt. Hope. An Indian betrayed his whereabouts to Church. Church, 
whom Philip feared more than any other living man, started for the 
place at once. It was the middle of the night when he reached there. 



igO THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Across a swamp, on a bit of upland, slept the great chief, wi 
his Indians about him. The Englishmen sent a heavy fire into t 
camp. Philip sprang to his feet, gun in hand, and rushed forward, 
minute later he was dead, with his face in the dark swamp water. 

The Indians could do little more. Their great leader, whc 
eloquence was siich an inspiration to them, whose courage was ine 
haustible, and whose plans had been so daring and ingenious, w 
dead. The power of the Indians over all that section of the count 
was gone. Many rushed westward, and many, alas! served as slaves 
the West Indies. Others sought the powerful friendship of the wh; 
men. All over New England there was mourning, for hardly a hot 
had been left untouched by death. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Abbott's "History of King Philip." 
Fiction*— R. C. Sands' "Ya'uioyden." 

Cooper's "The Wept of Wish-ton-wish." 

G. H. Hollister's "Mount Hope." 

Pierce's "Xarragansett Chief!" 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



J[ passing i|abna$$» 



HOW THE WITCH-CRAFT HALLUCINATION STARTED— SAMUEL PARRIS 
AND HIS WITCH-CRAFT LIBRARY — THE TRIAL AND DEATH 
OF GILES COREY AND OTHER VICTIMS OF 
) J THIS HALLUCINATION. 



T is a pity that children should have been respon- 
;^~^ sible for some of the most dreadful crimes which 
disgraced New England. It was they who started 
what is known as the witch-craft delusion. It was 
a strange time. In Europe, as in America, the 
people were morbid. A series of misfortunes made 
them open to this disease of the mind, which physicians 
now recognize as a sort of hysteria, but which at that 
time even the wisest and best of men supposed to be the 
work of the devil. Ever>- one believed that there were 
witches, and the Bible said that witches should be hung. 
Men like Bacon went to the trouble of inventing a 
medicine for witches' ointment. Statesmen made laws 
concerning it. Ministers preached about it from the 
pulpit. To tell hideous stories of bewitched people about the win- 
ter fireside was one of the favorite amusements. Every one who wore 
scarlet, or who chanced to be peculiar, was sure to be thought a witch. 
This fearful disease had raged in Europe for a good many )ears before 
it reached the new world. So extensive had it become that a great 
many books had been written on the subject, and these books had been 
brought in considerable numbers to America. Samuel Parris, a man 
who had been a merchant in Barbadoes, but who had become a minister 
upon moving to Salem, had a number of these books in his library. In 
a town where books were comparatively few, they were naturally much 
borrowed and read, and appealed, as the horrible and mysterious always 
does, to the imagination of the people in general, and to children in 




192 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



particular. In Parris' family also was Tituba, an old slave, half 
negro and half Indian. She knew all the ways of witch-craft, and it was 
supposed that she could conjure up spirits with her black, bony hands, 
or, if she chose, ride through midnight storms, safely seated on a broom- 
stick. Not only has she figured in history, but in fiction and poetry, 
and all who know anything about those dreadful days know about 
Tituba and John Indian, her husband. Tituba had a habit of secretly 
gathering the children of the Parris and neighboring families into the 
kitchen, and there, by the flickering light of the fire, when the house 
■was still and the old people away, she taught them all the dark secrets 
of her imaginary art, and instructed them in the way the bewitched 
children acted, telling them about the little Goodwin girl whom Cotton 
Mather had taken to live with him because she was bewitched. He 
wished to have her near him that he might study the actions of Satan 
in her, and it was through watching her that he came to believe in 
witch-craft, and did so much hann by advocating it. The little Good- 
win girl had accused a quiet Irish washer-woman of having bewitched 
her. Whenever the woman came near, she fell into spasms and sank 
upon the ground. Three other children did as they saw her do, and the 
poor washer-woman was hanged. Tituba told these stories with delight, 
and the company of little girls practiced the actions of the bewitched. 
The children imagined such dreadful things that at last they were 
really no longer able to control themselves, but did really suffer almost 
as much as they had at first pretended to. So dreadfully did they act 
that doctors were called to visit them. They immediately said they 
were bewitched. The next thing then was to find the witches. The 
Reverend Parris, believing as he did in the existence of such a thing, 
was not illy pleased to have it come within his reach. If he really did 
not encourage the children in the matter, he at least influenced them to 
declare against his enemies. The first person the}- cried oiit against was 
Sarah Goodwin. She was accused of pinching them, and running pins 
and needles into them. The justices tried her, and sent her to prison. 
Many more were sent after her. Then came the charge against Giles 
Corey, a staunch old farmer, who was foolish enough to believe in 
witch-craft. The children cried out that he tormented them, and they 
fell into a strange illness, so real that the people had no choice but to 
"believe in their sufferings. Corey was pressed to death and treated with 
great contempt in every way. The acquisitions came faster and faster. 
A court of seven judges was appointed to decide upon the many cases 
brought before them. Among the children the epidemic spread. So 



A PASSING JVIADNESS. 1 93 

strong a hold did it have on them, that they actually declined until they 
were little more than skin and bones. A sort of second sight, or 
clairv'oyancy, mingled with their hysteria, and the actual things which 
they foretold, or, being at a distance, correctly related, helped to confirm 
the popular belief. It got dangerous for one to have the least pecu- 
liarity. Any spot on the body — a mole or mark — was sufficient to convict 
one of being a witch. Gentle Rebecca Nourse, a farmer's wife, living 
in her own house and quietly tending her children, her house and her 
cows, was accused of being one of these balefiil creatures, and was 
taken from her home, executed and thrown into the pit which was set 
apart for the witches, Christian burial not being allowed them. Here, 
at midnight, when no one was watching, came her little children and her 
husband to search for her poor body and give it a more gentle burial. 

Longfellow writes of Bridget Bi.shop, a jolly woman, fond of jests 
and bright dresses, who was condemned as much for wearing a scarlet 
petticoat as for anything else. Ever}'one who had an enemy saw a 
quick way of taking revenge upon him, by accusing him of being a 
party to the strange wickedness. The prison became crowded. As for 
the children, they seemed to have found themselves the most important 
and dreaded personages in the community. They grew very clever at 
imitating the people whom they accused of bewitching them, and chil- 
dren with soft voices acquired the power of talking like a man in deep, 
bass tones. It was not all imagination. It became insanity. One child> 
more conscientious than the rest, realized after a time that she did not 
feel all that she said she felt. She confessed, and accused the other 
children of deceit. The children promptly denounced her as a witch. 
But the matter had aroused the suspicions of the people. The wiser of 
them began to think it was a plot, and when at length Mrs. Hale, a 
woman of great beauty of character and of high station, was accused^ 
the sympathy of the people was with her. Captain John Alden, a man 
of high character and good family, was accused. He made a sensible 
defence, which had no effect upon the justices, but at length he escaped. 
At last the children even dared to accuse the Governor's wife, and 
when they came to imitating some members of the Mather family, 
even Cotton Mather, the Methodist divine, concluded there must be 
a mistake somewhere. The matter ended almost as suddenly as it had 
begun. Governor Phips released one hundred and fifty persons from the 
jail. Several hundred more had, at one time and another, been impris- 
oned there, but only twenty were killed — not counting the two poor 
dogs which were formally executed for being familiars of witches. 



194 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

For one especial cruelty was Parris responsible. He hated, with all 
the narrowness of a minister of the time, the Reverend Stephen 
Burroughs, who seems to have had a belief which did not exactly 
agree with that accepted as orthodox by the Salem people. Parris had 
him driven out of the colony, and he took refuge with his family in 
Maine. At the time of the witch-craft excitement Parris succeeded in 
getting him accused and having him brought away down to Salem to be 
tried. An elder and two constables were sent to bring him, as Parris 
had chosen to given him the reputation of a dangerous man. He went 
with them cheerfully enough, having no thought that the matter was 
so serious. He was a remarkable man, of much animal magnetism, with 
a ver>' commanding and penetrating eye, and all who came near him 
felt his influence. It was this power, added to his eloquence, which 
had made Parris jealous, and indeed had laid him open to suspicion, 
for it was not safe in those days to know very much. He understood 
wood-craft as an Indian does, and being a man remarkably strong and 
unusually clever, had done many things which his more stupid asso- 
ciates could not understand. Having a reputation of this sort, the 
terrified constables and the elder who were sent after him were 
distracted when he insisted upon leading them at night through a 
pathless forest, the way which he knew as well as his own garden. A 
terrible storm, with most violent lightning, broke over them, fright- 
ening the horses, breaking the trees, and driving the men half mad with 
terror. To this day the spot in New Hampshire is called Witches' 
Trot. Once at Salem, all was over with him. He never went back to 
his wife and children beyond the forest. This dreadful chapter of 
Massachusetts history was verj- short. It was confined to the year 1692. 
In no time was it so sharp as it had been in the Old World, but it was 
bad enough, and made a great blot of ignorance and superstition on the 
fair page of native history. In 1720 a second attempt was made to stir 
up this old frenzy, but civilization had gone too far. The people would 
have none of it. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Upham's "Histor>'of Witch-crafl." 
Fiction — J. Neal's "RacherDyer." 
Poetry — Long^fellow's "Giles Corev." 

•Whittier's "Witch of Wehham." 
Whittier's "Mabel Martin." 
Whittier's "Changeling-." 
Whittier's "Wreck of Rivermouth." 




HENJAMIN FRANKLIN. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



jl fjulbman. 



WILLIAM PENN — THE SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA — REMARKABLE 
GROWTH OF THE COLONY — CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT — RE- 
STORATION OF PENN — HIS DEATH — THE SLAVERY 
.-^QUESTION — BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. 




HE great State of Pennsylvania was settled by the 
Quakers, or Friends. In speaking of Pennsyl- 
vania, it is necessary to speak of William Penii. 
He was the son of a noted admiral of England, 
who was not only a man of much intellect, but ol 
great humor and affability as well. His mothei 
was an unusual woman also, and gave her son 
lessons in kindness and amiability which influenced him 
all his life, and had no little effect upon the history of 
this country. From his earliest years he was unusual. 
When he was a school-boy of eleven, he had strange 
visions in which the works and glory of God were 
revealed to him. It was by such things as this that the 
growing Society of Friends was distinguished. But at 
this time, Penn knew nothing of the Friends nor the fre- 
quency of these visions in England. Yet Penn was no dreamer; he 
was a gay, active boy, very strong of ann, capable of swift running. 
and fond of that jollity which forms so large a part of the schoolboy's 
life. In the course of time, a great preacher of the Society of Friends 
came to Oxford. Young Penn became a willing and enthusiastic 
convert. 

A short time after this, it was ordered that the surplice should 
be worn by the Oxford students. Penn could not permit this evidence 
of Episcopal pride to pass unchallenged. He and some of his friends 
tore the detested garments over the students' heads. He was expelled 
from school and banished from home. The tears of his mother, how- 
ever, softened the heart of the proud admiral, who forgave his son anu 



198 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

sent him to Paris, in the hope that its alhirements might win him from 
his fantastic ideas; and for a time they did, and he was as gay and 
heedless as any of the youths who lounged about Paris. He was bright 
and intelligent, and charmed London society with his graceful manner 
and witty speech; but it was only a short time that he gave himself up 
to this light manner of living. Again he was drawn to the meetings of 
the Friends, and after this, sincerely devoted his life to their service. 
At one time he was fined for attending their meetings; at another he 
was thrown into the Tower for writing a book, setting forth their views, 
but while there, he continued to write as his conscience prompted him. 
It was seven months before he was released. Soon after this, his father 
died, reconciled to his son's strange beliefs, and leaving him a 
large property, which Penn spent for the most part in the cause of the 
Friends. 

It was Penn's ambition to start a colony in the New World; already 
he had been interested in some settlements there. New Jersey, it will 
be remembered, had been granted to Lord Berkeley and Sir George 
Carteret, but the people of New Jersey protested against their ruling, 
which was overbearing and unfair. There had been an insurrection; 
two colonies had been made — East and West New Jersey — and Berke- 
ley had sold his share to a company of Quakers. William Penn was 
one of this company. A few years later, Sir George Carteret died, and 
his rights in East New Jersey were sold to twelve Quakers, and in this 
purchase William Penn had a share. But here there were so many 
Swedes, Dutch and Scotch, that no effort was made to make the 
colonies distinctly Quaker. Over these, Andros, the royal Governor, 
ruled. Penn was anxious, as has been said, to make a settlement of 
his own, and after his father died, he told the King, who was seriously 
in arrears with the admiral's pay, that he would liquidate this debt if he 
would give him a grant of territory in America. Penn's courtly air and 
handsome face and form, and his experience in diplomatic matters, stood 
him in very good stead. In 1680, he obtained a grant from Charles II, 
including forty thousand square miles of territory between Maryland 
and New York. To this the King gave the name of Pennsylvania. 
So well known was he in Europe, not only as the son of the dis- 
tinguished admiral, but as a man of great originality and courage, that 
the sturdy, industrious people of Germany, as well as those of his own 
countr}', were anxious to follow him. He did not, like George Fox, 
neglect everj'thing aesthetic, and dress himself in a not ver}' clean suit 
of leather, and though he wore the garb of the Friends, he saw to it 



A GENTLEMAN. 190 

that the fabric was good and the fit excellent. Dress and address are the 
two first things which one notices in a stranger. William Penn was 
too much of a statesman not to appreciate this. He knew that one 
could afford to be eccentric, but not disagreeable. It is not strange, 
however, that he was popular. 

His principles of government were of a broad nature. There jvas 
to be perfect liberty of conscience and political freedom for all — even 
the Indians. Only murder and treason were to be punished by death. 
Penn would not even have had these laws had he chosen himself, and 
while he lived, no gallows was ever erected in the province. He 
believed that a prison should be a place of reform. No oath was 
necessary to the man of good conscience. All pleasures which had in 
them any possibility of evil, such as cock-fighting, bull-baiting, card- 
playing and theatre-going, were forbidden. His scheme of government 
included one act which might be well imitated now — lying was 
punished as a crime. There was to be a trial by jury for all cases of 
injury, and Indians were to be among the jury, whenever Indian 
rights were in question. A German company bought fifteen thousand 
acres from Penn, and hastened to emigrate thither in 1681. It was in 
1682 before Penn and his friends set sail. Penn had an audience of the 
King, at which he astonished his Majesty by telling him that England 
had no right to molest the savages upon their own soil. "What," 
cried the King, ' 'have I not the right of discovery ?' ' ' 'Just suppose, ' ' 
said Penn, in his calm way, "that a canoe full of savages should 
by some accident discover Great Britain; would you vacate, or sell ?" 
When Penn reached New Castle, on the 27th of October, the Dutch and 
Swedes gave him a very cordial welcome. He naturalized all the 
inhabitants of the province, and then hastened up the river to Upland, 
which is now Chester, where he met the delegates who had already 
been selected by his commissioners. This was the first assembly. 
Everyone caught the infection of his sincerity and gentleness, and the 
arrangements made there by the assembly were remarkable for theii 
justice and liberality. 

Penn was delighted with the new country. The abundance 01 
natural fruits and berries, the beauty of the woods and hills, and the 
clearness of the river, charmed him. He went up the river himself, 
looking for a suitable site for the prospective city, and decided upon 
the sweeping peninsula around which the Delaware flows. This he 
named Philadelphia, that all might know the sentiment which prompted 
its founding. Penn called it his "holy experiment." He laid out the 



200 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

city himself, upon a great scale of squares; all of the avenues to be 
lined with trees, and houses to be set so that the)- might be surrounded 
with gardens. In the first year twenty-three ships filled with colonists 
came to Penn's province. 

The Indians, for the first time, were treated with absolute equality; 
there was not a touch of the arrogance of the Spaniard, the sternness of 
the Puritans, the commercial greed of the Dutch, or the bewildering 
mysticism of the French Jesuits. Penn was simple and direct. He ate 
with the Indians, out-ran them in jocular contests, and tried leaping 
matches with the sprightly young braves. Under the famous elm tree 
at Shackamaxon, the old resort for Indian councils, he held a treaty 
with the Indians. He and his followers wore no arms, and Penn was 
distinguished from his followers only by a sash of blue silk netting, 
falling like a soldier's scarf across his shoulders. The sachem of the 
Indians carried in his hand a chaplet, and when he donned this, the 
savages flung their arms to the ground, in token that the treaties were 
inviolable. The address which he made to the Indians won their hearts 
completely, and in a short time he had learned their language, and no 
longer had need of an interpreter. This increased his popularity among" 
them. The driving bargains of his officers in after years were nevei 
laid to his charge. 

Very early in its history, Pennsylvania had a school. Enoch Flowei 
was the teacher's name, and for four shillings a quarter he taught the 
bo3'S and girls of Philadelphia to write, and for six shillings, to read. 
He would take boarding-scholars, giving them "diet, lodging, washing 
and schooling for ten pounds the year. ' ' Nor was it long before a 
printing press was set up. Penn had a friend, James Claypool, who 
was quite an eminent scholar, and who may have inspired these move- 
ments to an extent. Penn built him a mansion, called "Pennsbur}' 
Manor," at Bristol, on the Delaware river. Here he lived happily for 
two years, when he found it necessary to go to England, to answer some 
of the charges which his envious enemies had brought against him. 
He remained in England fifteen years, during which time affairs did 
not run as quietly in the colony as might have been desired. There 
were religious quarrels and political quarrels, until the colonies were so 
misrepresented in England that the government was taken away from 
Penn and given to a royal commissioner. In 1694, however, William 
and Mary restored the province to Penn's absolute government — no one 
had ever questioned his proprietorship — and in 1699 Penn himself came 
from England, not a little wearv of courts and the friction of cosrao- 



A GENTLEMAN. 20I 

politan life, intending to pass the remainder of his years in his beautiful 
home on the Delaware, surrounded by those who knew and appreciated 
his noble qualities of heart and mind. 

Not a little astonished was Penn when he saw Philadelphia, then a 
little more than eighteen years old. Doubtless he had carried in his 
mind's eye a picture of the colony as he left it, largely made up of 
rude huts, with chimneys of mud. When, therefore, he saw the noble 
city of over two thousand houses, most of which were built of brick, 
in that chaste, placid architecture of the Friends, and when he saw tl e 
wharfs and viaducts with their busy trade, he must have received quite 
a shock, in his sudden realization of the growth and success of his 
"holy experiment." He took for his own residence the slate- roofed 
house which stood in Second street, at the southeast corner of Norris' 
alley, until the year 1868, when it was torn down. 

John Penn, always called "The American," to distinguish him from 
William Penn's other children, was born in this house, of Penn's second 
wife, Hannah Callowhill, a delicate, sweet woman, whom Penn dressed 
with much pride in silks and jewels in spite of the stern Quaker regula- 
tions in regard to costume. She preferred the country- seat up the 
Delaware, and here Penn lived the greater part of his time, in some- 
thing of that state in which he had been raised. The house stood upon a 
hill, and was approached by an avenue of poplars. On one side ran 
the river, with the bank terraced down to it. The lawns were as well 
kept as the greener ones of England, and the gardens were planted, not 
alone with trees indigenous to Pennsylvania, but with many others 
brought from Europe and the tropics. The "forest primeval" of 
native elms and oaks was undisturbed, and in this were no formal walks, 
but only winding, woodland roads, made by accident, rather than 
desigu. 

Penn, like most Englishmen, was fond of good horses, and kept a 
stable of blood animals. Hannah Penn, tending her baby, or embroid- 
ering a screen in her boudoir, sat among satin-covered chairs, damask 
curtains, and silken blankets. The furniture was solid oak, spider- 
legged and car\'ed. Rare china and plate filled the dresser. To all, 
there was an open house at Pennsbury Manor; everj^ one was welcome, 
regardless of his or her standing, for Penn could never see a distinction 
of persons, and showed as much courtesy in the society of Indians as he 
did in his converse with kings. One entertainment which he gave to 
the Indians upon the lawn was so extensive that a hundred roasted turkeys 
were prepared as a part of the bill of fare. At a time when wild turkeys 



202 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

frequently turned the scales at forty-six pounds, the banquet must have 
been ample. Penn accepted hospitality with as much grace as he gave 
it, and did not drop his courtly manners when he entered the wigwam of 
the Indian and ate hominy and acorns with him. There is a story 
told of his riding to the Derby meeting with little Rebecca Wood, a 
bare-legged country girl, sitting behind him on his well-groomed horse 
— himself immaculate, no doubt, as to attire. Those two years spent 
at Pennsbury Manor were, without question, the happiest of his life. 

He was one of the first men in America to dimly perceive that au 
immorality lay in slavery. The truth did not come to him openly, for 
he and the rest of the Friends might well ask, "Did not the Bible 
sustain it?" Penn himself was an owner of slaves, but he felt in them, 
as in all the men he met, the common current of humanity, and in his 
w ill he gave freedom to his blacks. He tried to procure the passage of 
a law for the regulation of marriage of the negroes, but this law the 
assembly rejected. In 1701 he was obliged to leave the colony and 
rf:tnrn to England, and never again did he return to that peaceful spot 
upon the Delaware where the most placid years of his life had been 
spent. In England, he met with much trouble. At one time the 
charter of his province was threatened; again a lien was put on it- 
through misrepresentation and fraud. He found himself heavily in debt, 
and was arrested and lodged in Fleet Prison for nine months. But 
even the evil reports which came from his beloved colony concerning 
the mismanagement of government were not so distressing to him as the 
folly and selfishness of his eldest son, William, whom he sent to 
America in hopes that he would find more wholesome companions than 
in profligate London. In Philadelphia, his debauchery and drunkenness 
were borne with much patience, because he was the son of their dear 
Governor, but he was finally arrested in a tavern brawl; the court 
brought an indictment against him. Governor Evans, who was then 
administering affairs in the province, was his boon friend, and had 
been in the same disgraceful brawl at which Penn was arrested, but 
neither Penn's name nor his powerful friends could move the Quakers 
when they had determined to do their duty by a sinner, and he left the 
province in disgrace, leaving a large company of disgusted creditors 
behind him. 

So dissatisfied did the people become with the Governor that they 
actually defied his authority, and it was found judicious to dispose of 
him. Charles Cookin succeeded to the governorship in 1709, and ruled 
quietly, but without much distinction. His troubles were of an abstract 



A GKXTLEMAN. 



kind, relating entirely to religious obligations, subtile enough to have 
satisfied Puritan Salem. Following him came Sir William Keith, a 
governor of more sense, though of little more force. Philadelphia had 
but little sympathy with the warlike actions of the other colonists; she 
was at peace with the Indians herself, and did not take a personal 
interest in those numerous expeditions against the French and Indians 
which disturbed the northern and southern colonies and steadil}' sapped 
their strength. 




WILLIAM PENN S RESIDENCE, 



As for Penn, he lived till 1718, and passed the last six years of his 
life in tranquility at Ruscombe, his English estate. Slowly and steadily 
his disease destroyed his powerful mind and wrecked his active body. 
In 1732 Thomas Penn, his second son by his second marriage, moved 
to Philadelphia. He was never popular, but his elder brother, who 
came two )ears later, had something of th? magnetism, vivacity and 
cordiality which distinguished his father. This was under Patrick 
Gordon's administration, and a time of great prosperity. Though the 
colony was the youngest on the continent, it had more white inhabivants 
than all Virginia, Maryland and the two Carolinas. Philadelphia was 



II 



204 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

incomparably the finest city in America, and second in magnitude. Its 
trade was vex}- extensive and its manufacturing excellent. When 
Gordon died, in 1736, George Thomas followed him, and quietly ruled 
for nine years. 

Philadelphia, like Boston, had become the resort for enterprising 
boys. One of these boys was Benjamin Franklin, a rather comely printer's 
boy of seventeen, who quarreled with his elder brother, and made for 
the great "City of Brotherly Love." Everyone knows how he walked 
down the pavement, lonesome and hungry, eating his roll of bread; 
everyone knows of his unfortunate engagement with the printer, and 
how Governor Keith finally took him into his favor, or pretended to do 
so, and sent the eager lad to London. There Benjamin found out how 
little the Governor's promises were worth, and returned to Pennsylvania. 
After this he prospered, and in 1728 was one of the men who established 
the Pennsylvania Gazette^ a paper which lived for 120 years. He had 
previously written for the Netv England Current^ his brother's paper, 
and, indeed, it was on account of these articles on public affairs, that he 
had quarreled with his brother. Through his efforts, a library was 
started in Philadelphia in 1731. In 1741 he founded a philosophical 
society, and in 1749 a university in Pennsylvania. This was at a time of 
great national perplexity, which must be left for another chapter. 

Collectors of rare American literature cherish a few copies of "Poor 
Richard's Almanac," which are still extant. This he issued for twenty- 
five years. It was a collection of saws and sayings which have passed 
into the phraseology.- of our countr)' until the>' have become classic. 
The annual sale of this almanac was about ten thousand copies. These 
were handed down from family to family by country people, until they 
were worn to shreds. Franklin wrote many papers on political, financial 
and scientific subjects, and even now and then dipped a lighter pen in 
ballad-writing. He was the first great scientist of America. To him 
belongs the honor of showing that lightning is electricity, and the 
invention of the lightning-rod is his. Indirectly, all of our great 
electrical experiments are traceable to him. 

FOR FURTHER READING; 
HlSTORV— Sypher's "Philadelphia." 
Biography— Ellis' "Penn." 

Fiction— W. H. G. Kingston's "A True Hero." 
Poetry— J. G. WTiittier's "Pennsylvania Pilgrim." 
Drama- Schmidt Eber's "William Penn." 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



mans 



THE RULE OF LOVELACE AT NEW YORK — THE DUTCH RETAKE THB 
CITY — IT AGAIN REVERTS TO THE ENGLISH BY PATENT- 
GOVERNOR ANDROS AND HIS UNPOPULAR RULE 

LEISLER ASSUMES CONTROL — TROUBLE 
WITH NEW FRANCE. 



^EW NETHERLAND was governed by the Eng- 
lish with such happy results that the Dutch had 
no objections to any change of governors which 
might be desired, and when Nicolls wished to 
return home, the people gave a cordial welcome 
to Colonel Francis Lovelace. His rule was quiet 
and popular, and entirely without difficulty at the capital, 
although upon the borders there were some disturbances. 
At one time the men of the Long Island towns refused 
to give any money for renewing the New York fortifica- 
tions. Lovelace ordered their votes to be publicly burned, 
and this gave rise to difficulties which continued for a 
long time. In the north, the French were disturbing, 
and at several times it was thought that war must be 
declared against Courcelles, the Governor of Canada. But, while the 
people of New York were still thinking about the subject, they were 
given matters of more serious interest to attend to. England was again 
at war with Holland, and from time to time rumors reached New York 
that a Dutch fleet was on its way northward from the West Indies to 
retake the harbor. Lovelace was absent for the time being, and paid 
no attention to the summons from his Lieutenant-Governor. 

On August 7, 1673, twenty-three Dutch ships, carrying sixteen 
hundred men, sailed into the bay of New York. The Dutch of the city 
rejoiced at the sight of their countr>'men, and were not long in telling 
them the true condition of affairs. Such a force of men could well 




2o6 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

afford to laugh at the fret and fume of the village, in which men were 
running to and fro as if they had lost their heads. Drums were beaten 
about the streets. One nervous smith set to work on fire-locks, and the 
militia of the surrounding towns was called for. The Dutch commander 
quietly demanded surrender, and when the English came to treat with 
him and to beg for time, he quietly turned an hour-glass over and said 
that if the English did not surrender within half an hour he would 
open fire. He did as he said, and a few in the fort were killed, and 
others wounded. Six hundred Dutch landed on the banks of the 
Hudson. The fort surrendered, and the Dutch again took possession 
where Peter Stuyvesant had once stumped about in martial pride. 
The Dutch names were restored to cities, forts, rivers and bays. The 
Dutch burgomaster took the place of the English mayor. 

Antony Clove was chosen temporar}' Governor. Two ships-of-war 
were left him for protection, and the rest of the fleet sailed quietly 
away. New England was very much frightened when it heard of the 
success of the Dutch, but the Puritans were cautious, and though they 
took means for defending themselves, they did not venture to give the 
English of New York any assistance in ousting the Dutch. New York 
was easy to manage. So the citizens escaped plunder and outrage, they 
cared but little who their masters might be. The lawless class, which 
makes change of government in older cities so much to be dreaded, had 
no existence in the colonial towns. 

Over in Europe, events were taking a new direction. Peace was 
made between England and Holland, and though the States-general 
were really the winners of peace on their own continent, they never- 
theless gave up their possessions in the New World to the English. A 
patent of the New Netherland territory was given to the Duke of York 
in 1674. Major Edmund Andros was appointed by him to govern New 
York. The English names were restored, the officers reinstated, and all 
went on as it had under the rule of Nicolls and Lovelace. This was 
fifteen years before the time that Boston impeached the government of 
Andros and put him in prison. He thought but little of New York, 
which contained only six or seven thousand people, while New England 
had at least one hundred and twenty thousand — such a difference 
was there between the easy-going Dutch and the fiercely-determined 
Englishmen. Under English rule, a more rapid growth came to New 
York. There was not a little emigration from England. The industry 
of whaling, which brought so much wealth to Long Island, was taken 
up. All together there were twenty- foiir towms in the settlement and a 



THE DUTCHMAN'S FIRESIDE. 207 

remarkable increase of farms, on which not only wheat and tobacco 
was raised, but even horses. Fish, peltry and lumber were quite 
heavily exported. In a very short time the manufacture of flour 
became an important industry. 

When Andros chose to visit New York he was received with great 
pomp, which must have been a balm to his pride, hurt by the contempt 
with which the peoiale of the southern colonies treated him. He went 
to Albany for the purpose of holding a council for the chiefs of the five 
nations, and succeeded in securing the promise of their friendship. 
Perhaps one reason that the New Yorkers had so little against Andros 
was that they saw so little of him, and that he thought the colony of 
too slight importance to greatly interfere with. 

In New York were two decided political parties — or religious parties, 
for at this time it was hard to separate the two. James, the Catholic 
King of England, had been obliged to flee to France. William and 
Mary, the Protestants, had been proclaimed the King and Queen of 
England. The thoughtful saw that there would be danger of a conflict 
between the Catholic and Protestant factions. When Andros was 
deposed by the Boston Committee of Safety, the government of New 
York was left in the hands of the Eieutenant-Governor, Nicholson, and 
of the council. The Dutch inhabitants of New York were in sympathy 
with William and Mary. The English of New York were verj' largely 
Catholics. In New York, no proclamation of William and Mary was 
made, and the chaplain at the fort continued to pray for the infant 
Prince of Wales, and that the dethroned James might be victorious over 
his enemies. In consequence, there was a steadily increasing discontent 
shown among the Dutch. Nicholson feared that the question was 
getting too troublesome for him, and resigned his position and sailed 
for England. The council was very much frightened, which, as it 
lacked both brains and courage, it might well be. No one was 
appointed to take command, and it came about quite naturally, that 
one of the captains of the militia, with more vigor than the rest, should 
assume the control of affairs. It is such times of need which make 
leaders. This man was Jacob Leisler, who was willing to do no end of 
work and face a great deal of danger. The council would do nothing 
although the disposition of the colony grew steadily worse. Eeisler saw 
the full danger, and when it came his turn to guard the fort with his 
company, he called all the trained bands together and made them sign 
a declaration by which they said that they held the fort for William 
and Mary, and would protect the Protestant religion. The council, 
13 



208 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

frightened at the threatening look of things, dispersed, some of the 
members going to Connecticut and others to Albany. Leisler, a 
merchant by trade, and a man of little education, was left in the entire 
control of affairs. He called a convention, at which he was appointed 
captain of the fort, and the delegates made themselves into a committee 
of safety. At the very outset Leisler was called upon to deal with some 
very serious matters. 

King James had fled to France, and was the guest there of Louis 
XIV. Ivouis sent word to Frontenac, who was then Governor of 
Canada, that he should take it upon himself to search among the inhabi- 
tants of New York, and to send all French Protestants to France. The 
English Protestants were to be exported to New England, France oi 
other places. The French Catholics were to be unmolested in theii 
homes. Enough artisans and farmers to provide for the colony were 
to be left as slaves. Frontenac was not slow to obey the orders foi 
invasion. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction— Noah Brooks' "In l,eisler's Time." 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



1[ronbnat \\t %}i\^^^^ 



FRONTENAC'S ATTACK UPON NEW YORK — THE MASSACRE AT SCHENEC- 
TADY — NEW YORK IS FORTIFIED BY LEISLER — SLOUGHTER IS 
SENT TO SUPERSEDE HIM — LEISLER'S DEFENSE GETS 
HIM INTO TROUBLE — THE GOVERNOR'S 



DASTARDLY TAKING OFF. 



N Febniary, 1669, Frontenac marched down to the 
frontier. He had three war parties of chosen 
men. One was to attack Albany, one New 
Hampshire and one Maine. A part of the men 
were Christian Iroquois. All three parties were 
led by LeMoyne, a young French gentleman of 
courage and spirit, to whose family France was greatly 
indebted for services in the New World. They crossed 
Lake Champlain on the ice. The Indians were afraid 
to attack Albany, and compelled the French to march 
upon Schenectady. They did so on the eighth of the 
month, late in the evening. The sun had rolled down 
like a red ball along the curve of the southern mountain 
— a peculiar effect, which, perhaps, cannot be seen any- 
where else in the world. About it, even the Indians had poetic 
legends. There had been a festival at the village, but it ended early, 
as all gayeties did in those days, and everyone was in bed sleeping as the 
double line of warriors approached the palisaded town. There were no 
sentinels at the gate; instead there stood two gigantic snow figures, put 
up there by the boys and girls in jocund mockery of danger. 
One whoop from the Indians, and the men fell to work. In two hours 
sixty persons were killed, and eighty or ninety taken prisoners. Some 
ran through the snow and storm to Albany, but they were few. The 
village was burned. The commander at Albany saw that there was 
immediate need of reinforcement. Alban\- was the onlv town in New 




2IO THE STORY OF AMKRICA. 

York which had not admitted Leisler's government, but now she was 
forced to do so, and Leisler set to work to provide her with the men and 
supplies. Leisler asked all the other colonies to send delegates for the 
purpose of forming an expedition against the French. Sev^n lelegates 
attended the first colonial congress, which met on May i, 1690. All of 
these seven men will be mentioned again in history, so it is well to re- 
member their names. They were Stoughton, Sewall, Gold, Pitkin, 
Walle}', Leisler and De la Noye. It was agreed that Leisler should 
appoint the commander; that New York should provide four hvmdred 
men, Massachusetts one hundred and sixty, Connecticut one hundred 
and thirty-five, Plymouth sixty, and Mar}-land one hundred. 

Leisler hastened to rebuild the fortifications of New York. He 
captured some French cruisers at sea, which were of considerable force 
to use at his need. The year was a busy and stirring one. The times 
"were turbulent. Leisler was a merchant by education, a leader and 
fighter by temperament, and kept ever^-one well at work. It goes with- 
out saying that he was heartily hated by the Catholics of the colony. 
They were not only the Catholics, but, as it chanced, the aristocrats of 
the place, for the Protestant movement was the movement of the 
people. When William found time to send over a royal Governor he 
fo and plenty of complaints awaiting his ear. This royal Governor was 
Colonel Henry Sloughter. But it was not he who first appeared at New 
York, but Richard Ingoldsby, captain of a company of grenadiers, who 
arrived in New York a few weeks before his Governor, because 
Sloughter had chosen to go by way of the Bermudas. Ingoldsb>- seems 
to have had a very high idea of his own position, and on entering the 
port and finding that Leisler was in command of the fort, he ordered 
him to surrender. Leisler treated Ingoldsby politely, gave him quarters 
for his troops, but told him that he would not deliver the fort to anj- 
save he who held a warrant from the King. Ingoldsby had the 
impertinence to fire upon the fort for several hours. Leisler was not 
the man to let a fire go luireturned. A number of soldiers were killed. 

Several weeks passed, with Leisler still governing and Ingoldsby 
protesting, before Sloughter arrived. The friends of Leisler say that he 
sent two gentlemen immediately to congratulate the Governor upon his 
arrival and to offer him the fort and government, but that the Governor 
would not listen to them, and threw them into jail. But Colonel 
Sloughter always said that he sent Ingoldsby to demand the fort, and 
that Leisler said he would own no Governor without orders from the 
King directed to him. However it may be, Ingoldsby marched into the 



FRONTENAC THE FIGHTER. 211 

fort. Leisler's men surrendered. Sloughter issued a warrant for the 
arrest of Leisler and his council. They were tried for treason and 
murder. Leisler and seven others were found guilty and sentenced to 
death, but all of them were reprieved until they should know what the 
King's pleasure was in the matter. 

The Catholics, so long irritated by Protestant rule, saw that their 
time for revenge had come. They used all the influence which they 
could bring to bear against Leisler. The Protestants were terrified^ 
especially when they remembered the tragedy of Schenectady, and 
inferred from that what Jesuit nile might mean in New York. They 
sent in petitions for Leisler's pardon, while on the other hand the 
Catholics pressed petitions upon the Governor, begging for Leisler's 
execution. But Sloughter refused to sign Leisler's death-warrant. 
The assembly and various of the rich Catholics of New York prepared 
a feast, to which Sloughter was invited. Wine was plentiful, and 
under its influence the Governor was got to sign the death-warrant. 
The eight prisoners were executed before the Governor had recovered 
from the effects of his drinking. Leisler's young son had the question 
of his father's guilt argued before a committee of the House of Lords at 
London, three years later, and the judgment of the New York goven?.- 
ment was reversed. It was judged that Leisler was neither guilty of 
treason nor of murder. The family of Leisler was given its honorable 
reputation, and also a sum of money, in return for the charges made upou 
his private property during the time of his government. Sloughter 
only ruled over New York for four months. He died suddenly, and it is 
not unlikely that the friends of Leisler saw a special providence in this. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Broadhead and O'Callaghan's "New York." 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



i]^0 fni of {}ft Jimits. 



THE RULE OF GOVERNOR FLETCHER — FLETCHER SUCCEEDED BY THE 

EARL OF BELLOMONT — THE COMMISSION OF CAPTAIN KIDD, 

AND HOW IT WAS CARRIED OUT — LORD CORNBURY 

BECOMES GOVERNOR — THE EXPEDITIONS 

AGAINST PORT ROYAL AND 

. ; QUEBEC. 

OR a short time Captain Ingoldsb}- attended to 
the duties of governorship, but was relieved 
by Benjamin Fletcher, Governor for the King. 
His commission gave him command of the 
militia of the New England colonies as well as 
his own. It was thovight necessary for the 
safety of the colonies to have a general commander to 
protect them from the Indians. The colonies believed 
themselves to be independent, and certainly were 
under governors of their own, if one could tell au}-- 
thing by their charters. Connecticut sent a repre- 
sentative to England to complain of the violation of 
their rights imder the charter. Rhode Island also 
sent an agent to protest to the King. While these 
men were in England, Fletcher came to Hartford and ordered the 
militia under arms. Governor Treat refused to let Fletcher assume 
command of his troops, but the militia was permitted to muster at Hart- 
ford. Fletcher ordered his commission and instructions to be read to 
the troops. In command at the front was Captain Wadsworth, and as 
soon as the reading began he cried, "Beat the drums ! " and all the 
sturdy Puritan drummers fell to raising such a noise that the voice of 
the reader was entirely drowned. The more the Governor shouted for 
silence the louder the hot-headed Wadsworth shouted for them to drum, 
imtil finally the Governor had to yield, leaving Treat in command. 




THE PEST OF THE PIRATES. 213 

Fletcher sold licenses to privateers and pirates, and under his rule New 
York and the surrounding islands gained the reputation of being a nest 
of pirates. 

In the north, Frontenac was still active. The Mohawks had been 
won to the side of the English, and three years after the massacre of 
Schenectady the French took three of the Mohawk towns. Major 
Schuyler, of Albany, was sent hurriedly after the French. In a few 
days he had overtaken them. They had three engagements, in which 
the French were repulsed each time. Then came a terrible fall of snow, 
and, hungry- and cold, the troops on both sides were forced to retire to 
their rude fortifications. On both sides were Indian allies. The Indians 
had a dislike for the Christian mode of warfare, and always shrank 
from open attack. For this reason they delayed the action constantly, 
first the French, then the English allies refusing to move. It was on 
this account that the French finally escaped by the floating ice on the 
Hudson, and got out of Schuyler's reach. Frontenac' s party, suffering 
for food, straggled back in small parties to Canada. 

Fletcher had shown such greed and dishonesty in his administration 
that he was deposed from ofiice, and the Earl of Bellomont put in his 
place. It was found by this time that the southern colonies could not be 
dealt with easily, and that their rights could not be disposed of without 
protest. The experiment which had failed with Fletcher was not tried 
with Bellomont. He was appointed Governor of New York and ]\Iassa- 
chusetts, but only Captain-General over the military forces of 
Connecticut, Rhode Island and the Jerseys. One of the first things 
which Bellomont did was to get from the New York assembly an 
acknowledgment of the error under which Leisler was condemned, 
and he had his body taken up from the private ground and reburied 
with public state in the Dutch church. His vigorous action gave 
strength to the Protestant party and the promise of a fair and deter- 
mined administration. 

Honest commerce had been almost choked under Fletcher's rule, 
and it was Bellomont's ambition to get xid of that class of French 
seamen who, under the excuse of war commissions, seized upon every 
ship whose cargo tempted them. These rovers made a journey upon 
the sea a thing of risk and terror to peaceable people. One of this 
class was Captain Kidd. This valorous but unfortunate personage, 
about whom so much has been written and told, was the friend of great 
men. One of Bellomont's methods for getting rid of the pirates was to 
send out a ship, at the expense of a joint stock company, for the purpose 



214 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

of capturing pirate vessels. A number of great noblemen, and the 
King himself, were to receive parts of the profits of the adventure. 
Bellomont and his friends provided a ship for Kidd's use, paying four- 
fifths of the cost. The rest was paid by Kidd. The crew was not to 
take more than one-fourth of the prizes captured. If nothing was 
taken, Kidd was to return the cost of the galley before March i, 1697. 
Kidd's previous reputation had not been particularly bad. He was a 
sea rover, and even then was known as a man of unusual adventure and 
daring. For this very reason he was thought a fit commander for the 
one hundred and fifty lawless men put under his charge. 

At that time Madagascar was a great resort for pirates. There they 
lived in barbaric splendor, in a manner not unsuggestive of the marvels 
of Monte Cristo. The first time Kidd was heard of he was living 
among these sumptuous outlaws. It seems that he had been unable to 
capture any of the pirates whom he had been sent out for, and had gone 
to Madagascar in the hope that he might fall in with some better luck. 
After a time he took to the sea again, and went as far as India, but 
meeting none of the vessels which he was authorized to overhaul, he 
finally preyed upon merchant vessels for his own benefit. For several 
years he followed this adventurous life, and in 1699 sailed uncon- 
cernedly into the New York harbor. Bellomont did not arrest him, 
because Kidd assured him that he could prove his innocence of the 
crimes of which he was accused, and he was allowed to go to Boston. 
There, however, he was arrested. He was thrown into jail, and tried 
to get out by telling of forty thousand pounds of treasure which was 
hidden in the West Indies, and which would be lost unless he himself 
went for it. Kidd was sent to England, where he lay in prison for a 
year. The Tories were determined that he should be convicted, since 
he had been the friend of the famous Whigs, and of Bellomont, the 
Governor. He was tried and convicted of the murder of a gunner 
whom he had accidentally killed in a brawl. And so Captain Kidd, the 
daring rover, was hanged. He was more famous than many better 
men, and it will be long before the youths of this country and England 
have ceased to feel interested in his daring exploits. 

When Lord Bellomont died, in 1701, Lord Cornbury, a cousin of 
Queen Anne, who, a year later, came to the throne, was appointed 
Governor. Truth to tell, it was only by quitting the country that he 
could escape being imprisoned for debt. He was a very worthless man, 
given up to drink and debauchery of all kinds, and the only interest 
that he took in his new office came from the hope that he might rapidly 



THE PEST OF THE PIRATES. 215 

enrich himself. This year (1702) a dreadful yellow fever epidemic 
broke out in New York, which carried off more than five hundred 
within ten weeks. Cornbur}' was so unscrupulous that he did not 
even take pains to conceal his greed. He gathered large sums of money 
for the purpose of building a fortification at the Narrows, and then 
calmly kept the money for his own use. After this the assembly 
insisted upon giving all the money for public purposes into the hands of 
a treasurer of their own. The Governor immediately api^ealed to the 
crown, protesting against the insult to himself, but the crown refused to 
take his part. He was a fierce religionist, for all of his bad ways, and 
showed as great a lack of scruple in the matters relating to the church 
as in other affairs. One story which is told of him illustrates clearly 
the temper of the man. When the yellow fever was so bad in New 
York, he went to a town upon Long Island until it should be over. 
The Presbyterian minister there had the best house in town, and he 
courteously yielded this to the Governor to use during his stay. When 
the Governor no longer needed it he handed it over to a few represent- 
atives of the Established Church of England, who lived at the place, 
and said that the ground attached could be leased for the support of 
their church. He persecuted the Presbyterians throughout the colony, 
and would not allow a school teacher or clerg\'man to teach or preach 
except by a special license. 

Down in Massachusetts the royal Governor, Dudley, was making 
matters disagreeable, and continually fighting the charter governments. 
But there was a strong element in the colonies now which could not 
easily be crushed. The popular party had some brilliant men in it who 
were neither afraid to speak nor to suffer, and the arrogant governors 
knew they could go but so far. Everything which Cornburj- did was 
disagreeable to the simple and industrious colonists. For one thing, he 
dressed like a woman, in great splendor, saying that it was proper that 
he should be so clothed to more fittingly represent his sovereign 
mistress, the Queen. He insulted the Quakers, who were no longer the 
wild and ill-advised creatures who had shocked the Boston meetings, 
but grave and dignified citizens. The people appealed to the Queen 
for protection, and Cornbury was recalled. He was arrested for debt 
and thrown in jail, where he remained until he became Earl of 
Clarendon, through the death of his father. Lord Lovelace was 
appointed Governor, but died in a short time. At this time New York 
was intending to send an expedition against Canada, and as the treasury 
was empty, issued bills of credit, the first ever put out by New York. 



2l6 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

But the English fleet was routed, and it was necessary to think of other 
means for subduing the French pro^'nlce. 

At this time the five nations were the friends of the English, and it 
was thought best to take advantage of their fickle friendship. Schuyler, 
with five Indian chiefs, was sent to England to beg for help in the 
conquest of the French. He was given ships and men for an expedi- 
tion, and joined with the New England men in the taking of Port 
Royal. Robert Hunter had succeeded Lord Lovelace as Governor of 
New York. He was in favor of pushing the war against the French. 
The New England people had received most of the credit of the capture 
of Port Royal, and the New Yorkers were anxious to do something as 
brilliant. The fleet was a large one. There were sixteen men-of-war 
and twenty transports, which started in the summer of 171 1, under Sir 
Hovenden Walker, for the attack upon Quebec. Altogether there were 
seven thousand men. But the fleet had only sailed ten leagues up the 
St. Lawrence, when ten or eleven of the ships drifted upon the rocks, 
and one thousand men were drowned. Meanwhile, a detachment had 
marched from Albany to attack IMontreal. Hearing of the disaster to 
the ships, those troops fell back. England won nothing, biit the 
French were much alarmed. 

In 171 9 Hunter retired, and Burnet took his place. He was 
devoted to the interests of the people, but was not popular. He con- 
ceived a new plan for the conquest of the French. Most of the 
Canadian supplies were got from Albany, and he proposed to prohibit 
all trade between his own province and Canada, but this did not please 
the tradesmen, although it did the assembly. Few merchants care 
enough for national independence to see their trade decrease. The 
trade with Canada was carried on as if the Governor had not prohibited 
it. In the face of this opposition the Governor was not able to keep his 
temper, and did some ill-advised things. In 1727 he was removed and 
transferred to Massachusetts Bay. He was fonder of writing works on 
the Bible than governing, perhaps, and would no doubt have succeeded 
better as a private citizen than as a leader of men. The next Governor 
died shortly after his arrival, and Rip Van Dam, the eldest member of 
the council, acted as Governor until Colonel Cosby arrived, in 1732, to 
take the head of the colony. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Parkman's "Frontenac." 
Fiction — ^J. H. Ingraham's "Captain Kyd." 




■'^ 



<? 7/7/Z^^ ^^-t^^U^.^.^c^^ 



CHAPTKR XXXIV. 



>!$ l|0l^ Tc^agcurs. 



THE FRENCH AND THE DISCOVERIES IN THE NORTHWEST — FATHERS 
jGLIET AND MARQUETTE DISCOVER THE SOURCE OF THE MIS- 
SISSIPPI AND SAIL DOWN THE RIVER — DEATH OF MAR- 
QUETTE — THE EXPEDITION OF LASALLE AND HENNE- 
\^^ PIN — LOUISIANA DISCOVERED AND NAMED. 




HE English treated with the Indians, the Dutch 
t^^ traded with them, and the French lived with 
them. More imaginative than the English or 
the Dutch, they saw at once the picturesqueness 
of savage life, and appreciated the wild delights 
of adventure and discovery. Chaniplain had ar- 
rived in Quebec on July 3, 1608. This was only a year 
after the settlement in Jamestown. Four years later he 
discovered Lake Ontario and Lake Nipissing. It was 
impossible to content that gallant explorer while he 
lived. Ever restless, he went from one point to another 
of the great unknown continent which stretched west- 
ward, and about which the English seemed to have had 
comparatively little curiosity. There grew up in Quebec 
a race of men half Indian in habit, who preferred 
the wilderness to civilization. They were absolutely fearless, good 
fighters, capable of endurance, fleet of foot, excellent hunters, and sin- 
cere Catholics. They carried the cross of Christ in one hand and their 
muskets in the other, so to speak. The jaunt)- .songs of these 
voyageurs made the wilderness ring. Jean Nicollet was one of these 
men, who went as far west as what we know as Wisconsin. 

In the year 1640 tlie Fathers Chaumonot and Brebceuf coasted 
along the northern shore of the State of Ohio, through the fair chain 
of waters by Detroit, and up the eastern shores of Michigan as far as 
the Straits of Macinac. F'ourtecn years later, two young traders went 



2 20 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

far west upon Lake Superior, and heard there of the great tribe of 
Sioux. When these traders returned to Montreal, in 1660, with six- 
teen canoes packed with furs, they excited great interest in the city, 
and quickened the love of adventure which already existed among 
the Frenchmen. The French had had many unhappy experiences with 
the Indians. The latter could not understand the mysticism of the 
Frenchman's religion; in his burning tapers, his altars, robes and 
crucifix, they saw the symbols of superstition, and thought the French- 
men must be the familiars of evil spirits. The French who had 
ventured to settle near Onondaga for the purpose of converting the 
Indians there, had been glad to escape with their lives. Father Jogues 
had been treacherously murdered, in 1646, by the Mohawks, in the 
Mohawk valley, simply because of the fear which his missal and altar 
produced. But undismayed by such catastrophes the zealous Jesuits 
continued to establish new missions. 

In the summer of 1660 Father Mesnard founded a misiion on 
a point of the southern shore of Lake Superior, known then and now 
as Chagwamegan. He lost his life in some mysterious way, and in 
1665 Father Allouez took up the mission there, preaching in the Algon- 
quin language to twelve or fifteen diflferent tribes. Even the Sioux 
heard of him, and it was through them that he heard first of the Mis- 
sissippi. In 1669 Father Aloney, with Father Dablon, went as far as 
the Fox river, learning from the Indians not a little about the 
geography of the country. 

But the more thorough enterprise began when Jean Talon was 
appointed overseer of the trade of Canada. He called a council of 
Indians at the fort of Lake Superior, in 1671. An adventurer who 
knew the language and customs of the Indians was there, and repre- 
sentatives of Louis XIV. Chiefs of tribes from Hudson Bay and the 
head of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan were there. A cross was 
erected to which the arms of France was fastened, and possession was 
taken in the name of the French crown, and the chiefs promised to be 
loyal to the great King of France. Under this guarantee of friendship, 
Louis Joliet and Father Marquette started on an expedition in 1673. 
They discovered the source of the Mississippi, and went as far south as 
the mouth of the Arkansas. Father Marquette was a delightful writer, 
and left an account of his travels, full of romance and piety. The 
Indians everywhere were friendly, and the travelers even saw at one 
village a cross erected and adorned, which showed that the religion of 
the Jesuits was creeping among the tribes. With two Indian guides, 



THK HOLY VOYAGEURS. 221 

they were shown the passage from the Fox to the Wisconsin river, and 
from the St. Lawrence to the Mississippi river. Down this wild ri\'er, 
many hundred leagues from their own countrymen, the two peaceful 
but courageous Frenchmen floated, seeing little life besides great herds 
of buffaloes. They slept in their canoes at night for fear of being sur- 
prised. It was a good many days before they found any traces of men. 
Following up a trail which they had discovered, they came upon a party 
of Illinois Indians. These Indians were more demonstrative than those 
of the east. They indulged more in ceremonials, and had a more com- 
plex religion, at least so one must believe from the accounts left of 
them, though the difference may have lain largely in the fact that the 
Frenchmen were appreciative. 

The chief of the Illinois village came forth from his wigwam, 
naked, to welcome Joliet and Marquette, raising his hands to the sun. 
About him danced other braves, with the red calumet, or pipe of peace, 
in their hands. They were invited to visit the Indian village, where 
they were given a feast and led in a sort of triumphal procession to see 
the town. The people went with them to their canoes, with every' 
expression of pleasure and courtesy which they could give. 

Soon after this the explorers saw the painted rocks, so famous after- 
ward. These were rocks on which the Indians had painted, in a way 
which Marquette protested to be as good as anything that could be done 
in France. They were ruthlessly destroyed by quarr>'ing, in the present 
century. They then struck the great, muddy flow of the Missouri, 
staining the blue Mississippi with its repulsive streak. Marquette 
hoped that he might reach the Gulf of California, of which the Sj^aniards 
had given such glowing accounts. Marquette saw iron mines up the 
Ohio river near its meeting with the Mississippi, which showed that the 
French traders had already been as far as that point. They met with 
Indians who had guns, powder, knives, hatchets and cloth, which they 
had got from the Europeans on the eastern coast. Again and again the 
calumet saved Marquette and his friend from attack by the Indians, and 
at length, fearing that they might fall into the hands of the Spaniards, 
they turned northward again. 

When they reached the Illinois river they followed the course of 
that stream and made a portage into Lake Michigan. "We have seen 
nothing equal to this river for the goodness of the land, ' ' said Marquette. 
"The prairies, wood, cattle, deer, goats, bustards, swans, ducks, paro- 
quets, and even beaver, abound here. There are many little lakes and 
little rivers. ' ' They had started in June, and b>- September were back 



222 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

to the French mission at Green Bay. Marquette lived for two years 
among the Miami Indians. His death is very touching. The gentle 
old man was making his way in his canoe to Macinac, in 1675, and 
stopped on the eastern shore of Lake ^Michigan to raise an altar and 
celebrate the mass. He seemed unaccountably sad, and asked his 
companions to leave him alone a little while. They did so, and when 
they came to him, found him dead. 

When Joliet reached Montreal with his story of the expedition, 
Robert Cavalier de La Salle, a Norman gentleman who had established 
a trading post at Lachine, not far from ^Montreal, felt that the time for 
an expedition had come. Frontenac gave La Salle letters of introduction 
at court, and he succeeded in getting all he asked for. With thirty 
men, plenty of stores and tools, he marched to Lake Ontario, made the 
portage by Niagara Falls to Lake Erie, and at Port Frontenac built a 
ship of forty-five tons. He named it the Griffin. She was armed with 
seven cannons, and well built, considering the disadvantages of her 
construction. She sailed westward in 1679, reaching the settlement of 
Green Bay in September. The Griffin was freighted with fur, and 
La Salle, with some of his men, walked to St. Joseph, at the head of 
Lake Michigan, nearly opposite the river Chicago. Here he waited for 
the Griffin.^ but it never appeared. Depressed, but determined, he 
pushed westward, and established in the present La Salle county, in 
Illinois, Fort Creve-Coeur. La Salle sent Father Hennepin to trace 
the Illinois to the mouth, which he did, and then went up the Missis- 
sippi as far as the falls of St. Antony. He was taken prisoner by the 
Sioux. They allowed him to return to his own country, with the 
promise that he would visit them the next year. 

La Salle decided to return to Niagara, and left Henri de Tout}- in 
charge at Creve-Cceur. The Iroquois Indians drove Tonty and his men 
from the fort, and as he hurried down the west side of Lake Michigan, 
La Salle came up the east side with reinforcements. Bitterly dis- 
appointed at finding the fort deserted. La Salle returned to Montreal, 
where he succeeded in making arrangements with his creditors — for the 
loss of the Griffin had serious!}- embarassed him — for another expedition. 
La Salle sailed in 1681, with twenty-three Frenchmen and eighteen 
Indians. The Indians took with them ten of their wives. With the 
party were the Chevalier Henri de Tonty, Father Zenobe, and Dautray, 
the son of the Procureur General of Quebec. These crossed the lake to 
the Chicago river, and it may interest the thousands who daily pass 
over that torpid and ill-smelling stream to know that they named it the 



THE HOLY VOYAGEURS. 223 

"Divine River. " They stopped for a time upou the present site of 
Chicago, and then went on to the mouth of the Illinois. La Salle went 
on down the river as fast as the ice would permit him. On each side 
lay the shores, snow-clad; the trees glittering through the long, quiet 
nights with fairy frost. The stillness was absolute. It was not until 
they had sailed forty-five leagues that they heard the sounds of men. 
La Salle knew they had been seen by the savages, and thought it best 
to build a fort. He sent the calumet of peace to the Indian chiefs, and 
established pleasant relations immediately. He speaks particularly of 
the gaj-ety of these southern Indians as compared with the severe and 
sombre natives of the north. He left a cross there with St. Louis' 
arms, and upon his return found that the Indians had surrounded it 
with a palisade that it might not be harmed. Next he passed the 
village of the Arkansas, where a superior people lived, with well-built 
houses, having roofs of canes, fixed so as to form a dome. They were 
ornamented with barbaric but effective paintings. They had furniture, 
also, and understood the making of cloth. Next they came across the 
Natchez Indians, and passing them, pushed on in the hope of finding the 
sea. At last the water of the river tasted salt. A little further on and 
it became saltier. A little further yet and they looked upon the sea. 
Planting the cross, with the arms of France, they took possession of the 
mouth of the Mississippi in the name of King Louis. The expedition 
made its way back slowly. La Salle suffering from severe illness. The 
report of his great discovery was sent to France, and finally La Salle 
himself crossed to confer with King Louis. He was given power for 
the colonization of Louisiana. Louisiana, as La Salle named the 
territor)' for the King, included the present State of Louisiana and all 
the territory north of the line of Texas and west of the Mississippi to 
the Rocky Mountains. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 

History— Parkuian's "France and England in North America." 

"Xa Salle's Discovery of the Great West." 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



LA SALLE LANDS ON THE SHORE OF TEXAS — HE IS MURDERED — THE HUT 

IN THE WILDERNESS — THE EXPEDITION OF D' IBERVILLE — THE 

SETTLEMENT OF NEW ORLEANS, AND THE MISSISSIPPI 

— SCHEME OF JOHN LAW — THE MASSACRE OF 

CHOPART — BIENVILLE'S ILL-FATED 

EXPEDITION AGAINST THE 

CHICKASAWS. 




A SALLE set sail from France on the 24th of July, 
1684, with four vessels and a fine equipment, but 
one accident after another delayed him, and it was 
almost a year before he neared the mouth of the 
Mississippi. Through a miscalculation he passed 
beyond the mouth of the river and landed farther 
west. La Salle was sure that a mistake had been 
made, but could not induce the captain of the fleet to 
return, and had no choice but to land his goods where 
he was. By this accident Texas was first of the Gulf 
States, after Florida, to be settled by Europeans. The 
ship master cruelly deserted La Salle, and returning to 
France, abused the ear of the King with stories about 
the great discoverer, which so injured him in the esteem 
of the court that no relief was sent to him — relief which 
he was in great need of Fortunately the Indians were gentle and 
hospitable, and helped to supply the wretched little colony with food. 
La Salle spent his time in unavailing searches for the Mississippi, which 
came to seem to him at last like some mythical stream, having no 
existence. 

It was on one of these journeys that the gallant and unfortunate 
explorer met his death. He left the post in charge of twenty of his 



THE CHEVALIER LA SALLE. 225 

colonists, and taking as many more with him, started out with no 
guide but a compass and no protection from savages, except that fur- 
nished by a few arms and his conciliatory policy. They had been out 
about three months, when La Salle sent out a party in search of some 
supplies which had been left upon a previous journey. This party 
killed two buffaloes and sent back for horses to bring the meat to camp. 

La Salle's young nephew, Morangetand, and two others, went with 
the horses. Morangetand flew into a passion because the hunters had 
set apart a portion of the meat for themselves. This the law of hunting 
clearly entitled them to, but Morangetand was a hot-headed young 
fellow, who had the pride of La Salle without his gentleness. 

The hunters laid a plot for the killing of Morangetand and two 
faithful servants who were with him. This they did at night while the 
men were sleeping. The hunters lacked the courage to meet La Salle, 
and lingered so long that the Chevalier grew anxious, and calling a 
friar for company, walked in search of them. There is a tradition that 
as he went a great sadness came over him. He talked of his successes 
as if they were things of the past, and all the philosophy of the gentle 
friar was not able to arouse him from this melancholy mood. As he 
neared the place where he knew the hunters to be, he fired his pistol to 
let them know of his approach, and the}' crossed the river to meet him. 
He asked where his nephew was, and was answered insolently. La Salle 
rebuked him, and the hunter fired, shooting him through the brain. 
He was only forty-six years old, and in all his able life was never more 
full of vigor and enterprise. Had he lived, the history of the Missis- 
sippi valley would have been very different. 

There was a quarrel among the murderers, in which the man who 
fired the fatal shot was himself killed. The rest of the colony were 
eager to get out of the wilderness as soon as they could. The good 
friar and four others decided to push toward Canada, and mounting their 
horses, bade their friends farewell. What became of those who 
remained at the colony is not known. The friar and his friends, jour- 
neying northward, came suddenly upon a cottage built in the French 
style. Near it stood a cross. The bewildering effect of such a sight in 
the heart of the wilderness can be imagined. It was the dwelling of 
two of Henri de Tonty's men, Charpentier and De Launay, who had 
been left on the banks of the Mississippi two years before. Here one 
of the friar's friends remained. These three Frenchmen were the only 
living souls left to mark the adventures of the French in the valley of 
the Mississippi — Louisiana, the French called it. 



226 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

It was ten years after La Salle's death before France made 
any strong effort to renew the colonization of the Mississippi valley. 
Sieur Lenioyne d' Iberville, son of the distinguished Baron Longueuil, 
of Canada, was then given the command of an expedition fitted out by 
the King for the planting of a colony. Baron Longueuil had eleven 
sons, not to mention numerous young kinsmen, all of whom were men 
of spirit. Many of them were concerned in the fierce fights of the French 
and English at the north. D' Iberville had two frigates under his 
charge when he left France, and the three vessels joined him at Saint 
Domingo. This was in 1699. With him was that same friar who was 
the friend of La Salle in that ill-fated colony, St. Louis. He it 
was who pointed out to d' Iberville the strong, turbid flow of the 
Mississippi, staining the blue gulf L^p the river they found Indians 
who had cloaks which La Salle had given them, and a breviary which 
the friar had left in 1682. The boats were moved from Biloxi Island 
to the Mobile Bay, on d'Iber\-ille's first journey. The second time he 
came, he found a point on the Mississippi river about thirty-eight miles 
below the present city of New Orleans. This settlement, established in 
1 700, was the first really made in Louisiana, as we know the State now. 
That on the Mobile Bay was abandoned in a short time and re-estab- 
lished on the Mobile river. By this time communication was established 
between Canada and the settlements of Louisiana, by way of the great 
river, Lake Erie, and the ]\Iiami Portage. About this time an English- 
man by the name of Coxe sent out an expedition to explore and take 
possession of the Mississippi, under a charter given to Coxe by Charles 
II for the territor\- west of Florida. This expedition was met by one 
of the Frenchmen, Bienville, the brother of d'lbervnlle, and when 
inquiry' was made concerning the situation of the Mississippi, Bien- 
ville, with a Frenchman's calm and polite exterior, told him that it was 
farther west. The Englishman turned into that dismal countrj' where 
La Salle had wandered so long. He who rides down the Mississippi 
may still know the place where the Englishmen went into the wilder- 
ness, by the name of "English Turn." Fortunately for the little 
French colony, Spain and France were in alliance at this period, and 
the Spanish governors of Mexico and Florida were willing to give such 
help as they could. The King granted the whole territory to Antoine 
Crozat. Crozat appointed as his Governor, Cadillac, a soldier, who came 
to the colony in May, 17 13. It was but natural that Bienville, wko 
had done so much practical work there — for his brother, d' Iberville, was 
now dead — should resent the coming of the new officials. Their 



THE CHEVALIER LA SALLE. 227 

quarrels were the beginning of parties, which lasted for man}- years. 
Cadillac was a determined explorer, and sent an expedition into 
Texas which had much to do with the early histor}' of that State. 
When he returned to France, in two years from the time of his coming, 
M. de L'Epiany was appointed Governor in his stead. But Ivouisiana 
was to have a success which no half-wa}- colonial enthusiasm could 
make. With the death of Louis the Magnificent, in 1715, began the 
reign of the Regent, Duke of Orleans, and with him there came into 
power in France a company of detennined financiers, unscrupulous 
men, who tried to avert the bankruptcy of the kingdom. Foremost 
among these men was John Law, an Englishman, who was already 
noted for daring business schemes, and who had laid out a plan for a 
national bank which was far superior to anything of that day. France 
was terribly in debt, and John Law proposed a bank discount which was 
to issue bills redeemable in coin on merchants' notes. The Duke of 
Orleans was the patron of this bank. Law asked and obtained Crozat's 
privileges to the Mississippi trade, and formed a company which united 
the commerce of Louisiana and the fur trade of Canada. This was 
called the Western Company, and grants were given to it for twent}'-five 
years. It had a nominal capital of 100,000,000 livres — an actual capi- 
tal of about 40,000,000 livres. Unsubstantial as the actual value of this 
property was, and as Louis must have known it to have been, it never- 
theless satisfied the depressed merchants of France. Law worked hard ; 
lie had troops sent over as well as vessels of colonists. Bienville was 
once more made Governor-General of Louisiana. He selected New 
Orleans for the capital, and in February, 1718, left fifty persons to 
secure the loan and begin the building of houses. Vessels brought 
large parties of colonists here the following years. 

John Law's scheme seemed to succeed, and in 17 19 he so gained the 
confidence of merchants, that he was able to join with the East India 
Company of France. The name of the corporation was changed to the 
Indian Company. New shares were now issued at a par of 500 li\rcs, 
and no one was allowed to take any new shares who had not four old 
•ones to show. For the first time for many years France found herself 
in a seemingly prosperous condition. John Law's scheme did not show 
itb hollov;ness, until at length the actual value of the bonds were put to 
test. The Indian Company would not even accept their own shares as 
collateral icr the purchase of new shares. It goes without saying that 
no one else v.ould accept them in exchange for things of actual value. 
All that vast stretch of land by the Mississippi, valuable enough to 



228 THE STORY- OF AMERICA. 

form the basis of a nation, had no value then, lying uncultivated and 
uninhabited. Among other serious mistakes, France had made that of 
sending adventurers and fortune-hunters, instead of industrious peasants, 
to Louisiana. 

The great bubble burst in 1770. Law was protected from the 
consequences of his fatal scheme by becoming a Roman Catholic and 
securing an appointment as minister. The valley of the Mississippi 
ceased to be of great commercial interest to France, and was left to the 
quiet attendance of the Jesuit missionaries; John Law's scheme had 
brought to Louisiana several hundred colonists and had not been so 
unfortunate an affair as might been expected from its magnitude and its 
false basis. The Germans whom Law had brought over had been 
deserted by him, but their habits of hard work and their love of nature 
had been their preser\'ation. There still exist above New Orleans, on 
the German coast, luxurious farms and homes, built by these exiles and 
sustained by their descendants. 

The French settlement at Natchez was the most prosperous of the 
trading posts upon the river. The Natchez Indians were a very inter- 
esting tribe, not lacking in some good form of government. Like all 
of the rest of the southern Indians, they had imagination and warmth 
of temperament. They were sun-worshipers. Their chief was called 
Brother of the Sun. The temple in which he worshiped was built in 
the shape of a dome, with walls of smooth clay. Three wooden eagles, 
one red, another white, and the third yellow, perched above it. Mats 
of braided straw were placed upon the top to furnish protection from 
the rain. Around it was a palisade, in which were placed the skulls 
the Natchez had brought back from battle. The palace of the chief 
was not unlike the temple. It was built upon an artificial hill, so that 
the first rays of the sun might awaken the chief, for the door fronted 
the east. With many wild howls to the sun, he lighted his calumet 
and devoted his first puffs to his mighty kinsman. He then directed 
his course through the heavens by moving his hands from the east to 
the west. The royal descent was traced through the female line. The 
royal princesses were allowed to marn,- none but men of low family. It 
was their sons who succeeded to the throne, and as soon as an heir 
presumptive was born, a number of infants nearest his age were selected 
to be his guard. All through his life he was taken care of by these 
servants, who hunted for him and farmed for him, and when he died, 
permitted themselves to be strangled, that they might continue to serve 
him in another world. AH this is described by Charlevoix, who left 



THE CHEVALIER LA SALLE. 229 

Canada in 1720 to visit the Canadian missions, and stopped at Kask- 
askia, in the present State of Illinois, the oldest settlement in that 
State. Going down the river in a canoe made from a large walnut 
tree, he visited the Gennan coast. New Orleans and Natchez. Charlevoix 
says that the Natchez Indians had decreased rapidlj' in number, and 
that in six years they had lost two thousand fighting men. 

The commander of the fort at Natchez, in 1729, was Chopart, a man 
both narrow and selfish. He sent to the Brother of the Sun and told 
him that the French wished the Natchez to leave the site of their beau- 
tiful village and give it up to the French. This the Natchez promptly 
refused to do. Chopart insisted that they must move away, within two 
months. Up to this time the Natchez had been friendly to the French, 
but they now made up their minds that they must get rid of them. 
They got the Choctaws to join in the plan, and little bunches of sticks 
were exchanged between the chiefs to indicate the number of days 
before that selected for the massacre, but unfortunately the little son of 
the Natchez chief saw his father burning the sticks in the temple, and after 
his father had left, burned two more which he added to the pack. This, 
of course, misled the Choctaw chief When the day appointed by the 
Natchez came, the)- gave a dinner to Chopart. He ate and drank with 
them till 3 o'clock in the morning, and then returned to his home. In 
a little while the Brother of the Sun came out with his warriors, who 
bore the calumet high on a stick. They went to Chopart' s house 
pretending they had come to bring him the tribute which he had told 
them he would exact if they did not move from the village in two 
months. Chopart, without dressing, opened the door and asked them 
to enter. At that time, in every house in the settlement were one or 
more Indians. Most of the chief's warriors went to the river, where a 
well-laden galley had just come from New Orleans. Ever}- Indian 
picked out a man among those working on the galley, and firing, killed 
him. This was the signal for a general slaughter. In ever}- house tlie 
Indians fell upon the settlers. Only one soldier escaped from the 
garrison. Some of the women were killed, but most of them were 
taken to be held as slaves. Two hundred Frenchmen were killed 
within an hour's time, Chopart among them. 

Two days later the Choctaws, down by New Orleans, sent a delega- 
tion to the Brother of the Sun, and learned that the Natchez had already 
moved against the French. The Choctaws, not understanding the 
reason of the mistake in the day of the attack, turned all of their anger 
against the Natchez. Fueitives from the massacre beran to arrive from 



230 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

New Orleans and Perier. The commander of the fort there formed an 
army, in which the Choctaws joined, to move against the Natchez 
Indians. The Natchez Indians surrendered, leaving their town and 
moving up the Red river. The next summer Perier moved after them 
again. Once more they surrendered to him, and two hundred of them 
were sold as slaves to Saint Domingo. Three hundred escaped, and 
their descendants are living at this time upon the fanns in the valleys 
of the Ouachita river. 

The Western Company, hearing of the difficulties, represented its 
losses to the King, and he assumed the responsibility of it by making it 
a royal province. Bienville, who had been in France for some time, 
was again sent over as Governor-General in 1736. The first thing he 
did was to prepare an expedition to the remnant of the Natchez Indians. 
The Chickasaws at that time were allies of the Indian colony, and sure 
of their strength, refused to yield up the Natchez Indians, who were 
given to thenr for protection. Bienville sent word to the fort at 
Kaskaskia to meet him with as many men as he could muster on the 
10th of May, in the Chickasaw country, so Bienville himself led out the 
army from New Orleans to Mobile, on sixty small craft. He was met 
by the Choctaws, his allies, and on the 24th began the building of a 
rude fort seven miles distant from the Chickasaw village. When they 
moved against the Chickasaw stockade they met with a heavy loss, and 
were obliged to retreat. They were much puzzled at seeing Europeans 
among the Chickasaw Indians. These they supposed to be Englishmen, 
but they were the Frenchmen from Kaskaskia, who had moved upon 
the day set by Bienville and had been taken prisoners. The Indian 
allies had forced the commander to attack, instead of allowing them to 
wait, as his judgment told him, for the reinforcement from New Orleans. 
After the retreat of Bienville on the 24th, this unfortunate commander 
and all of his followers were taken to a plain, tied to stakes, and burned 
to death. Bienville's warriors, who had been left upon the field over 
night, had their bodies cut to pieces and their heads stuck defiantly on 
the palisades of the Chickasaws. 

Four years later, in 1740, Bienville led another expedition against 
the Chickasaws by way of the Mississippi river. He had heavy reinforce- 
ments from Fort Assumption, which was near the site of the present 
city of Memphis. The Chickasaws were alarmed, and offered to 
surrender all the white slaves in their po.ssession on condition of peace. 
Bienville accepted the terms. After an absence of ten months the an^ay 
returned to New Orleans. Fort Assumption was torn down, and no 



THE CHEVALIER LA SALLE. 23 1 

Other militan- post was put in its place for one hundred and twenty 
\ears. In 1741 Bienville returned to France. 

Three years later than this there were but 1,700 white men, 1,500 
women, and 2,020 slaves in the whole Mississippi valley, after thirty- 
years of expensive colonization. Ffteen years later, when Louis X\' 
had come to the throne, there was a falling off of these homes. For 
eight years after the return of Bienville to France, the Marquis de 
Vandreuil held the position of royal Governor. The colony was in 
constant alarm from fear of the English by sea and the Indians by land 
— alarm which was greater than the case called for. In 1751 the 
Marquis had two thousand soldiers under his orders and the expenses of 
the colony were entirely out of proportion to its comforts. It was the 
fanners, quietly working upon their plantations, who conquered the 
Mississippi valley and made it valuable. Cotton was being raised, gin 
and sugar manufactured, indigo cultivated, and the common vegetables 
and fniits raised for the personal use of the settlers. Already in Illinois 
wheat was becoming so successful a product that it was exported to the 
distant seaport. The mines of copper and lead were being developed 
in the Northwest, and silk and tobacco were being introduced. 

Following, came the administration of Kerleric, which lasted for ten 
years. At the end of that time he was thrown into the Bastile, accused 
with misappropriating mone}-. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Parkman's "France and England in North America." 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 



i\$ Jfanh of iolh* 



CALIFORNIA — SPANISH EXPLORERS — THE JOURNEY OF SIR FRANCIS 

DRAKE — THE COAST INDIANS — EXPEDITION OF ESPEJO — 

OVERTHROW OF THE JESUITS — ONATE AND HIS 

LABORS — THE MISSIONS AT THE SOUTH — 

•\ ~\_ THE DECLINE OF SPAIN AND HER 

J^ i%/'J, COLONIES. 




^ 



AIvIFORNIA did not receive its name as the 
other States did. It took it from a certain fantastic 
romance, written by a Spanish author. This 
romance pictured an imaginary kingdom glittering 
with gold and diamonds, in which the most 
extraordinary events were constantly taking jslace, 
and where riches were free to everyone. The 
name of this remarkable land was California, and, oddly 
enough, its imaginary riches were hardly greater than 
those which the most western of our States actually 
contained. Cortez, always ambitious and eager for con- 
quests, sent out Hernando Grijalva, in 1534, on an 
expedition of discovery to the Pacific coast. It is not 
strange that the Spaniards gave the name of the 
romance to a country whose charms are so great that the people marvel 
over them to-day as they did then. The methods of Grijalva were too 
languid to suit the nervous and impatient Cortez, and the following 
year, taking four hundred Spaniards and three hundred slaves with him, 
he himself embarked for California. Not only was he impatient for 
the conquest of this productive land, but was anxious to see if he could 
learn the fate of a small expedition which he had previously sent north 
by land. He had only well started on his journey of discovery, when 
he heard that his civil power had been taken from him and given to 
the Viceroy, Mendoza. His militar>' position was all that vas left him, 



THE LAND OF GOLD. 2^^ 

and he was obliged to return to Mexico, after coasting on both sides of 
the Gulf of California. Francisco de Ulloa was sent to take up the 
exploration. Pearls were found in the Gulf of California at the very 
first, and the pearl fishery that has continued to this day was systemat- 
ically taken up then. Reports of the richness of this country excited 
the jealousy of Mendoza, the ruler of Mexico, and he determined to 
send out an explorer himself in the same direction that Ulloa had 
taken. The Spaniards were excited with the reports brought to them 
by the four men who had started with Narvaez from Florida. These 
men, it will be recollected, traveled alone from Florida to the Gulf of 
California. They brought tales of seven wonderful cities which, 
contained castles built of gold, silver, turquoise and diamonds. 
Vasquez Coronado was the man chosen to go in search of these. It 
was not long before he reached the territory which the men had 
described as the "seven cities" but in them, alas! was found no gold, 
silver, diamonds nor turquoise. There were, however, very substan- 
tial buildings, three or four lofts high, with ladders leading from one 
story to another. The people wore cotton dresses and had taste in 
cooker)-. But Coronado was not after evidences of civilization, but in 
search of gold, and he pushed hastily on. Two years of disappoint- 
ment followed, until at length the perplexed and disheartened Spaniard 
went mad, and his party returned to Mexico. Meantime, in 1543 a 
voyage was made northward along the coast, which laid open to the 
Spaniards a portion of California. This was under the charge of 
Cabrillo, who went as far north as Cape Mendosino. He found it too 
cold to go farther. From this point the Spanish fleets, for long years 
after, took their departure on their journey to the East Indies. Other 
Spanish voyagers made much the same trip, but none of them discov- 
ered a seaport in California. 

This, Sir Francis Drake, the English seaman, who has been written 
of in the first chapters of this book, did. It will be remembered that 
he passed through the Straits of Magellan and came up the Pacific 
Ocean in 1578. One of his vessels was lost in a gale, the second 
deserted him, and he was left to make his voyage alone in the Pelican. 
His crew suffered terribly from the cold, on reaching forty-eight degrees 
north latitude, although it was in the month of June. He hurried 
away from this discouraging port and landed in a "goodly bay," which 
some identify with the beautiful Bay of San Francisco. 

When the Indians heard of the arrival of the white men, they 
gathered in large numbers to see them, and the King, a man of 



234 I'HK STORY OF Aj/lEFaCA.. 

dignified stature, came, with a guard of a hundred brave*, tc? -welcome 
him. In front of the King marched a tall man carrying a jceptre of 
black wood a j^ard and a half long. Upon it hung two crowns, and 
dangling from these were chains of bone. Each link was a mark of 
honor. All of the Indians wore skins, and the King wore rabbit's 
skin — a mark of royal distinction. Their heads were decorated with 
feathers of rare birds. They entertained Drake with a long ceremony, 
ending in a dance, after which they asked the Englishman to be King 
of their country. The crown was set upon Drake's head, and all the 
chains of honor hung about his neck. Drake thought it wise to accept 
these honors in the spirit which they were given, and took the countr}- 
in the name and for the use of Queen Elizabeth. It must not be 
forgotten that this was away back in 1579. Then followed a wild 
scene in which all the common people yelled and howled, and tore the 
skin from their faces with their nails, meaning to offer sacrifice to their 
new and mysterious Governor. Drake and his friends made a visit into 
the interior, where the Indian villages were. They found the countr}- 
fruitful, filled with game and excellently adapted for settlement. 
Neither Drake nor his men would have objected to lingering longer 
among these friendly tribes in a land of such unusual beaut)-, but their 
disabled ship was repaired and there was need for hastening back with 
reports of the voyage. A monument was left in the port composed of 
a copper plate, fastened to a wooden post. Upon this plate was engraved 
the right of Queen Elizabeth to the kingdom, the Queen's picture and 
Drake's arms. The Indians mourned exceedingly when Drake left 
them, and built bright fires on the cliffs to cheer his departure over the 
waters. 

In 1581, Augustine Reyes, a Franciscan Father, went northward 
and rediscovered the pleasant land of which Coronado had written, and 
was able to guess at the site of the "seven cities." Reyes started 
thither, with two brethren of his order and eight soldiers, for the 
purpose of making converts to the Catholic faith among the Indians. 
But one of the friars was killed by the Indians, and the soldiers, fearing 
for their safety, deserted, leaving the two friars to go on alone. When 
the soldiers passed Santa Barbara, the)' confessed the state the)- had left 
the unfortunate Fathers in, and aroused the indignation of Antonio de 
Espejo, who hurried to their relief with a caravan of fifteen horses and 
mules and some Indian guides. Espejo discovered man)- interesting 
tribes of Indians who had progressed in the arts and industries to an 
unusual extent. Some of them wore cotton garments, striped with 



THE LAND OF GOLD. 235 

white and blue. Others understood the tanning of leather so well that 
the Spaniards held it to be as fine as anything done in Flanders. The 
great rivers and mighty forests, the mountains and the fruitful plains 
delighted them, but they were obliged to press on after the priests whom 
they were hurr}-ing to succor. In the country which they named New 
Mexico, they found people dressed in cotton and leather, with good 
boots and shoes. At last they learned that the poor Franciscan Fathers 
had been killed, and Espejo devoted himself merely to exploration, 
leaving a large part of his company in camp near the Tiguas tribe of 
the "sixteen towns." He found idols in some of the houses; umbrellas 
decorated with the sun, moon and stars were in use by one tribe, and 
many had wrought the precious metals into forms of ornament. Espe- 
cially interesting was the town of Acoma, which was inhabited by six 
thousand Indians. It was built on a high cliff, fifty platforms in height, 
and reached by steps cut out of the rock. The water was drawn from 
cisterns. Of course no crops could be raised upon the site of this rockj- 
city. The farms lay two leagues away and were irrigated by artificial 
means. 

Espejo at length visited the country which Coronado had entered 
half a century before. Here he found Christians and some baptized 
Indians, who understood the Spanish language. This was the great 
province of Zuni, which still holds its name and keeps the old customs 
as Espejo saw them in the last half of the sixteenth century. After 
journeying still farther, Espejo came to rich silver mines, but it is not 
known in what direction he journeyed. When Espejo rejoined his 
party he found most of them determined to return to Santa Barbara. 
He, with eight soldiers, concluded to explore the river Del Norte. It 
was two years before he ended his journeyings. 

Until 1595 the great western territon- remained undisturbed. Then 
the Count Monterey, at that time Viceroy of Mexico, and Juan de Onate 
went into New Mexico to plant colonies in the valley of the Rio Grande. 
Saute Fe, which was one of Onate' s settlements, was founded before 
Jamestown, and is, therefore, next to vSt. Augustine, the oldest town in 
the United States. This settlement had in its beginning one hundred 
soldiers and five hundred settlers, and the number continued to be about 
the same for a hundred years. Indian raids were not infrequent, and 
the people could offer but little resistance until 1692, when Diego 
de Barges established Spanish garrisons in the valley. El Paso, on the 
Mexican frontier, was one of Onate' s settlements. 

Farther west, on the ocean coast, .Spain followed up the discoveries 



236 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

of Drake. It is not necessary to mention each one of these. Spanish 
names were given to the coast, and Spain claimed it as her own, 
although she took but very languid interest in it. It was the Jesuits, 
anxious for the saving of souls, who finally settled upon the peninsula 
of California. Francisco Kino, a devoted brother of the Jesuit society, 
infused with a noble enthusiasm, undertook to Christianize the penin- 
sula. A series of missions were founded by him, and in 1697 he 
succeeded in getting a mission built in lower California. On the west 
side of the gulf was Father Salvatierra, and on the east side Father 
Kino. These two men, both systematic and capable of clear leadership, 
constantly helped one another. The system of the Fathers was very 
complete. The Indians were taught the Spanish language, and were 
induced to attend religious services ever}' day. Those who did so were 
supplied with rations. The sick, old and helpless were provided with 
food. All of the Indians were given coarse cloth, cloaks and blankets. 
The missionaries instructed them in the cultivation of their fields, but 
finding that the Indians would not harvest and preserve the crops, they 
themselves took care of them. Wine was one of the first products of 
California, bnt the Fathers soon found it was necessary to keep it from 
the Indians. 

By the time that the missions had existed in California for a gener- 
ation they were surrounded with a semi-civilized set of men and women 
who gave up the wild life of the forest for the more laborious and quiet 
one of the farms. 

Lonely and desolate, the little missions stood out from the savagery 
of the villages. In them there were often but two Spaniards, a Father 
and a soldier. The missions were well built, with a touch of that 
Moorish architecture which the Spaniards had made their own. Not 
alone were the missions the schools, the churches and the depot for sup- 
plies, but they served for courts of justice as well, and any culprit was 
punished there according to the judgment of the Spaniards. The 
children were educated in reading, writing and singing, and many of them 
were sent to Soreto, the chief station. Such of these as showed unusual 
intelligence were made church-wardens at the various rancherios. 
One Father taught his Indians to spin wool and weave it, and he him- 
self made the staffs, wheels and looms. This was opposed to the 
policy of Spain, which wished to force all her colonists to purchase man- 
ufactures direct from home. It was this same policy which kept the 
settlements of the Spaniards so far behind those of the English and 
French. Cortez tried to encourage manufactures in the colonies, but 



THE LAND OF GOLD. 237 

his policy was overturned, and the people received from Mexico the 
cloth which had been made in Holland and sold in Spain. The Fathers 
continued to form new missions whenever some benefactor could be 
found who would give an endowment of $10,000, $6,000 of which was 
put at interest and devoted to the education and care of the Indians. 
Each Father kept a chronicle of all which happened to him, and these 
engaging narratives helped not a little in the collection of money in 
Mexico and Spain. The mines of Arizona began to be richly devel- 
oped, and it is still possible to see the remains of old mining operations 
there. Every little while the Indians, who seemed so obedient and 
trustful, would uprise suddenly and war with each other in their old 
savage fashion. In their hearts they resented this easy conquest of the 
Spaniards. The eloquence of their orators was leveled against the 
woman-like patience with which the braves sat down to eat the bread of 
charity, and from time to time the well-fed proteges of the missions 
were lashed into insurrection. After the death of Father Kino, in 17 ir, 
the missions Ijegan to decay. He had baptized more than forty thou- 
sand infidels, founded numerous churches, and conducted valuable 
explorations. 

Spain, herself, was losing her glory, and it was not strange that the 
little missions, to which she had always been more or less indifierent, 
should suffer early from her decline. After this comes a histor>' of 
revolts, and at last, June 25, 1767, came the decree of the council 
chamber of Charles III for the expulsion of the Jesuits. 

The land upon the Gulf of Mexico had not been entirely neglected 
by the Spaniards. In 1690 a mission was established at the spot where 
La Salle's unfortunate colony had been. Other missions and militarj' 
posts were established about Texas and New Mexico. But in 1693 the 
Spaniards were driven from them by the Indians. However, there still 
remained, on the west side of the Rio Grande, the posts known as 
Presidio del Norte and El Paso. 

In 17 1 2, Louis the XIV gave the grant of Louisiana to Antonio 
Crozat, which included the land reaching to the Rio Grande on the 
west. Between this country and Mexico there has always been a brisk 
smuggling trade. The first Texas missions were founded by the Fran- 
ciscan Fathers, who used much the same plan that the Jesuits had done 
farther west. When the war of 17 18 was declared between France and 
Spain, the little settlements on these distant frontiers thought it 
behooved them to imitate the home countries, and war with each other. 
One large expedition was fitted out to move against the French settle- 



238 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



ments of the Upper Mississippi. The Spaniards lost their way and fell 
in with some Indians who massacred them and took all of their arms. 
After this Spain made no other attempt to settle on the land of the 
Upper Mississippi. In 1728 the Spanish government transported four 
hundred from the Canary Islands to Texas. A portion of these settled 
at San Antonio, Texas, but the growth of Texas was ver\' slow, and the 
deadly policj' of Spain took the life from the colonists. 

I-OR I'URTHKR RE.A.DING: 
History — Bancroft's "Histor>- of California." 

Hittell's "Historj- of San Francisco."' 

Help's "Spanish Conquest of America." 

Kip's "Karlv Jesuit Missions in North America." 

Curtis' "ChiWren of the .Sun." 




CHAPTER XXXVII. 



as. 



SIR NATHANIEL JOHNSON IN CAROLINA — STRATEGY AT FORT JOHNSON 
— RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES — MASSACRE OF 1711 — UPRISING 
IN SOUTH CAROLINA THE YEMASSEES — THE BUC- 
CANEERS — REBELLION AGAINST THE 
PROPRIETORS. 



J.FTER Governor Moore's administration in South 
Carolina, which, through his ill-advised move 
against St. Augustine, plunged the colony so 
heavily in debt, Sir Nathaniel Johnson was 
appointed to office in Moore's place. Johnson 
was a man who had more of the instincts of a 
general than of a ruler. His administration was 
marked by one of those religious disputes which made 
so much trouble in all the early colonies. It arose 
from an act passed by his first assembh', taking away 
the civil rights from all who blasphemed the Trinit}', or 
refused to believe in the divine authority of the Bible, 
and condemning them to three years' imprisonment. 
Following this, came a law which required every 
citizen who belonged to the assembly to conform to 
the religion of the Church of England. By this law every Puritan of 
whatever shade of belief was robbed of his civil rights, though these 
dissenters were far greater in number than the Episcopalians. This 
Episcopal minority, of course, represented the Lord Proprietors who 
governed the colony. The dissenters sent John Ashe to England to 
beg the protection of the Proprietors, but he got no satisfaction from 
them. Another agent, Joseph Boone, was sent to England to make an 
appeal to the House of Lords. They referred the petition to the Queen, 
with a prayer that the wrongs of the colonists might be righted, and 
Queen Anne declared the laws to be null and void. 




240 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Though Johnson was so injudicious a ruler, he had some qualities 
which were not to be despised. At one time, when he learned that an 
attack was to be made upon Charleston by the French and Spanish, he 
superintended a pretty piece of strategy, which is worth relating. On 
James Island, in Charleston harbor. Fort Johnson held a few men for 
the protection of the city. William Rhett was placed as admiral over 
the militia of the province, which, with guns and ammunition, was put 
on board six merchant vessels which were in harbor. These prepara- 
tions had barely been completed when the invading fleet, consisting of 
a frigate and four smaller vessels, under the command of Captain Le 
Feboure, sailed up and demanded a surrender. The man who brought 
the demand was blindfolded and taken from fortification to fortification. 
In each one of these he saw a well-armed and uniformed force, and 
never guessed that the men in each fortification were always the same, 
and that they hurried quietly before his blindfolded eyes. He went 
back to his commander and reported the extent of the force. Rhett 
managed his little fleet of merchant vessels with such skill that Le 
Feboure was unable to make a landing, and in a few days the French 
retreated. 

The religious difierences of the colony were not easily quieted. In 
spite of the fact that John Archdale, the Quaker, was one of the 
Proprietors, the Friends were at one time refused seats in the assembly. 
The war of words between the dissenters and the Episcopalians was 
constant. These disputes led to serious political complications. After 
Johnson was removed. South Carolina was in doubt for some time as to 
who was really Governor, such misunderstandings and contentions 
were there. When the claimants for office tried to summon an armed 
force and to move against each other, the militia quietly refused to 
obey. It was not until 17 13 that Charles Eden was appointed Governor 
by the Proprietors and that religious freedom was allowed to be the 
right of every man in the Carolinas. During the last four years the 
colonies had not only been rent by internal rebellion and bitter perse- 
cutions, but by savage wars with the Indians as well. In 17 11 the 
Tuscaroras succeeded in uniting in North Carolina all of the smaller 
tribes, as well as the half-civilized Indians about the colonies, in a 
general conspiracy against the English. On an appointed morning a 
single war-whoop was given just at break of day and in every house the 
servants rose against their masters. All about the villages lurked bands 
of savages waiting to fall upon the .settlements in an unguarded moment. 
Few Indian massacres were conducted with so much fierceness and 




/a^ /^//a^. 



^yLyt^d^tT-i' 



THE CAROLINAS. 24I 

decision. In most cases there was a blunder somewhere, but here, 
unfortunately, there was none. Many hundred were killed within that 
hour at day-break through all the settlements, and for three days the 
tide of murder swept on from south to north, stopping at last for want of 
more victims to kill. In all Indian warfare the burning of houses and 
destruction of property was as much a part of the fight as the killing 
of men. Governor Hyde begged Virginia and South Carolina for aid. 
Governor Spotswood, of Virginia, interceded with the Indians, but 
Governor Craven, of South Carolina, sent a body of militia and several 
hundred friendly Indians hurriedly through the wilderness to the aid of 
the sister colony. In an open battle the Tuscaroras suffered heavy loss. 
The distracted remnant of settlers in North Carolina kept shut up in 
their garrison. The crops they had planted with so much care were 
destroyed. Little was left of the pleasant fanns and villages. The 
little store of wealth which had been accumulated through the patient 
years was gone, and in almost ever>' family there was mourning for the 
murdered. Through the long winter of 17 13 this remnant of a colony 
dragged out a wretched existence, owing what little life it had to the 
protection of the soldiers from the South. A treat>' was made at last 
with the Indians, and the soldiers retired to their homes. When the 
Indians were freed from their presence they broke their treaty, and the 
following summer was spent by both the English and the Indians in 
preparations for a renewal of the war. At the close of the summer 
Governor Hyde died, and Colonel Pollock was chosen Governor. He 
used the best means in his power for the protection of his colony. 
Realizing its limited resources and how few men it had to defend it, he 
sowed division among the Indians, weakening their party. Help came 
both from Virginia and South Carolina, and in an attack upon the 
Indians, in the spring, many of them were killed and eight hundred 
taken prisoners and carried to South Carolina as slaves. 

The next colony to suffer from the Indians was South Carolina 
itself. In the spring of 1715 there was a sudden uprising among the 
Yemassees, the tribe who had been the allies of the South Carolinians 
in their conflict with the Tuscaroras. As in North Carolina, a day was 
agreed upon, and the outbreak came with horrible suddenness. More 
than four hundred were murdered, and many hundred homes were 
burned. There was in the whole colony only one proof of friendship 
between the races. Sanute, a Yemassee chief, had a great reverence 
for a bonny Scotch woman who lived with her husband upon the 
frontier. After the habit of his race when they vowed friendship, he 
15 



242 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

had washed his face with scented water and crossed his hands upon his 
breast, vowing that he should eternally be her friend. When the 
massacre was agreed upon, he warned her, and she and her husband fled 
to the coast. An organized force was led against the Yemassees by 
Governor Craven, and the Indians were defeated, and pushed through 
the wilderness across the Florida border. The Indians were now 
practically driven from the Carolinas — a country full of traditions for 
them and for which they had bravely fought. All the lands which had 
been reser\'ed to the Yemassees were taken possession of by the colony, 
but these the Proprietors wrenched from them for their own use, and 
the new emigrants, hastening over to the territory which was opened 
up to them, were ruined by the demands for rent and purchase money. 
Governor Craven, of South Carolina, was succeeded by Robert Johnson, 
a son of the former Governor, Sir Nathaniel Johnson. He took charge 
of the colony under great difficulties. The Proprietors had taken away 
all independent legislation from the assembly, and assumed the right to 
reject and repeal all laws as they saw fit. The revenue was taken off 
the imported British goods, which had been used for the support of the 
colony, and the pirates who lurked about the Carolinian coast had 
become so bold that it was necessary to incur the expense of open 
conflict with them. The vessels of these buccaneers were so well armed 
and manned that they were able to capture merchantmen within sight 
of Charleston. When any person fell into their hands they extracted 
a ransom from the government. The admiral of these rovers was the 
famous Blackbeard, who had a squadron of six vessels under his 
command. He and his dare-devil captains had a station at the mouth 
of Cape Fear river. From here they could sally out upon any vessels 
bound for Charleston, and thus seriously injure the commerce of the 
colon}-. William Rhett, who had so cleverly managed the little fleet of 
merchantmen at the time of the French invasion, was put in command 
of a ship sent out to capture Steed-Bonnet, one of Blackbeard's most 
dreaded allies. It had been thought almost impossible to take him, but 
Rhett attacked his pirate vessel with its crew of thirty, captured them 
and took them to Charleston, where they were hanged. Another of 
the pirate captains, Morely, angered at his companions' fate, soon after 
this sailed defiantly into the mouth of the harbor. Governor Johnson 
took command of his ship himself, and went out to meet him. The 
Governor's crew was triumphant, and boarded the pirate, killing ever)' 
one except the captain and one of the crew. These, though bleeding 
with many wounds, still refused to surrender, and were taken to 



TUE CAROLINAS. 243 

Charleston and hurriedly hung, that the Carolinians might have the 
satisfaction of seeing them swing. A royal proclamation had been 
made some time before, promising pardon to all pirates who would 
surrender, and Blackbeard, with twenty of his friends, went to Governor 
Eden, of North Carolina, and took advantage of this proclamation. He 
rioted aboitt the village for a time, and then took to his life on the sea 
again. Governor Spotswood, of Virginia, offered a large reward for his 
head. Two armed sloops were fitted out and sent after him. He heard 
of their coming and made preparations. His twenty-five men were 
ready to fight to the death. He boarded one of the sloops, which had 
got aground, with the expectation of making an easy victory, but a 
large reserved force of men who had been kept below, sprang upon the 
deck as the pirates poured over the sides. A hand-to-hand fight 
followed, and the two captains closed upon each other. After they had 
fired their pistols they fought with dirks, until Blackbeard fell. The 
successful \'irginian party boarded the pirate vessels and made prisoners 
of the rest of the crew. A negro had been put with a fire-brand ac the 
magazine, with orders from the captain to blow up the ship as soon as 
she was taken, but he was discovered, and the act prevented. Black- 
beard's head was stuck upon the end of the bowsprit, and the young 
commander of the Virginian troops, Lieutenant Maynard, sailed proudly 
back into the Chesapeake. 

South Carolina had just got this well off"her mind and was freed from 
the depredations of the buccaneers, when she was threatened with 
Spanish invasion. Governor Johnson promptly called for money to 
prepare defences. The assembly said there was no money, and that the 
tax upon imports ought to be enough. The Governor reminded the 
assembly that the Proprietors had repealed the law. The assembly 
replied that they had nothing more to do with the matter. There was 
no Spanish invasion, as expected, but the difficulties between the Pro- 
prietors and the assembly had reached a climax. The people prepared 
for revolution, feeling they could stand the tyranny of the Proprietors 
no longer. Governor Johnson was held in respect and affection, in 
spite of the fact that he represented the hated Proprietors. His sin- 
cerity and good sense had won the hearts of the people, but notwith- 
standing this, they refused now to obey him or pay any attention to his 
orders while he voiced the will of rulers so tyrannical and unjust. The 
people elected a Governor for themselves — Colonel James Moore — and he 
was inaugurated on the same day that the militia was assembled for the 
revolution in Charleston. Governor Johnson had been at his plantation, 



244 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

and when he came into Charleston he found the city alive with excite- 
ment. Dnims were beaten about the streets, the ships were decorated 
with bunting, work was given up, and in the town square stood the 
militia of the whole province. Johnson tried to reason with the lead- 
ing men. Some he indignantly reproved, and he ordered Colonel 
Parris, who was at the head of the troops, to disperse his men at 
once. This Parris refused to do, saying that he was there in obedience 
to the orders of the assembly, and when Johnson insisted upon having 
his commands obeyed, the soldiers were ordered to present their guns, 
and Johnson was told that he came nearer at the peril of his life. No 
one came to Johnson's side, and he saw that although he had not one 
enemy among those around him, the cause of the Proprietors was lost. 
He was led politelj' from the field by one of the leaders of the uprising, 
more popular than ever, perhaps, for the courage with which he had 
faced the loaded muskets of the troops. Both parties sent agents to 
England to present their sides of the difficulty, and in 1721 the govern- 
ment was taken away from the Proprietors and became a royal province. 
Sir Francis Nicholson, who seemed to be the favorite adjuster of diffi- 
culties in the colonies, was sent over by the King. 

Queen Anne was dead, and George I had been King for over six- 
years. Nicholson showed his usual good sense. He imderstood what 
the people needed, and was nothing if not a diplomat. He secure ' 
peaceful relations with both the Spaniards and the Yemassees. He 
signed treaties with the Cherokees and Creeks, on the west, and encour- 
aged the building of churches and the laying out of parishes, sending to 
England for pastors. This was not so much that he had any personal 
religious enthusiasm, as that he knew the church was one of the comer- 
stones of government, and that it would greatly help the people in 
educational as well as religious and social affairs. There had not been 
a public school in the whole province when he came, but he constantly 
urged the necessity for them, and even used his private means, until at 
the close of his four years of administration a fair system of education 
had been begun. In 1729, both the northern and southern colonies 
were purchased by the crown. Lord Carteret refusing to sell his share, 
and retaining all the territory from 34° 35' to the boundarj- of \'irginia, 
and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. After this, North and 
South Carolina became legally two separate provinces. Burrington was 
the first royal Governor of North Carolina, but in a short time was dis- 
placed by Gabriel Johnson, who was appointed in 1734 and remained 
Governor of the colony for twenty years. In South Carolina, Robert 



THE CAROIJNAS. 245 

Johnson, the Governor who had been so determined under the rule of 
the Proprietors, was sent back with a royal commission. He was wel- 
comed with enthusiasm, and for the four remaining years of his life 
worked to restore order, peace and prosperity. The colony was a 
mixed one, including English, French, Irish, Scotch and Spanish, dif- 
fering in taste, religion and educational prejudices. Besides these, 
were about twenty-two thousand African slaves, not to mention the half- 
civilized Indians who hung about the colonies. There were a great 
many white slaves at this time, and from these degraded people came 
the "poor whites" of the South. With such a population as this, Gov- 
ernor Johnson's difficulties were many, especially as the debts of South 
Carolina were heavier than ever before. But the colony was now too 
strong for its life to be again in danger. Its prosperity was assured. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Ramsey's "South Carolina." 

Williamson's "North Carolina." 
Fiction— W. G. Simms' "The Yemassee." 

A. J. Requier's "The Old Sanctuary." 
Matilda Douglas' "Blackbeard." 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 



%rm jllli^s nnh l^-uia^s. 



HOW GEORGIA CAME TO BE SETTLED — THE EMIGRANTS — THE WESLEY? 
AND WHITEFIELD — THE MARCH OF THE SLAVES — THE 

SPANISH ATTACK GEORGIA AS A 

ROYAL PROVINCE. 



HE English colonies of the North had been settled 
b}" men who thought themselves righteous. 
The most southern colony of the English — 
Georgia — was settled by men who were manifestly 
unrighteous. They were taken largely- from the 
jails of England. It came about through a 
movement for the reformation of English jails. James 
Oglethorpe, a humane gentleman, taking great interest 
in the poor and criminal classes of England, came to the 
conclusion that in another countn- they might be made 
good citizens. He procured a grant of land in the 
summer of 1732, which was granted to twenty trustees 
for the benefit of the poor of the kingdom, and included 
all of the land between the Savannah and Altamaha 
rivers. Oglethorpe was a gentleman of courtly manners 
and of ver)' noble family. He was also a soldier of experience. Sub- 
scriptions were obtained through England for the benefit of this colony, 
and a company of people were carefully chosen from the destitute 
among the large cities. They were largely laborers out of employment, 
or debtors who had long been imprisoned by their creditors. Ogle- 
thorpe himself took charge of the first company of emigrants. This 
contained about one hundred and fourteen persons. The place which 
they .selected for settlement was the site of the present city of Savannah. 
Under the intelligent direction of Oglethorpe, matters went well 
with the .settlement from the beginning. The people were divided into 
three parties. One prepared land for cultivation, a second felled trees, 
and a third built palisades. Until the town was built they lived in 




FROM ALLEYS AND BV-WAYS. 247 

teuts. Their first care was to prepare a batteiY' and a magazine. 
Laborers were brought from Charleston to help in building, and 
Oglethorpe laid out the plan of the beautiful city of Savannah, which 
has been preserved to this day, and which stands as a monument to his 
judgtnent and taste. Even the names of the streets are, in many cases, 
the same which he gave. In a short time other colonists were sent over 
from England. A treaty was made with the Indians, and local govern- 
ment was established. South Carolina was most friendly to the colony, 
and gave it much help. As soon as possible substantial dwellings were 
put up in place of the cabins first erected. The manufacture of silk 
was made one of the principal industries of the colony, and a light-house 
was built on Tybee Island, ninety- feet in height. A company of 
Highlanders built Fort Argyle, on the Ogeechee river, as a defence 
against the Spanish. In the first year and a half the colony increased 
to nearly five hundred persons. Besides the poor of England, there 
came many Highlanders from Scotland, and they took most kindly to 
American life, being used to hunting and to the cultivation of a sterile 
soil. Their half-barbaric, picturesque garb, the music of their bagpipes, 
and their love for a life in the wilderness, won the admiration and 
friendship of the Indians. 

There came, also, a compau}- of Salzburgers to Georgia. These 
people were of a religious sect which had been persecuted for centuries. 
For a time a handful of them had found comparative peace in the 
valle\- of Salzburg, a province of Bavaria, but as they increased in 
numbers the wrath of the church was again turned against them, 
and the}' were driven from their homes, wives and husbands separated, 
and children taken to be raised in the Catholic Church. Twentj' 
thousand of them found refuge in Prussia. Some fled to Holland and 
some to England. In England, they were kindly received, and it was 
thought that a safe as}-lum might be provided for them in the American 
colony. Fifty families, still living near Salzburg, accepted the invita- 
tion, and marched through Gennany to the northern coast, carrying 
the young and old, with their few provisions, in rude carts. When 
they came through a Catholic district they were persecuted, but when 
the district was a Protestant one they were treated with great kindness, 
the peasants even carrying the women and children in their arms from 
one town to another. It was man\-, many wear}- months before they 
reached Savannah. Their industn- and their long acquaintance with 
privation made them ver>' valuable to a new colony, although, like the 
Friends, they did not believe in the taking up of arms, and would 



248 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

furnish no men to the fighting force of the community. Lands were 
given them on the Savannah river, which they selected themselves, and 
named the place Ebenezer. Soon after their arrival, in the spring of 
1734, Oglethorpe went to England, returning in the winter with about 
three hundred persons. With him came two young men by the name 
of Wesley, who stayed in Georgia but a short time. The people did 
not guess at that time the lofty strain of genius which ran in them, 
and which was to bring such powerful influence to bear on all 
Christendom in after years. John Wesley had a church at Savannah, 
and when he left, his friend, George Whitefield, who was to be no less 
noted than himself, took his place there. He and Wesley had been 
friends at Oxford. Oglethorpe brought with him on his second voyage 
two acts of Parliament. One of them prohibited the introduction of 
spirituous liquors in the colony and the other forbade the bringing of 
slaves. Unfortunately neither of these laws could be enforced. White- 
field fought the introduction of slaves for a time, but at length he 
himself yielded to it, and worked large plantations with them, using 
the money for the benefit of an orphan asylum which he built near 
Savannah. His influence had much to do with the introduction of 
slaves in Georgia. 

A large part of the emigrants which Oglethorpe had brought over 
with him were put on the Island of St. Simons, at the mouth of the 
Altamaha river. The island was made formidable with forts and 
batteries. The Governor made an imfortunate move against St. Augus- 
tine, and was severely repulsed there. On his third visit to England he 
obtained a military commission which included South Carolina as well 
as Georgia. In the summer of 1739 he learned that the Spanish were 
tr}-ing to make allies of the Creeks, Choctaws and Chickasaws, who 
had formerly been friendly to the English. Zomo Chi-Chi, the 
friendly chief whom the first settlers of Savannah had used as an 
interpreter, begged Oglethorpe to attend a council three hundred miles 
northwest of Savannah, at which the chiefs were to gather. It took him 
one month to go and return, going through an unbroken wilderness, which 
no settler had previously entered. Not alone did he have the intenni- 
nable forests of the South to pass, but the bewildering swamps as 
well. He met chiefs of numerous tribes, who could bring seven thou- 
sand warriors into the field, and gained such influence over them that it 
was a protection to Georgia through all his life, and indeed long after that 
useful life had ended. Shortly after this, the slaves of Carolina arose 
and began a march toward Florida, destroying the plantations and 



FROM ALLEYS AND BY-WAYS. 249 

killing the whites as they went, but getting badly intoxicated, they 
were surrounded by a body of militia and dispersed, a few being taken 
prisoners and others killed. 

In 1742 the Spaniards made up their minds to retaliate for the 
English expedition against St. Augustine, and sent a fleet of thirty 
vessels, with a force of five thousand men, against Georgia. Oglethorpe 
got his Highland forces together from Darien, and all Indian allies who 
were in reach. A force of about eight hundred men were put in the 
field. Oglethorpe's action in this was gallant, though he only had a 
merchant vessel of twenty guns and two schooners of fourteen guns 
each. When the fleet of vessels sailed up St. Simons harbor, Ogle- 
thorpe himself took command of the vessels. He put eight schooners, 
with one man each, out for the purpose of harassing the vessels or of 
conveying himself from one place to another. He directed the batteries 
on shore as well. The fight lasted twentj' hours, and the Spanish fleet 
fought their way through the fire of the batteries to the shore. 
Oglethorpe spiked his guns, destroyed all the provisions, and fell back 
upon Frederica, on St. Simons Island. The English were now behind 
those fine defences on which they had prided themselves. The head of 
the bay was difficult to navigate, and no ship could get through without 
"going about." As she did so, the batteries were so placed that she 
could be raked at once from three directions for three-fourths of a mile. 
The Spaniards dared not attempt this, and landed the fleet four miles 
below the town, with the intention of attacking the English at the rear 
with their force of five thousand men. A road ran southward from 
Frederica between a marsh and one of the tangled southern woods. At 
one place this road had a crescent shape, with a width of about sixty 
feet. The crescent ended in a wood, and here Oglethorpe left a detach- 
ment of troops, with some Indian allies. The Spaniards had no 
difficulty in driving this handful of men before them. Word was sent 
to the general, who hurried up, met the Spaniards at the entrance of 
the crescent and dro\-e them back through the wood, into the open 
country beyond. Leaving a force of men there, he went back to 
Frederica, fearing an attack from the front. Finding all quiet there, 
he took a large reinforcement and started once more down the road. 
He met his men ffj'ing before the Spaniards. He turned them back 
and hurried on, for he knew that if the enemy once got through the 
narrow road to the prairie, Frederica could not long stand out against 
five thousand men. The Spaniards had marched on, and two or three 
hundred of them la\- in the crescent of the road. The Englishmen 



25^) THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

had fled before them. From the rear there was no danger of attack, 
and they quietly went into camp there, and began to prepare a meal. 
But the rear guard of the Highlanders, who had been so far behind 
that they could not aid their comrades, had leaped into the wood when 
the panic had seized their fellow-soldiers. They were hidden completely 
in the dense woods, and the Spaniards swept by them without dreaming 
that any man either could or would enter that dark tangle. With the 
Highlanders were a few Indians, who understood well this method of 
warfare. The Highlanders and Indians waited in perfect silence, not 
allowing one sound to escape them, until all of the arms of the Span- 
iards were stacked and they were resting on the ground and quietly 
taking their dinner. Then two Highland caps were raised in the air at 
different points. This was the signal for attack. Fire was poured in 
upon the Spaniards. The Highlanders were in no danger, for they could 
not be seen, and consequentl}' could not be fought. The men in the 
roadway were falling with every shot. By the time Oglethorpe had 
reached the place the firing had ceased, and the Highlanders and Indians, 
shouting with triumph, stood in the midst of the Spaniards, hardly 
one of whom escaped. The Spaniards gave up the attempt of making 
an attack by land, and were easily defeated on the water, when, a few 
days later, an attempt was made to approach the town that way. The 
Spanish general, in the course of a few days, put his whole army on 
board his vessels, and went back to St. Augustine, persuaded that the 
English force must be a heavy one. Oglethorpe promptly manned his 
three boats and chased the fleet out of the sound. 

In 1744, General Oglethorpe returned to England, but he never, to 
the end of his ninety-six years of life, lost his interest in the colony. 
After his departure from Georgia, William Stephens was appointed 
president of the trustees. The colony had not kept up its first happy 
promise of prosperity. The manufacture of silk and of wine had both 
been unsuccessful. So much time had been spent in active warfare that 
lands had been neglected, and the prohibition of slave labor caused 
much discontent. The trustees, feeling that they could not govern the 
people to the satisfaction of either party, gave back the charter to the 
crown. For ten years after it became a royal province its growth was 
slow. In 1754, when a convention of delegates from the several 
Dolonies met at Albanj to form a union, Georgia was not represented. 

FOR FURTHER READING; 
-Jones' "Georgia." 
Fairbank's "Florida." 
Carpenter's "Georgia." 
Jones' "Zomo-Chi-Chi." 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 



®l|0 Saiialiir$ nf Tlrjima* 

CULPEPPER IN VIRGINIA — GOVERNOR EFFINGHAM — NICHOLSON AND 

ANDROS — THE GROWTH OF INDUSTRIES 

MARYLAND — THE CLERGYMEN 
»/, OF VIRGINIA. 

JFTER the trimiiph of Berkeley over Bacon in 
\'irginia, the Ro}-alists were verj' overbearing. 
Morals had become ver>^ loose. Ever}- one in 
the colon}- worked for himself There was an 
absence of that public pride, which was the 
strength of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massa- 
chusetts. In 1675, Lord Culpepper came to Virginia 
with a commission for life over the province, to take 
up the affairs of the colony where the proud old 
Governor Berkeley had dropped them. Culpepper's 
only interests in the colony were personal ones. He 
oppressed the people with fresh taxes. There was an 
over-production of tobacco, the only staple of the 
colon}-, and therefore a steady lowering of prices. 
Few towns sprung up, and the people living upon isolated plantations 
could not work in unity. The Assembly clamored for the rights of the 
people. They protested that a stop must be put to the over-production 
of tobacco. A few head-strong men undertook to jjut an end to this 
o\er-production by cutting the }-oung plants. This may be known as 
tlie earliest American strike. Like most strikes, it only increased the 
difficult}-. There was much distress, too, because the currency of the 
colon}- was not worth its face %-alue in gold. 

In 1684, Culpepper surrendered his patent and ceased to be governor. 
Virginia was once more a royal pro\'ince. Lord Howard, of Effingham, 
became the ruler of affairs. He levied new duties, invented new 
oppressions, and hung the foolish plant cutters. Imprisonment was 
common for slight offenses. Effingham repealed many laws of the 
Assembly, and re\':ved laws which were hateful to the colonies. Small 




252 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



rebellions were numerous during his rule, and the slave element con- 
stantly increasing and growing more turbulent, threatened the lives of 
the free population with insurrection. Affairs were bettered some when 
Effingham went to England, and Colonel Francis Nicholson became 

^=-~-^;- _-_ ^ —^~_ -_ Lieutenant-Governor. Though Xichol- 

^ - son had made so foolish a figure of him- 

^ --(.If in Xew York, he seemed to have a 

R i[th\- nifluence upon Virginia. More 
liberal, modest, and unselfish than before, 
lie went to work with a will to straighten 
out the complicated affairs of the colony. 
He visited every part of his province, 
tint he might become familiar with the 
people and their condition; he gave 
entertainments, and himself superin- 
tended athletic sports. By his enter- 
prise, a great public road was built 
through the province, and a public post- 
office instituted. He decided that the 
best wa}- to stop the over-production of 
tobacco was to encourage other industries, 
and he saw to it that flax w'as grown, 
leather manufactured, and that the trade 
with the Indians flourished. Drunken- 
ness he made a misdemeanor, punishable 
\\ ith the stocks, and instituted an almost 
Puritanic mode of living among the care- 
less, luxurious, and wine-loving Virgin- 
ians. He aided in the establishment of 
■^ W lUiam and Mar\' College, which had 
been established by the Rev. James 
Blair, the head of the Established Church 
of Virginia. This college was used then 
mainly for the education of men intending to be clerg}-men, and here, 
at the time of Nicholson's endowment, there were over a hundred pupils. 
Though Nicholson only remained in Virginia about two years, he 
made many radical improvements. Sir Edmund Andros was sent over 
in his place. Like Nicholson, Andros had learned wisdom with expe- 
rience. He came among the Virginians in a somewhat humbler frame 
of mind than he liad when he was first set over New England. Perhaps 




L \\ AI IFR 



THE CAVALIERS OF VIRGINIA. 253 

the stern lessons which the Puritans taught him was not forgotten, and 
in an\- event he was more likely to be popular among the Episcopal 
royalists of Virginia than among the Puritan Whigs of Boston. He 
brought with him the charter of William and IMary College and began 
a good work in the colony by completing the post-office which Nich- 
olson had started. He also encouraged domestic manufacture and intro- 
duced cotton, although it did not succeed in Virginia. But the slave 
trade lay like a blight upon the colony, putting a check to true 
industry. A contest between President Blair, of William and Mary 
College, and Governor Andros resulted in the displacement of the latter 
from office, and Nicholson was called from Maryland to take his place. 

When Nicholson left Virginia, after his first administration there, 
he returned to England, and when a revolution in Maryland had 
deposed the government of Lord Baltimore, thus becoming a royal 
province, Nicholson was made the second royal Governor. In Mary- 
land, now the Catholics and now the Puritans were uppermost in polit- 
ical matters. In religious matters it was always liberal, and people of all 
faiths were welcomed there. The conflict between the Puritans and the 
Catholics was political, rather than religious. An anned revolution 
was brought against the Catholic government in i6Si, and Baltimore's 
government was overthrown. The Protestant assembly took upon 
itself the direction of the affairs of the colony. 

Nicholson ruled here with satisfaction until he was recalled to Vir- 
ginia. He substituted the Church of England for the Catholic Church. 
This, it can easily be imagined, was a difficult matter. There was a great 
lack of clergymen in Maryland, and Nicholson had a considerable number 
brought over. Public worship was forbidden to the Catholics. The 
Puritans and the Quakers were not interfered with, although they were 
greatly discouraged. Nicholson had a school built in each county of 
the province, and a school embracing the higher branches, called King 
William's School, was opened at Annapolis, in 1694. Annapolis had 
been made the capital of the province by Nicholson. In a short time 
ever}'one of the thirty parishes had a small librarj', in each of which 
there were about fifty volumes. At Annapolis there was a larger 
library, containing eleven himdred volumes. All of these books were 
free to everj-one in the colony. 

When Nicholson, fresh from these labors, went to Virginia, he found 
that the colony had grown in his absence. It now had a po]3ulation of 
forty thousand. This second rule was not so satisfactory to the people as 
the first one had been. The House of Burgesses, which represented the 



254 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

people, had grown ver}- strong. He had an open quarrel with the 
tnembers because he desired that Virginia should contribute to the 
building of forts for the protection of the northern provinces against the 
Indians. The burgesses refused to give anything. Nicholson felt 
that the colony was disgraced by this refusal, and said so in terms more 
unmistakable than polite. He became unpopular, also, because he 
took away the power of the vestries in the churches. These vestries 
had the right of controlling, to an extent, the action of the clerg\'men. 
These clergymen, be it said, were rather a rollicking and prodigal set. 
Frequently they were not even as orderly in their private living as were 
their careless parishioners. Their drinking was notorious. When 
Nicholson was guilty of the error of taking away the powers of the 
vestries the people felt that they were at the mercy of a lawless set of 
leaders, and complaints were sent to England against the Governor. 
These complaints were not all of a public nature. Nicholson had, 
unfortunately, made himself ridiculous in his love suit to a lady who 
refused to marry him, and he threatened the lives of her father and 
brothers. A thing of this sort naturally made him many enemies. 
Before he was deposed he laid out the town of Williamsburg, which 
was made the capital of the colony, and here, in the second year of its 
settlement, was held the first commencement of William and IMary 
College. This was nearly sixty years after the first commenceuient 
day of Harvard College, in Massachusetts. 

Nicholson was recalled to England, and for five years the colony 
managed its own aflTairs, under the couucil. Then Alexander Spots- 
wood arrived, bringing with him the writ of habeas corpus. Governor 
Spotswood was still young. He was full of life and ambition, with an 
inborn sense of justice and a true appreciation of happiness. He set 
about immediately reforming the courts, and tried to regulate the taxes. 
He was interested in the colony, and assisted it by raising a large fund 
for its support. He established a school for the education of Indian 
children also. Young and adventurous, he was not willing to stay 
cooped up in the settled part of his province, but desired to go beyond 
those beautiful mountains which raise themselves in blue mists at the 
west. In August, 1 716, he started from Germantown, on the Rappa- 
hannock, to cross the Blue Ridge. With him, on fine horses, were a 
company of gentlemen, filled with as much curiosity and gayety as him- 
self Troops of hunters and servants went with them, and liquors and 
provisions were carried upon a train of horses. Ever>' day this gallant 
company marched and hunted. With their trumpets, their gans, aud 



THE CAVALIERS OK VIRGINIA. 255 

theii songs, they awoke for the first time the hoarse echoes of the moun- 
tains. They crossed be} end the dividing ridge of the mountains, where 
the waters parted, and took possession of the beautiful valley beyond. In 
six weeks they returned, having traveled more than two hundred miles. 
Spotswood, in memory of this charming expedition, founded tl.e order 
of the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe, giving each comrade who had 
accompanied him a little golden horseshoe to be worn as a badge. But 
it was sixteen years after this before the Shenandoah valley, which he 
and his merry companions had visited, was settled; and then the 
intruders came, not from Virginia, but from Pennsylvania, and were 
constituted largely of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. Germans from Penn- 
sylvania also scattered themselves through this fertile country. 

Spotswood secured a treaty with the Indians, which gave to the Eng- 
lish all of the region east of the Blue Ridge and south of the Potomac. 
This treaty was of much value to Virginia. In 1722, Spotswood ceased 
to be Governor, but as a private citizen he was still valuable to the com- 
munity. He found beds of iron ore on his forty thousand acres of private 
property, and he was the first to establish a furnace and foundry in Vir- 
ginia. Following him came Hugh Drysdale. Thebuildingupof the val- 
ley beyond the Blue Ridge brought many emigrants direct from Germany, 
and in the first half of the eighteenth centur>' the population of Virginia 
was doubled twice. A better class of men began to come, who desired 
liberty and independence rather than riches, and who were willing to 
work themselves, instead of depending upon the toil of unhappy slaves. 
The people who came now were of the middle classes, self-respectful, 
industrious, and temperate. They had neither the arrogance of those 
of gentle blood, nor the viciousness of those unhappy creatures dragged 
from the shmis of London. A more vigorous religious life was 
apparent, too. Following Drysdale, came Governor Gooch, and he was 
in power when the great preacher, Whitefield, was welcomed on his 
first journey to Virginia. Governor Gooch, be it said, did not take part 
in this welcoming, but the people made up for his lack of enthusiasm. 
In 1736 a printing press was set up, and William Parkes published a 
weekly paper at Williamsburg. The colony was no longer made up 
entirely of plantations. Prosperous towns sprung up about the coast 
and the rivers. Norfolk, Fredricksburg, Falmouth, Richmond and 
Petersburg were founded and flourished. The life of the richer planters 
of Virginia was very luxurious. The women were renowned for their 
beauty and their coquetry. The men prided themselves upon their 
hunting and good fellowship. The entertainments of the day were cere- 



256 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



monious and stately, in violent contrast to the simplicitv' cultivated in 
Massachusetts. 

In IMaryland, the government had once more passed into the hands 
of the Baltimore family. Now the Baltimores represented the Protest- 
ant faction, having seceded from the Catholic Church. Six Lord Bal- 
timores ruled over Marjland, the last of them dying in 1771. Their 
rule had always been wise and manly, and when Maryland passed into 
the hands of the royal government it was in a prosperous condition. In 
1750 the population was about one hundred and thirty thousand. Iron 
was being developed in the State, and a large number of furnaces and 
forges were working successfully. Woolen, linen, tanning, shoe- 
making and other trades were succeeding, but here, as in Virginia, too 
large a proportion of the people were slaves; there was an over-produc- 
tion of staples and an element of discontent 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction — Caruther's "Knights of the Horseshoe." 




A MORAVIAN' SETTLEMENT. 



CHAPTER XL. 

jl l^aign of Mmtv. 



THE FIRST TRIAL FOR LIBEL IN AMERICA — THE NEGRO PLOT IN 

1 74 1 — THE BURNING OF "QUACK" AND THE HANGING 

OF URY — THE MINGLING OF DUTCH AND ENGLISH 

IN NEW YORK — THE GOVERNMENT OF 

r- LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CLARK. 




:HEN Colonel Crosby came to New York, in 1732, 
to act as Governor, his coming brought about a 
difficulty which was the onl)' thing to make his 
administration memorable. Rip Van Dam had 
been attending to affairs before the Governor's 
arrival, and was asked to give an equal partition of 
the salars and perquisites of the office in the interval 
between Crosby's appointment and his actual appearance 
in New York. The popular party sympathized with 
Van Dam, and, as usual, the aristocratic portion of the 
city was in sympathy with the royal Governor. A suit 
in equit}' was brought about, and the JVew York Weekly 
Jounial laughed in rather an indiscreet way at the 
Governor. Two ballads were printed whose humor was 
considered to be of a libellous sort. It was decided that they should be 
burned in the public square by the common hangman, in the presence 
of the magistrates. The hangman burned them, but the magistrates 
refused to be present. The editor of the paper was arrested and brought 
to trial. The case was brought before the jun,-, and the prisoner was 
acquitted. It was held that the editor said nothing which was not true. 
It was perceived that to speak against people in power might not 
always be wrong, and that to tell the truth, however disagreeable, was 
a thing which should not be necessarily punished as an offense. This 
was the first trial of the kind in this countr>', and furnished a precedent 
which was long quoted. 




2::,S THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

Crosby only lived four years after his appointment, and George 
Clark, a member of the council, quietly ruled over New York for seven 
years. His administration was marked by one dark tragedy, for which 
he "was not personalh- responsible an\- more than the city full of people 
about him. This was what is called the negro plot of 1741, when all 
New York went mad together. There were a few Spanish negroes in 
the place, who, though they were freemen in their own country, had 
been enslaved in New York. It was known that they were resentful, 
and when a large number of fires broke out about the city the blame 
was laid on them. The Governor's house was burned, and within a 
few days numerous other houses were found smoking. In most of the 
cases the fires were extinguished before they did much hann. But the 
people became excited over the matter, and when the crowd cried that 
the Spanish negroes had caused the fire, ever^'one was read)' to take it up. 
It is true that the negroes had faithfully worked with the white men to 
extinguish the fires, but this was not thought of All negroes found in 
the streets were arrested. Vague stories, lacking foundation, spread 
like wild-fire. It was thought that there was a plan to burn all of New 
York to the ground. A set of disreputable people who kept a saloon of 
ihe lowest order said that they knew of a conspiracy among the negroes. 
.\mong these people was one young girl, ]\Iary Burton, a ser^-ant, who 
had been raised in the lowest surroundings. She was met by the 
dignified council and all of the most powerful men of New York, and 
urged to tell the truth. Anxious to save herself from an}' blame, 
frightened, and naturally vicious, it is not strange that she stated that 
there was a terrible plot to burn the city and to murder and rob its 
inhabitants. Ever}- member of the bar wished to plead in behalf of the 
government, and not one person offered to present the cause of the 
friendless and quaking negroes who were imprisoned in the jail. The 
people demanded victims. They were willing to believe any story that 
might be told, even that of the lying, frightened child of fifteen. 
Others were found as willing as she to tell stories about the negroes, 
hoping to bring themselves into favor with the judge — for ever)' 
doubtful person of New York was under suspicion. A few, indeed, 
thought their might be no truth in it and took pity on the poor negroes, 
but these were a hopelessly small majorit)'. The negroes were wild 
with fright, and confessed to crimes which they had never committed. 
Standing on a pile of faggots which were presently to be lighted for their 
own consuming, it is not strange that they told of others implicated in 
the matter in the hope of saving themselves, but this it never did. 



A REIGN OF TERROR. 259 

They said that a few negroes had intended to watch tlie doors of Trinity 
Chitrch on some morning, and to kill the congregation as it came out; 
that they were then going to murder the rest of the inhabitants, assume 
nile, and select a king from among themselves. The court believed 
this ridiculous story. The most influential citizens of New York urged 
punishment, and in two or three months more than one hundred and 
fifty negroes were imprisoned. Over one hundred were convicted as 
conspirators, twelve of them were burned alive at the stake, eighteen 
were hanged, and seventy-two were transported as slaves to other 
countries. In the few cases where their masters came forward and 
protested their innocence, attempting to prove an alibi, the evidence 
was paid no attention to whatever. The terrified negroes were ready 
to confess to anything. One poor negro, named Quack, admitted that 
he set fire to the Governor's house; t!',at he took a brand from the 
kitchen fire and put it on a beam under the roof; that the roof did not 
catch fire, and that the next day he did the same thing, pufling at the 
brand until it flamed. The truth of the matter was, that a plumber 
had been up on the roof with an open furnace of live coals; that the 
wind was high and some sparks lodged in the shingles. As the 
excitement grew the people began to fear a Popish plot. They hunted 
the town over for Catholic priests, but found none. There was a rumor 
that priests were coming to New York in the guise of dancing-masters, 
school-masters, music-teachers, etc. One quiet school teacher, John 
Urj', was arrested on suspicion. Mary Burton, the child who had 
brought so much trouble on the negroes, said that he was one of the 
men in the habit of frequenting the place at which she had lived, and 
which was supposed to be the gathering spot of the conspirators. 
Though many protested that Ur>' was an honorable and quiet man of 
godly life, he was hanged. At last Mary Burton went too far, and 
began to implicate gentlemen who wore "ruffles," and who offered her 
presents of silk dresses. The judge and his friends thought this a good 
time to bring the examination to a close. 

Although this childish and abject excitement spoke so badly for 
New York, it was, as a matter of fact, growing in power. It had 
become the key of the colonies, so to speak. Presbyterians had come 
from Ireland and Protestants from France, toward the end of the seven- 
teenth century, and in 1710 three thousand of the Protestants who had 
fled to England, at the invasion of the Rhenish palatinate by Louis 
XIV, crossed to New York, settling upon the upper water of the Mohawk 
and Schoharie creeks. The Scotch, vScotch-Irish, Dutch and English 



26o THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

came in large numbers to the colony, spreading over the country and 
cultivating the land. School-houses were built among the villages. 
New York itself wore a most attractive appearance. It had a reputa- 
tion for great cleanliness and order. The beautiful Holland tiles and 
bricks still held place in their house-building. The English lived with 
great luxuriance and wore fashionable clothes, but the Dutch clung for 
the most part to the quaint and picturesque costumes of their father- 
land. The life for all was pleasant, and amusements were much more 
sought by the people of New York than by those of New England. 
In 1756 the population of New York City was twelve thousand. In 
1738 lyieutenant-Governor Clarke founded a school for the teaching of 
Latin, Greek and mathematics. The other colonies were beginning to 
send their products to this port for shipment across the sea. The 
royalists and common people were constantly at verbal war with each 
other, but they united sufficiently to increase the mercantile value of 
their place. They reluctantly took part in the movement against the 
French or Indians, and gave money grudgingly. The Governor was of 
warlike spirit, and felt it a shame that the people under him were so 
reluctant to do their share of fighting for the defence of the confedera- 
tion of the colonies, but the assembly and the militia united in 
disregarding his orders, and he realized, as did De L,ancey, who 
followed him, that the time had come when concessions must be made, 
even by the King, to the stalwart burghers of the New World. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Brodhead's and O'Callaghan's "New York." 
Fiction — F. Spielhagen's "Deutsche Pioniere.' . 
J. F. Cooper's "Satanstoe." 



CHAPTER XLI. 



LORD BELLOMONT'S RULE OVER NEW YORK, NEW HAMPSHIRE AND 
MASSACHUSETTS — DUDLEY'S RULE — THE FRENCH AND ENG- 
LISH WAR OF 1 702 — TAKING OF PORT ROYAL — THE 
LUMBERERS' DIFFICULTIES IN MAINE AND 
NEW HAMPSHIRE. 




? 



'ORD BELLOMONT'S rule over New York, New 
Hampshire and IMassachusetts was a pleasant one. 
Though he was a member of the High Church 
of England, he deferred to the Puritanism of his 
colonies. The assembly refused to vote him a 
salar}-, as it had done with all of the Governors 
who preceded him. But the money which it 
appropriated for him was considerable. The assembly 
insisted that it should have the right to make such 
appropriations as it pleased from year to year. The 
amount depended entirely upon the popularity of the 
Governor. By this means the colonies kept to them- 
selves a reserve which would send any obnoxious or too 
tyrannical ruler back to his own countr}-. Governor 
Bellomont made an effort to check the unlawful priva- 
teering of Rhode Island, for this little State had become the home of 
pirates. It was not unusual for some ship, hovering about the shore, to 
make out after a vessel at sea, capture it, bring it to shore, and 
appropriate its cargo. The harbor was never closed with ice, as was 
that of New York. The Gulf stream, flowing around the rocky shores 
of Rhode Island, kept it free through all the seasons, so it became the 
favorite resort of the sea rovers. Rhode Island had once had a poor reputa- 
tion for harboring those obnoxious persons who dissented from the Con- 
gregationalism of IMassachusetts ; it now gained a worse reputation from. 
the favor it showed to the pirates. 



262 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

For many a long year Connecticut and Rhode Island quarreled with 
each other about boundary lines, and it was not until 1703 that Connec- 
ticut was willing to accept the Pawcatuck river as her eastern line. 
When Bellomont died, Stoughton became Governor for a short time, 
when he also died, and Dudley was sent to manage the affairs of 
Massachusetts. In May, 1695, that Board of Trade was organized in 
London which regulated the colonial and commercial affairs until 
the American Revolution. Its interference with trade and commercial 
liberty was a constant source of vexation to the people. The detested 
Randolph was again sent over as surveyor-general. Dudley tried to 
carry into effect an article of the new Massachusetts charter which gave 
the Governor the power to reject the nominations of the General Court. 
Cotton Mather headed a strong party, which included all the leading 
clergy of the province, to put Dudley from office. But Dudley also 
had a strong party among the royrilists, and this dispute serk-ed to keep 
up that internal dissension which Massachusetts wcr. never free from. 

For five years there had been peace between the French and English, 
and those terrible Indian raids upon New Hampshire and the province 
of Maine had ceased. But in 1702 war was again declared between 
France and England, and the French and Indians of Canada once more 
felt free to vent their native hatred against the English colonies of 
America. Never had the Indians been more cruel, subtle and suc- 
cessful. The town of Deerfield, in Connecticut, was surprised by three 
hundred French and Indians one morning in February, 1704. The 
town had been guarded by sentries, for an attack was suspected; but the 
savages in the woods waited until they retired at daylight, and then 
rushed upon the people, who were just arising for the labors of the 
day. Fift}- were killed, and a hundred of them were carried to Canada. 
Among these were children, who were given to the Jesuit priests that 
they might be raised in the Catholic faith. 

Many of the young women were married to Indians, and with 
that began the race of half-breeds, which filled the northwest with such 
good trappers and guides. It was not infrequent for the children stolen 
in this way to acquire such a love for Indian life that they could never 
bring one back to the dull restraints of Puritan civilization. The free 
woods were dearer to them than the tedious town. The delights of the 
chase were preferred to the labors of the field. 

The French claimed the whole of Maine as far as the Kennebec, 
and had established a trading and missionary post among the Norridge- 
wock Indians, who dwelt among the upper waters of the river. The 



THE CLASH OF ARMS AND IDEAS. 263 

French and Indians united in their efforts to keep the English east of 
tlie Kennebec, and ever\- English fishing vessel found in Canadian 
waters was seized upon by the French men-of-war. Governor Dudley 
saw with apprehension the growing enmity of the Indians, and asked 
the Norridgewocks to meet him in council. The Indians did so, prom- 
ised friendship, and helped in the building of two great cairns of stone, 
which was a sign of lasting friendship. All of the time that the 
Indians were feigning to be in such an amiable mood, they were 
preparing to seize the Governor and his suite and give them into the 
hands of the French. The plan was not carried out, because a French 
party expected did not arrive in time. In less than six weeks after this 
an attack was made upon the settlements between the Kennebec and 
the Piscataqua. All over the province the people hurried to the garrison 
houses. The fields were no longer worked, except under the protection 
of a force of armed men. The settlers armed themselves and went in 
pursuit of the Indians, but could not find them. Several of these 
unsuccesful tramps were made upon snow-shoes through the unbroken 
snow of the wilderness. Colonel Church, the celebrated Indian fighter, 
came up from Massachusetts with over five hundred men to protect 
these northern settlements. But aside from destroying some villages and 
killing a few of the enemies in chance engagements, he did little. 

In the midst of winter the New Hampshire men fell upon the 
Indian village of the Norridgewocks, burning the French chapel and 
the wigwams. This made the Indians more unrelenting than ever. 
Within a few months they attacked many of the settlements of Maine, 
New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The difficulty then, as in all 
Indian warfare, was that the Indians would never meet their enemies in 
open field, and more danger and expense was encountered in finding 
them than in fighting them. A high price was paid to ever^-one who 
brought in an Indian scalp to headquarters, a man's scalp being worth 
one hundred pounds, and that of a child or woman fifty pounds. 

Dudley was firm in his purpose to move against Canada and 
conqTier it. This seemed to him the only way of freeing the colonies 
from their enemy. Colonel March was sent with a force of a thousand 
men, in 1707, to reduce Port Royal, in Noval Scotia. All through the 
winter and the spring the men fought in vain. They had been 
reduced from one thousand to two hundred in number, principally from 
the hardships of the winter in that latitude. Then came Nicholson's 
campaign with the New York men, which also failed. In 17 10 the 
place was taken by five regiments of troops which sailed from Boston 



264 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

harbor. General Nicholson, of New York, commanded the expedition. 
Only forty lives were lost among the English, and Nova Scotia ceased 
to be a French province. 

In 1 7 14 Governor Dudley was removed from office. The Whigs 
had grown to be the stronger party, and they declared that the office of 
Governor was vacant. Following him came Colonel Burgess, who sold 
his commission to Samuel Shute. At the time Shute assumed authority 
Massachusetts contained ninety-four thousand inhabitants. It had one 
hundred and ninety vessels. In the fisheries were one hundred and 
fifty smacks. Manufactories of many sorts were flourishing to the great 
vexation of the English, who tried in vain to keep down colonial 
industry. 

About this time inoculation was first introduced in the colonies. 
Boston had suffered frightfully from small-pox. At three different times 
it had raged in the city. When vaccination was introduced by a 
physician named Boylston, it was fought not only by the doctors, but 
by the ministers as well. Cotton IMather was one of the few who 
encouraged the brave physician. 

Shute had the same trouble in Massachusetts which his predecessors 
had had. The assembly refused to vote him a fixed salar>', and this, 
as usual, was made the subject of many quarrels. The currency of the 
colonies had fallen far below par, and the financial condition was gen- 
erally bad. Upon the north the Indians were constantly intrigued. 
The country was likely at any time to be plunged into continuous war.- 
In matters of theology there was less sternness. Newspapers were 
becoming more common. Jonathan Edwards was writing his books on 
Calvanistic philosophy, and following him were a number of theolog- 
ical writers for whom he furnished inspiration. Increase Mather, the 
father of Cotton Mather, did not cease, even in his old age, to write 
religious pamphlets. Benjamin Franklin at this time was writing with 
versatility and vigor. A few years later than this, William Livingston, 
a journalist, and Governor of New Jersey, wrote a poem on philosophic 
solitude. William Smith, at one time president of William and Mar}' 
College, wrote an excellent history of the first discovery and settle- 
ment of Virginia. This was published in 1 747. Cotton Mather, of 
course, expressed in newsj^aper and pamphlets his vigorous and com- 
bative ideas on the subjects of the day. 

The lumberers of IMaine and New Hampshire suffered great injustice 
at this period from the King's surveyors, who went through the forests 
selecting the best of the trees and marking them with a broad arrow. 



THE CLASH OF ARMS AND IDEAS. 



265 



These the settlers were not allowed to touch. The farmers had a legal 
right to the land on which these trees stood, and they resented bitterly 
the stealing of their property. They were also kept from shipping 
timber to foreign countries — a matter which they felt concerned no one 
but themselves. In 171 8, a number of Scotch Presbyterians came to 
New Hampshire. They introduced the manufacture of linen, the spin- 
ning of wool and the cultivation of the potato. In 1723 Shute left foi 
England, and Wentworth became Governor of New Hampshire. The 
vear before this the third Indian war had broken out in the northern 
provinces. 



FOR FURTHER RF.ADING: 
History— Drake's "Indi: 



Cotton Mather's "Maen.lHa. 
Thoriitiiii's '■Historical Kcla 
Kuglisli CoiimiuinvcaU 



if Xew England to the 




FROZEN IN. 



CHAPTER XLII. 



raBman$ jira Jiom 



Expedition of maine and new Hampshire against thit N<iF' 

RIDGEWOCKS— THE COMMAND OF CAPTAIN JOHN LOVELL-- 
WILLIAM DRUMMER IN MASSACHUSETTS — WHITE- 
FIELD'S REVIVAL AND SIIIRLEY'S ADMIN- 
ISTRATION — LOUISBURG — THE 
SURRENDER. 



ETWEEN the years 1722 and 1724 a harassing war- 
fare was kept up b}- the Indians. The savages crept 
in small bands about-the frontiers of Maine and New 
Hampshire, falling, at the most unexpected times, 
upon unprotected homes. If a woman ventured 
'_ alone into her yard, she was apt to be seized by the 
prowling Indians. A man journeying home in the 
twilight, knew that he did so at the imminent risk of his 
life. In 1724, Massachusetts and New Hampshire 
decided that an expedition must be sent out against the 
Norridgewock Indians. Twice before attempts had been 
made to break up the settlement of these Indians. 
Among them was a brave and determined man. Father 
Sebastian Rasle, a French priest who had gained immense 
<r the Indians. He had lived among them thirty-seven 
years, and though he was a scholar, dropped his own language for that of 
the Norridgewocks and adopted their manner of living. The Indians 
loved him with all the intensity of their wild natures and were willing 
to meet any danger in his defense. 

The Englishmen knew that if they wished to succeed in subduing 
the Indians, they must first capture Rasle. Twice they had failed. 
On the i2th of August, 1724, they succeeded. Two hundred English- 
men rushed upon the Norridgewock village when most of the warriors 
were absent. Such as escaped from the rifles and swords flew into the 
woods, and Father Rasle, in attempting to turn the attention of the 




influence ove 



''AMERICANS ARE BORN REBELS." 267 

enemy from these flying women and children, was himself killed. The 
Englishmen stuffed his mouth with dirt and hacked his poor old body 
horribly. It wanted only this to inflame the Indians. Captain John 
Lovell organized an expedition which started in April, 1725, against 
the Pequawkett Indians, of Maine. The Indians lay in ambush for 
Lovell, and he and eight of his men were killed. The remaining 
twenty-three retreated under cover of night to the stockade, taking 
with them the men who could walk. One brave-hearted fellow. Lieu- 
tenant Robbins, who was mortally wounded, asked that a musket be 
left beside him so that he might have one more shot before he died. 
The men, after their weary march, found the stockade deserted, and in 
continuing their march homeward, some of the wounded died on the 
way. There were few left of the Pequawkett Indians. 

But the English saw that yet sterner measures must be taken. 
They concluded, therefore, to move against the French, without whom 
the Indians might have lacked the courage to keep up their continuous 
fighting. Some commissioners were sent to the French Governor to 
inquire into his reasons for disturbing the treaty between France and 
England. The Governor was entirely under the influence of t^ie Jesuit 
priests, who believed that it was to the glory of their religion to fight 
the Protestant Englishmen whenever they could. The commissioners 
succeeded only in getting the Governor to procure the release of some 
captives. A treaty was made between the English and the Eastern 
Indians in 1725, and for twenty years there was comparative peace. 
Thus closed the third Indian war. 

New Hampshire was very anxious for a Governor of her own, who 
should in no way be beholden to Massachusetts authority. It was not 
until 1740 that she succeeded in getting the consent of the Crown to 
such a measure and that the boundary line which divided her from 
Massachusetts was definitely decided upon. Benning Wentworth, a son 
of Lieutenant-Governor Wentworth, was made the first Governor. He 
brought to his office all of the dignity which the New Hampshire 
people could have desired. With a troop of guards about him he rode 
in a pretentious coach, and lived in a house which, for those days, 
was little less than princely. The story of how he married pretty 
Martha Shortredge, one of his servants, is told so well b)' Mr. Long- 
fellow that it would be foolish to repeat it. 

In Massachusetts, William Drummer, the Lieutenant-Governor, 
was looking after the forces of the colony while Shute returned to 
England. Following, came Burnet, who had some bitter quarrels with 



268 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

the assembly on the old question of a fixed salarj'. In 1730 Jonathan 
Belcher was sent out from England as Governor. He refused to accept 
the grant of money voted him by the assembly, and dismissed the 
house. This had no effect upon the people, and at length the King 
was obliged to yield the point and consent that Massachusetts should 
do as she pleased about the payment of Governors. 

This was one of the strongest steps toward national independence — 
it was the greatest concession which the Crown of England had yet 
made. William Shirley who succeeded him in office, was much liked. 
He was the first of the royal Governors who succeeded in keeping up 
cordial relations with the people. Whitefield's great religious revival, 
which was shaking New England from its foundation, may have had 
something to do with these amicable relations. It may seem surprising 
that there was much need for a revival of this sort in Puritan New 
England, but the truth was that the people had begun to feel the 
reaction which naturally followed in the wake of religious discipline so 
stern as that the early Puritans imposed. People had grown indifferent 
and worldly, but their religious traditions made their remorse all the 
more sharp, when they were awakened to a sense of their falling-off by 
a man of Whitefield's eloquence. The religious excitement grew so 
high that even the colde'-t could not stand out against it. The more 
sensible people did not approve of this excitement, and thought it was 
doing great harm to the nervous and impressionable. 

In 1744 the French and English in the old country became involved 
in another war. The Governor of Breton, as soon as he heard of it, 
moved against a settlement of English fishermen on the island of 
Canso. The French had been very jealous of the English fishermen, 
and were glad of an excuse for striking a blow at them. The settlement 
at Canso was destroyed and the men sent to the French fortress at 
L,ouisburg. Governor Shirley at once began preparations for war. He 
made up his mind to take Louisburg. This was the strongest fortress 
in America. It had been twenty-five years in building, and cost 
France thirty millions of livres. At the southeastern point of Cape 
Breton was a walled town, two miles and a half in circumference. The 
stone rampart was over thirty feet high and in front of this ran a ditch 
eighty feet wide. The harbor was defended by a battery of thirt}' 28- 
pounders. Upon a little island just opposite was a battery of still 
larger guns. The town was entered over a draw-bridge which was 
guarded by a circular battery of thirteen 24-pounders. The batteries 
and six bastions could mount one hundred and forty-eight cannons. 



"AMERICANS ARK BORN REBELS." 269 

Shirley's preparations were made in secret. Only the New England 
troops consented to join the enterprise. Shirley took with him 4,500 
men. Whitefield encouraged the expedition, and his influence was 
\-ery valuable. Colonel William Pepperell was persuaded by Whitefield 
to take command of the expedition. The French heard nothing of the 
matter. All over the provinces a da)- of fasting and prayer was held. 
The troops met on the island of Canso; then, on April 29, 1744, they 
sailed for Cape Breton. A part of the English landed and set fire to 
some large warehouses filled with spirits. The smoke, drifting inland, 
so frightened the French that they spiked the guns of their batter}- at 
the bottom of the harbor, and taking boats, retreated to their walled 
town. Thirteen men who were rcconnoitering found that the battery 
was deserted, and took possession. As they had no flag with them, one 
of the soldiers went up the flag-staff with a red coat in his teeth and 
nailed it up, that the French might know they claimed possession. 
The French attacked them, but were held off until reinforcements came 
up, when they again retreated. On May 5th, Pepperell threw up three 
batteries near the city. Guns and ammunition had been dragged 
through the swamps during the past fourteen days, and these were 
hurried into the batteries. Another batter}' was thrown up within a 
short distance of the draw-bridge, but the town was not easily forced. 
Pepperell knew that the island battery must be taken. This could 
only be done by sending a fleet up the harbor. Commodore Warren, 
who was cruising around outside of the bay, had captured a French 
ship having sixty-four guns, six hundred men, and a quantity of 
military stores on board. From the men on the captured ship, the 
English learned that the French were expecting a large reinforcement. 
The English decided to move at once. Pepperell tried a night attack 
with his scaling ladders, but his men were repulsed with a loss of sixty 
killed, and one hundred and twelve taken prisoners. The siege was 
still continued from the batteries. Pepperell was getting very short of 
ammunition, and some of his best guns burst. By the first week in 
June, fifteen hundred of his men were sick. Commodore Warren kept 
the French from carr}dng the news of the siege to Quebec. But the 
French were not alarmed, and felt no great need of reinforcement. 
They were well-trained soldiers; their enemies were farmers and 
mechanics, many of whom knew little about the use of their fire-arms. 
Pepperell built another battery within range of the island battery in the 
harbor. He had nearly ruined the draw-bridge battery by this time. 
Co'umodore Warren and General Pepperell decided to make an attack 



270 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

together. Warren's fleet was drawn up in line and the land forces 
were put in a position to attack. This was the 15th of June, 1745. 
The French lost heart. The}- asked that hostilities might be suspended 
and terms of capitulation made. On the 17 th of June, Pepperell 
marched into the fortress at the head of his plucky men. Governor 
Shirle}- hastened up and was given the keys of the place by the general. 
Six hundred and seventy regular troops, thirteen hundred militiamen, 
six hundred sailors and two thousand inhabitants were sent to France, 
The English had lost one hundred and thirty men. The French lost 
three hundred. General Pepperell was made a baronet, and was the 
first American to receive that honor. Warren was made admiral. 
Pepperell was also given high honors in the English army and 
presented with a table of silver and a service of plate by the city of 
London. For a year Louisburg was garrisoned by New England 
troops. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Leaky's "England in the Eighteenth Centurv" (Chapter on Whitefield.) 
POBTRY — "Whittier's "Mogg: Megone." 
"WTiittier's "Mar\' Garvin." 



CHAPTER XLIII. 



¥5 



urB0 (Dransnn 






THE GROWING SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE — THE FIRST EXPEDITION 
AGAINST FORT DU QUESNE — THE COLONISTS FOR AGGRES- 
SION AND OFFENSE — BRADDOCK'S ILL-FATED EXPEDI- 
TION GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FIRST AP- 
PEARANCE — braddock's defeat 
AND DEATH. 



^■' N Boston, in the year 1747, there was an occur- 
rence which marked the growing independence 
of the colonies, and showed how near they were, 
even then, to revolution. Commodore Knowles, 
commanding an English man-of-war, sailed into 
Boston harbor, and to supply places of some 
sailors who had deserted, he took a press-gang from the 
merchant vessels of Bos:ou. As soon as the people 
learned that some of the Boston boys had been forced 
on the King's ship, they armed themselves with clubs 
and stones and hurried to the Governor's house, where 
the oflicers of the ship were being entertained. All day 
they surrounded the house, and in the evening the}- 
became so threatening that it required the utmost efiForts 
of the Governor and other influential citizens to keep them from 
violence. Even then they sent brickbats crashing through the win- 
dows of the council chamber, and demanded that every officer in town 
belonging to the fleet should be seized and held till the Boston boys 
were released. The militia was ordered out next day by beat of drum, 
but the drummers were in full sympathy with the kidnaped sailors, 
and refused to obey orders. The mob was made up mostly of mechanics 
and laboring men, and by their authority alone the officers of the ship 
were held in custody for three days. Commodore Knowles threatened 
to bombard the town if the)- were not released. Governor Shirley, 




272 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

disgusted with the disorderly conduct of the citizens, went to the castle 
on the harbor that he might be out of a town where law was so disre- 
garded. The General Court passed a series of resolutions which 
expressed sorrow for the behavior of the citizens, but declared that the 
House would exert themselves to redress their grievances. The militia 
came out promptl}', ready, and perhaps even anxious, for conflict. 
Governor Shirley returned to the city, and the Boston sailors were 
exchanged for the British officers of the man-of-war. When Knowles 
sailed out of the bay, everyone in Boston gathered on the wharves and 
shouted at the discomfiture of the Commodore, who went back to 
England with an appreciation of the fact that the people in the colonies 
would do pretty much as they chose. 

In 1 74S a treat}' was made between France and England which 
returned to France the fortress of Louisburg, which the English had so 
gallantly taken. There was not a man in the colonies who did not feel 
this to be a personal insult. It seemed as if the mother country set a 
low price upon the lives of her subjects. The engagement had plunged 
the colonies heavily in debt, also, and it was some time before Parlia- 
ment voted the money to pay it. The treaty between the countries in 
the Old World had little effect upon the colonies in America. Hostilities 
were kept up on the border constantly, and when open war was resumed, 
in 1755, there was but little change in the attitude of the French Cana- 
dian and the English settlements. The French had built a chain of 
military posts along the great lakes and upon the highways of the river 
system. About these grew up little settlements. They even com- 
manded a part of the Mississippi. The English were pushing their 
settlements westward, and in 1748 the Ohio Company was formed, 
which made use of the river communication by the Potomac and the 
eastern branches of the Ohio. A road was built over the mountains 
from Cumberland to Pittsburg, and exploring parties were sent out in 
1750 and 1751, under Christopher Gist, who was surveyor of the com- 
pany. In 1753, Major George Washington, a young Virginian, was 
sent out with Gist and others to visit the French forts which were 
encroaching upon the land which the English considered their own. 
The reports which he brought back in January, 1754, determined Vir- 
ginia to fit out an expedition immediately. This was done. Washington 
was made second in command under Colonel Joshua F'r>'. The French 
were under Contrecoeur, who soon met a detachment of the English, 
drove them from the fort which they were building and occupied it 
himself. Washington, who had command of the main body of the 



'THEV XTRSH TREASON WITH THEIR MILK. 



273 



amiy, had a gallant engagement at Great Meadows, but was defeated 
and foi'ced to surrender. 

It had been proved that the colonies could not work independently. 
Benjamin Franklin and other of the wisest men of the colonies thought 
it was best to have a union. Congress assembled at Albany. Massa- 




GEORGE WASHINGTON IN HIS YOUTH. 

After the painting- by C. W. Peale, and the en^avingof J. W. Paradise. 



chusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, 

the Jerseys, Pennsylvania, ;\Iar\land, Virginia and North and South 

Carolina sent delegates. Chiefs from six nations also met them there. 

This congress wished to meet annualh', but the Board of Trade in 
17 



274 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

London would not permit it, thinking that it gave too much power to 
the colonists. In the convention it was agreed that war with Canada 
Was necessar}'. 

In 1754, Edward Braddock was made Commander-in-chief of all the 
fortresses in North America. Six thousand regular troops were given 
bj- the Crown, ready for service, as well as the money for the purpose 
of raising a colonial army. It was Braddock' s intention to march 
against Fort Cumberland. Unfortunately, Braddock started from Vir- 
ginia, because the road had already been built from there. But this 
made his march an exhausting and expensive one. He did not 
understand the nature of warfare in America, although he was a man of 
much experience and bravery. He was used to the well-regulated 
warfare of Europe, and could not, or would not, understand the savage 
methods which the frontiersmen used, owing to the fact that the 
Indians were always allies with them and they had no choice but to 
employ their methods. Braddock had one thousand regular soldiers, 
thirty sailors, twelve hundred provincials, a train of artillery, and 
wagons and horses which Benjamin Franklin had procured for him, 
beside the brave, friendly Indians. This line stretched along the narrow 
road. Had the Indians chosen at any time to attack it, as it wound its 
way through the great forest of white pines and the desolate mountains, 
it could have cut it into a dozen pieces. 

Washington was sent ahead with twelve hundred men, about half 
of the force, leaving the rest with the baggage and the horses at Little 
Meadows. There were not more than a thousand men under Contre- 
coeur holding the French fort. Contrecceur thought that it might be 
safest to surrender at once, but De Beaujeu, one of his captains, asked 
permission to lay an ambuscade for the British. The Indians put on 
their war-paint and followed him. The Frenchmen were wild with 
enthusiasm. Braddock, proudly confident of his strength, moved on. 
Washington said afterward that he never saw so beautiful a sight as the 
British troops made on that morning when they were ordered as if on 
dress parade, and with their flying colors, their martial music and 
glittering uniforms, hastened toward the fort. Suddenly Beaujeu, 
dressed in a French hunting dress and wearing a silver gorget, bounded 
down hill. Behind him came the French and Indians. At a signal 
the Indians disappeared. The French fired upon the English, then all 
about from the hollows and the woods came the fearful shrieks of the 
Indians. The English stood steady in a compact body and returned the 
fire. Beaujeu was killed, but his men, fighting from behind trees and 



"THEY NURSE TREASON WITH THEIR MILK." 275 

in ravines, worked terrible destruction among the Englishmen, who 
were fighting after European methods on the clear ground. Washington 
wanted Braddock to allow the men to use the methods of the natives, 
but this was not soldierly, according to Braddock' s idea, and he would 
not permit it. Braddock had four horses shot under him, and was 
finally wounded himself His army beat a wild retreat. A few faithful 
friends carried him with them. He died, giving up his command to 
Washington, and was buried at Great Meadows. The army marched 
to Philadelphia. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Spark's "Life ol Washington." 

Columbus' "Life of Washington." 
Parkman's "Pontiac." 
Fiction— C. McKnight's "Old Fort Du Quesne." 
Wright's "Marcus Blair." 
Thackeray's "Virginians." 



CHAPTER XLIV. 



FRENCH AND ENGLISH SETTLEMENTS IN NOVA SCOTIA — THE RIVALRY 

BETWEEN THE SETTLEMENTS — COLONEL WINSLOW 

DRIVES OUT THE ACADIANS — THE PATHETIC 

EXODUS — PERSECUTION OF THE 

EXILES. 



IVING upon the basin of Minas, in Nova Scotia, 
was a company of people called the French Neu- 
trals. They were British subjects, for at this time 
Nova Scotia was an English possession, but they 
were constantly suspected of being in sympathy 
I with the French and would take no oath of alle- 

giance which did not contain a proviso that they 
were never to take up arms against France. The pc .pie 
"the community were very industrious and frug.:i, and 
they gained wealth rapidly. Their religion held them 
together, and kept them from mingling with the Prot- 
estant English. The French and the English united in 
holding them in suspicion, feeling that they must be 
dangerous if they would give the allegiance to neither 
one nation nor the other. England was anxious to have 
Nova Scotia, or Acadia, settled with hearty British subjects, and in 
1749, Colonel Edward Cornwallis led an expedition of nearly two 
thousand five hundred persons into Chebucto harbor and settled the 
town of Halifax. The nearest settlement was that of the French, on 
the basin of Minas. A little cattle path ran through the woods for 
twenty miles, connecting the two towns. 

The garri.son was removed from Louisburg, and assisted in the work 
of the young settlement at Halifax. The English imagined that their 
French neighbors were setting the Indians upon an attack upon the 
colony, and all through the winter of 1749 the people lived in fear of 




DESOLATED ACADIA. 377 

an attack. There was also a French settlement at the mouth of the 
St. John, and it was feared that the two colonies would unite in a move 
against the English. To avoid such danger, the English decided that 
the people of Grand Pre must be made to take a complete oath of alle- 
giance or else be removed altogether from communication with the 
French. After several years of suspicion and dissatisfaction a crisis was 
reached in 1755, when the people of IMinas begged to have the arms, 
which had been taken from them, restored. There was a rumor that a 
French iieet was in the Bay of Fundy and that the Acadians intended 
to join the forces and attack the English garrison. The Governor 
ordered the French inhabitants to send delegates to Halifax for the pur- 
pose of giving the oath of allegiance. They refused to take it. It was 
therefore decided that the French inhabitants should be sent out of the 
province. An expedition was sent from Massachusetts, under the com- 
mand of Edward Winslow. The French fortifications were taken, the 
Acadian Indians disarmed, and some of the Acadians pressed into English 
service. The farmers of Grand Pre were then asked to meet the English 
in the little church at 3 o'clock in the afternoon to hear what the 
English officers had to impart to them. The old and young men, and all 
the boys often years of age, were required to be there. They assembled, 
unsuspiciously, to the number of four hundred and eighteen. The 
church was put under guard. Colonel Winslow told him that it was 
his Majesty's instructions and orders that all lands and tenements, 
cattle of all kinds, and live stock of all sorts, were forfeited to the 
Crown. Only their monej* and household goods were allowed them. 
It was promised that families should be kept together, and that removals 
should be as easy as it could be made. The poor French farmers were 
surrounded by troops, and their pra^-ers and protests were of no avail. 
The men were kept in the church for some time, waiting for the arrival 
of the vessels which would transport them. When they came, all the 
young unmarried men were placed upon the vessels first, then all of the 
young married men. Only the very young or the ver>' old were left on 
shore. There was no chance for a revolt. It was many weeks before 
the rest of the transports arrived in which the families were to be placed. 
In the meantime, the unhappy women spent their days in packing up 
their goods and arranging for departure. 

Colonel Winslow grew tired of his bitter task. The weeping of the 
women worried him, and their prayers were harder to face tiian the fire 
of an enemy would have been. On the 21st of October the remaining 
transports arrived and. the people were embarked. Tliere were at least 



2-/^ THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

two thousand of them, possibly more. The e.xiles were scattered 
through a number of the colonies. Some of them returned to France. 
There was a colony planted in Louisiana, and a few returned in time. 
In Massachusetts, they were persecuted. The children were taken 
from their parents and driven from town to town. Evenone refused to 
care for them. 

No doubt the Puritans thought that they were serving the Lord in 
•^his persecution of the Roman Catholics. In Pennsylvania, the exiles 
were distributed among country towns and provisions were made for 
them from time to time. They were always gentle under the wrongs 
which were heaped upon them. 

FOR FURTHER READING; 
History — Haliburton's "Historj' of Nova Scotia.** 
Fiction — Mrs. Williams' "The Neutral French." 
Haliburton's "The Old Judge." 
De Mine's "The Lily and the Cross." 
Poetry— Longfellow's "Evangeline." 



CHAPTER XLV. 



>\t Jfion or I^b Jixlm. 



OPERATIONS AGAINST THE FRENCH IN THE NORTH — THE BATTLE AT 
BLOODY POND — THE FRENCH TAKE FORTS OSWEGO AND 

WILLIAM HENRY — THE ENGLISH RETAKE LOUISBURG 

THE BATTLE OF CARILLON — THE ENGLISH 

RETAKE OSWEGO AND CAPTURE 

FRONTENAC AND DU 

QUESNE. 



fCENERAL plan had been laid out by the English 
^ for the reduction of France in the New World. 
^ The unfortunate expedition of Braddock was but 
a part of this. He was to take Fort Du Quesne 
and move on to Niagara. Governors Shirle}- and 
Johnson met with their forces at Albany. Gov- 
ernor Shirle}' was to move against Niagara, where he 
was to be joined by Braddock' s men. General John- 
son was to move against Crown Point, a French 
garrison on the southern shore of Lake Champlain. 
While Governors Shirley and Johnson were waiting 
in Albany for the arrival of the last of their troops, 
they received word of Braddock' s disaster. The men 
were inexperienced and impatient. Fighting, they 
could understand, but waiting and planning, which 
is so large a part of the success of war, was distasteful to them. 
Shirley was obliged to wait so long before making his attack iipoii 
Niagara that a fall stonn set in. Many of his men deserted him, and 
he thought it best not to venture upon so long a march, amidst the 
inclemency of the coming weather, with a reduced force of men. He 
learned, also, that the French, under Baron Dieskan, were intending to 
attack Oswego. He strengthened that place by increasing the garrison 
there to seven hundred men. The French were anxious for Oswego, for 




2So THE STORY OF AMERICA, 

though Forts Niagara and Frontenac commanded each end of Lake 
Ontario, Oswego, upon the southern bank, held the key to the Ohio 
valley. So long as this was not in the possession of the English, the 
French traders were not likely to be interfered with. Dieskau was, indeed, 
upon the point of moving against Oswego, when he heard of General 
Johnson's intentions to move against Crown Point. Dieskau abandoned 
his first intention and hurried to meet Johnson. He had two thousand 
men, whom he took up Lake Champlain to Fort St. Frederick, at Crown 
Point. There he waited for the English. General Johnson's forces 
had been sent northward, under General Lyman, in mid-summer. They 
spent their time in building a fort on the east bank of the Hudson while 
they waited for General Johnson to arrive with the necessary stores and 
equipments. It was the 8th of August, 1755, when General Johnson 
set out to join Lyman. Ammunition, provisions and all other necessaries 
of a campaign were carried fourteen miles to Lake George. Here they 
were obliged to wait for their boats, but built a fort in the meantime. 
Here Indians from the Six Nations joined John.son from time to time in 
small numbers. Lyman's men were engaged in strengthening the 
fort; Johnson encamped farther south on the lake, in a spot protected 
by the lake on one side and a marsh on the other. 

Dieskau left a strong party at Crown Point and marched southward, 
with the intention of taking Lyman's men, thus cutting off Johnson 
from his supplies. Could he do this, there would be nothing between 
him and the New England border. The Indians were full of objections. 
They were always reluctant about attacking forces, having a terrible 
fear of cannon. They refused to believe Dieskau when he told them 
that Lyman was entirely unprovided with them. Dieskau was, there- 
fore, obliged to march against Johnson's camp. Johnson heard of their 
approach and went to meet them. Dieskau prepared an ambush in the 
shape of a horseshoe, intending, when the English marched into it, to 
bring around one of the long lines and close about them, attacking 
from all sides. Hendrick, the chief of the Mohawks, and a detach- 
ment of Johnson's men, marched into this. Upon three sides oi' 
them the French and Indians rose with a yell and fell upon them. 
Blood}- Pond, on the east shore of Lake George, still marks the spot 
where those unfortunate men fell. Reinforcements covered the flight 
of the remnant of the English back to the rude barricade which 
Johnson had hastily raised and where he had placed his few cannons 
which he had brought up in boats. 

The Canadian Indians would not pursue the fight when they saw the 



THE LION OR THE LILIES. 281 

cannons. The Mohawks, on the English side, had already fled. Their 
chief, Hendricks, had been killed. The provincial soldiers, hiding 
behind their barricade of trees, picked off the French regulars until 
they were obliged to take to the woods. Johnson had been wounded 
and Lyman took command. The French, protected by the trees, crept 
up close to the breastworks, and the battle became a hand-to-hand fight. 
Lyman kept the cannons busy sending a raking fire through the swamps 
where the savages were lurking. The French were obliged to fly. 
Johnson gave orders that his men were not to pursue them. The French 
rested and began preparations for a meal, for they were half starved. 
Just then a detachment of two hundred New Hampshire troops marched 
down from Fort Lyman. These fell upon the French, and besides 
doing much execution, got their baggage and ammunition. The French 
lost about five hundred, the English between two and three hundred. 
There was the greatest rejoicing in the colonies. Johnson was 
made a baronet and given a large sum of money. In Albany, the 
people knew that they had been saved from destruction. The English 
proceeded to build a strong fort at the south end of Lake George. It 
was called Fort William Henry. That and Fort Lyman were both 
well garrisoned. The French took possession of the pass at Ticon- 
deroga and fortified it. Governor Shirley, since the death of Braddock, 
had been at the head of the English army in America. The plans 
which he laid for the coming year, 1756, were a repetition of the year 
before. The desire was to capture Fort Du Quesne and Crown Point; 
Niagara, Frontenac, and Ticonderoga were to be taken, if possible. 
The British and French governments fonnally declared war in May, 
1756. Lord Loudon was made Commander-in-chief of the English 
forces, and the Marquis De Montcalm was placed at the head of the 
French. The Englishman was indolent and unambitious. He waited 
for this thing and that, while the army in America was suffering for 
his presence. Montcalm was very different. He hastened to Canada 
with two thousand men and a large quantity of stores. Under his 
directions the French cut off supplies intended for Oswego. They 
captured small English forts, took a considerable number of prisoners, 
and succeeded in winning the alliance of the Six Nations. The French 
succeeded in capturing Fort Ontario, with a slight loss to themselves. 
The English lost as prisoners of war, sixteen hundred men, including 
eighty officers, one hundred and twenty pieces of artillery, a large 
store of ammunition, and the seven armed ships and two hundred 
batteaux which were to have been sent against Niagara and Frontenac. 



282 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

The English, weakened by the languid and ineffectual command of 
Lord Loudon, continued to be inactive. The force had dwindled, by 
sickness, from seven to four thousand. Montcalm returned to Montreal 
for the winter. The English plans for the next year were to confine 
hostilities to a single expedition. This was to be against Louisburg, 
which the English had taken once before so gallantly. Four thousand 
more men were raised in the colonies. The troops met at Halifax and 
were joined by Loudon with six thousand regulars, but when Loudon 
learned that Louisburg was well garrisoned, he concluded to put off an 
attack for a year and returned to New York. When ]\Iontcalm heard 
of this, he made up his mind to move against Fort Willian Henry, 
This fort had been badly situated. Some of the hills by it commanded 
it absolutely, and around it were marshes and low-lying ground. 
Montcalm, with fifty-five hundred Canadians and regulars, and sixteen 
hundred Indians, made his way from Ticonderoga across the portage to 
the upper part of Lake George. Here he divided his men. Part were 
sent in batteaux and canoes down the lake with all the baggage, and 
twenty-eight hundred followed the Indian's trail by the side of the lake. 
These last mentioned were under the command of De Levis. Montcalm 
landed on the west side of the lake, about two miles from the fort, and 
demanded its surrender. Colonel Monroe, who was in command, 
promptly refused, thinking that he could rely on the assistance of 
General Webb's men at Fort Lyman, fifteen miles below. But Webb 
had the stupidity to advise Monroe to surrender, since he could give no 
aid to him unless General Johnson arrived with reinforcements. The 
French intercepted this letter, learned the nature of the men they had 
to deal with, and sent the messenger on his way. 

General Johnson did arrive with reinforcements, but Webb would 
not pennit him to give the assistance to poor Monroe, although the 
common soldier^' were wild for action, and outraged at the meanness 
which left him to his fate. The siege lasted for six days and Monroe 
was obliged to surrender. Montcalm made liberal terms but the Indians 
had been inflamed with liquor and their thirst for blood aroused. 
Montcalm had promised that the troops should be marched to Fort 
Lyman safely. He tried to keep his word, but the Indians broke from 
all control and fell upon the Englishmen. In their panic the English 
ev»n fled to the French for protection. It has never ceased to be a 
subject for dispute among the friends and enemies of Montcalm, as to 
whether he inspired the Indians in this treacherj' or not. Montcalm 
burned Fort William Henrj' and returned to Canada. 



THE LION OR THE LILIES. 283 

The Indian depredations continued all along the English frontier as 
far as the valley of the Shenandoah. Oswego, the key of the Ohio valley 
and the great lakes, had been lost. It is true that the English held 
Acadia, but the silent and desolated villages were not a proud possession. 
Fortunateh', at this time, a man who was always a friend of the 
American colonies came to their relief. It was William Pitt, the 
English statesman. At this time he was Secretary- of State, and he 
took vigorous measures for sending armies, ammunition and a general 
equipment from England. He also called for a large number of 
colonial soldiers. All the New England men needed was encourage- 
ment and example, and they responded to the call with enthusiasm. 
.\dmiral Boscawen and Sir Jeffrey Amherst were placed in command of 
the forces which were called to attack Louisburg. On June 2, 1758, 
these forces arrived at Louisburg, and a well-planned assault was made. 
The French surrendered and the English took six thousand prisoners. 
This was verj- important to the English, for there now stood nothing 
between Louisburg and Quebec, the strongest and most impregnable of 
the Canadian cities. New England began to take courage once more, 
and looked to Brigadier-General Wolfe, who played an important part 
in the engagement, for a leadership of more power. Abercrombie, 
who had taken the place of the ineffective Loudon, was aiming at the 
capture of Ticonderoga. With him was Lord Howe, a general of 
bravery and dash, trusted by his officers and beloved by his men. 

On the 5th of July, Abercrombie came up Lake George with fifteen 
thousand troops, both regulars and provincials, in a fleet of batteaux. 
The scarlet uniforms of his English regulars, the plaids of his Highland 
troops, and the motley garb of his provincials making a picturesque 
spectacle. The French had been sent to keep the English from landing. 
One body of them was driven back, the other took to the woods, and 
wandering there bewildered, encountered a body of horsemen, who were 
also lost. In the engagement which followed, nearly all of the French 
(three hundred and fifteen) were killed. The English lost heavily also, 
and Lord Howe was shot. His loss was a greater disaster to the 
English than twice the number of the French slain would have been. 
On the 8th, a regular attack was made upon Carillon. Abercrombie 
sent his regulars again and again to the deadly abatis. The huge 
trunks and roots of the trees afforded the best protection in the world 
for the French. Lord Abercrombie, unused to this method of defence, 
did not sufficiently value its strength. 

At sunset the English gave the fight up as hopeless and withdrew to 



2 84 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the lake. The discouraged men encamped upon the ruins of Fori 
William Henrj', and counting their numbers, found that tlie)- had lost 
over two thousand. Meanv/liile, Bradstreet. with tliree thousand men, 
had once more secured Oswego to the English. He then rode down the 
lake to Frontenac and captured its garrison, and then returned to 
Albany to join the men who remained. The third expedition which 
had been sent for the recovery of Fort Du Ouesne, under General Forbes, 
was successful. Forbes did not march b\' the road which Braddock 
had followed, but started from Bedford, Massachusetts. With Forbes 
was Colonel Washington and his Virginian troops. A great deal of 
time was wasted in building bridges and leveling woods after the 
manner of European warfare, which the commander followed and 
Washington protested against. The march was so long that the 
provisions were exhausted, and it was feared that the expedition would 
have to return without having accomplished anything. The French 
did not feel strong enough to venture resistance, and they set fire to their 
magazine. So the English conquered almost in spite of themselves. 
The key to the lakes and the Ohio valley was once more in their 
possession. A terrible disaster befell the army a few days later, when 
Grant's detachment of men, consisting largely of Highlanders, were 
surprised by seven or eight hundred Frenchmen, and nearly all killed. 
Pitt continued to send supplies and men over to America. By the 6th 
of July, the English were before Niagara. The general first in 
command was killed by the carelessness of one of his soldiers, and Sir 
William Johnson took his place. The French knew that their garrison 
was too small to hold against the besieging force, and sent to Detroit 
and Presque Isle for reinforcements. These the English met and 
defeated in a spirited engagement. When the French at the fort were 
convinced of this disaster, they surrendered. Meanwhile, Amherst had 
brought eleven thousand men to awe the little garrison of Ticonderoga. 
The French did not attempt resistance, but blew up the magazine and 
retreated northward. Amherst went on cautiously to Crown Point, 
only to find that the French had retreated still farther north. The rest 
of the year was employed by Amherst in building those massive works 
on Crown Point, which are still the wonder of tourists. Rogers was 
sent with his rangers against the Indians, but the great interest of the 
English campaign lay with General Wolfe. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction— James' "Ticonderoga." 

Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans." 
Poetry— Whittier's "Pentucket" 
Whittier's "St. John." 



CHAPTER XLVI. 



>|$ JhI^s uf ilor^. 



THE EXPEDITION AGAIKST QUEBEC — THE NIGHT ATTACK AND THE 

FIGHT ON THE PLAINS OF ABRAHAM — THE DEATH OF 

MONTCALM AND WOLFE — NEW ORLEANS 

AND THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY 

' GIVEN TO SPAIN. 



'HOUGH Wolfe was a man of much strength of 
spirit, he suffered constantly from bodily weak- 
ness. Nothing but a fierce determination to 
restore the honor of the English colonies could 
have kept him up through those trj'ing expedi- 
tions. He rested in England for a time after 
the taking of Louisburg, and then returned to prepare 
for the capture of Quebec, suffering, meantime, from a 
deep melancholy and a presentment of death. At the 
close of June, 1759, the English forces left L,ouisburg 
and encamped on the Isle d' Orleans, in the St. Law- 
rence, a little below Quebec. A detachment was put on 
the promontory of Point Levi, on the southern shore of 
the river, and still nearer the city. Montcalm learned 
of their coming, and made preparations for defence. 
Rocky bluffs rose straight up from the St. Lawrence, and for years these 
natural fortifications had been considered impregnable. Montcalm had 
about three thousand men, in fortified camps, protecting the city. Across 
the St. Lawrence was a dam, with vessels sunk behind it and barges in 
front. The St. Lawrence, on the south side of the city, was about a 
mile wide, and at that place was a swift-flowing river. Montcalm's 
forces were much larger than Wolfe's, and the English soldiers were 
inclined to the belief that an attempt against such forces and fortifica- 
tions was useless. Wolfe did not depend upon strength, but on strategy. 
An attack was made on the French camp near the falls of Montmorenci. 
The Englishmen made a bold attack, but in the end were forced to take 




286 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

to their boats and retreat. The expedition was a sorr>' failure, and at 
least five hundred men were lost by the English. 

The siege was kept up for another month. Little effect was inade 
upon the upper town, but the lower one was almost destroyed. Wolfe was 
sick and melancholy. The inaction was dispiriting to the troops. 
What they desired was to force Montcalm to meet them on open fiel-d. 
At length Wolfe, lying ill in his tent, hit upon a plan which made him 
immortal. In the time which they had lingered there, Wolfe had 
become well acquainted with the countrj', for his men had reconnoitred 
faithfully. Therefore, on the night of the twelfth, a moonless night, 
Wolfe rose from his bed and led sixteen hundred of his men. They 
dropped silently down the river with the current, and landed beneath the 
overhanging heights above the city. Up these wooded bluffs were steep 
paths, and fourteen volunteers led the way while the sixteen hundred 
men followed. Once they were challenged by a sentinel. A High- 
lander replied, in the French tongue, that they brought provisions. 
There was no other interruption. It was the Highland boys in their 
plaids that sprang ashore first. They were used to mountain climbing, 
and rushed up the steep. The little guard at the head of the path was 
soon overpowered. When the morning light broke, Quebec was 
astonished to see an English army on the Plains of Abraham, the great 
table land behind the city. Montcalm hurried thither with twenty-five 
hundred men. 

He had been on the other side of the St. Lawrence river, and had to 
cross the bridge of boats and pass through the city before he reached 
the Plains. The English had already begun to intrench themselves. 
The French had no time for preparations, and one gun was all they 
had been able to drag after them. The Canadians crouched in the corn- 
fields and began the attack, and the French regulars, in three divisions, 
moved upon the centre and the flanks of the English. The French 
kept up a steady fire, but the English did not level their guns until 
their enemies were within a few feet. Then, of course, the fire was 
deadly, and the English followed it up by a hand-to-hand attack. The 
Frenchmen fell into disordered rout. 

Wolfe was wounded. He had one ball in his side, and another in 
his breast. Some one carried him to the rear and laid him on the grass, 
where he lay almost unconscious, but when a man cried, ' 'See how they 
run!" Wolfe raised himself suddenly and asked, "Who run?" When 
he heard it was the enemy, he gave his last orders: 

"Tell Colonel Burton to march Welb's regiment down the St 



THE PATHS OF GLORY. 



287 



I^awrence river and cut off their retreat from the bridge." Then he 
died peacefully. Montcalm was also killed, and was buried in -i cavity 
of the earth made by the bursting of a bombshell. It was the burial 
he had asked for. On the i8th of September, 1759, the British took 
possession of Quebec, the French withdrawing their troops to Montreal. 
With the opening of the river in the spring, De Levis came down 
from Montreal with an armv of seven thousand men. The English 
moved out with soldierly spirit, and a second battle was fought upon 
the Plains of Abraham. The English were worsted, and the French 
began a siege. Both forces waited in quiet for some time, expecting 
reinforcements. They came to the English first, and De Levis threw 
his guns into the river and retreated. On the 8th of September the 
city surrendered. In the terms of capitulation were included Detroit, 
Michelimackinac and all the French forts farther west. The French 
fleet, which arrived upon the coast soon after, was entirely destroyed 
by the British squadron. Canada, Nova Scotia and Cape Breton now 
belonged to Great Britain. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Warburton's "Conquest of Canada." 
Fiction— Hall's "Twice Taken." 
Tiffany's "Brandon." 




QUEBEC. 



CHAPTER XLVII. 



jt 3pIout ^nr Jfibri^. 



PONTIAC, CHIEF OF THE OTTAWAS — ARRIVAI. OF ROGERS' MEN AT 

DETROIT — PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY — BEGINNING OF 

WAR — THE SIEGE OF DETROIT — THE 

BATTLE OF BLOODY 

BRIDGE. 




HE chief of the Ottawas, Pontiac, claimed all 
^^^ the land upon the southern and western sides of 
Lake Erie. He is said to have commanded his 
Indians with great skill at the time of Braddock's 
defeat. In 1746, he and his warriors defended 
the French with bravery, against the Northern 
Indians. Practically, he was the principal chief of three 
great tribes, the Objibewas, the Ottawas, and the Potta- 
watoniies. At the time of which we write he was a 
little past the prime of life, but was still one of the most 
intelligent and formidable men of his race. He was 
haughty and eloquent, not lacking in statesmanlike quali- 
ties, nor in a certain poetic imagination. 

When the English detachment was sent to take pos- 
session of Detroit, under Major Rogers, Pontiac came in 
person to inquire what right he had to pass through the countr}-. He 
was told of the conquest of Canada and that the party were on the wa}- to 
accept the surrender of Detroit. Pontiac retired to turn the matter 
over in his mind for the night, and on the following day made a speech 
in which he affirmed his friendliness towards the English and prom- 
ised that they should be unmolested. That he was sincere in his pro- 
testations of friendship is proved by the fact that when Rogers and his 
famous rangers arrived at the Detroit river, Pontiac persuaded four 
hundred Detroit Indians, who were lying there in ambush for them, to 
disperse. Had he not done so, this would have been the last adventure 



A BLOW FOR LIBERTY. 2Sq 

of tliat picturesque band of men whose exploits have been the delight 
of all American boys. 

But the English were never so attractive to the Indians as were the 
French, and after a time the grim old savage, Pontiac, began to long 
for his more entertaining friends, who had so long lived near him in 
good fellowship. He could not understand why a large garrison of 
Frenchmen should lay down their arms and surrender to a handful of 
English rangers, and he listened with satisfaction to the tales which the 
French poured into his ears. They said that the great French Father 
had been asleep, but that he would awaken now and avenge the wrongs 
of his children. Pontiac, solitary and gloomy, pondered upon this in 
the depths of the Michigan forests, and laid plans for driving the Eng- 
lish from the country. This was to be done by attacking all the forts 
in a single day, as well as all the frontier settlements. He had heard 
that a large French fleet was on its way down the St. Lawrence, 
and he hoped to win the good will of the commander. With him, he 
would march upon the older English settlements and drive the people 
back across the Atlantic. Ambassadors were sped to the several 
Indian nations with a red-stained tomaha-yvk and the wampum war belt. 
The Senecas, Algonquins, Wyandots and some southern tribes became 
allies of Pontiac. Each tribe was to dispose of the garrison nearest it 
and then turn upon the adjacent settlements. On April 27, 1763, 
Pontiac called a great council on the river Ecorces and addressed his 
warriors there. He recounted all the wrongs the Indians had suffered 
at the hands of the English, and he told of a tradition that a Delaware 
Indian had been allowed to enter the presence of the Great Spirit, who 
told him that his race must return to the customs and weapons of their 
ancestors, give up the whisky which the white men had taught them 
to use, and throw away the implements with which he had tried to 
chain them to the dull drudger\' of civilization. Pontiac assured his 
friends that the French were coming down the St. Lawrence with a 
large fleet of soldiers who would stand by them and be their friends. 
The insurrection was to be on the 7th of "Slay, and Pontiac was to lead 
the attack on Detroit. 

On the 1st he visited the fort with forty warriors, and danced the 
the dance of peace before them. He retired to finish his plans of war. 
He and one hundred chiefs were to enter the fort for the purpose of 
holding a council with the commander. Pontiac was to make a speech, 
and when he presented the wampum belt wrong end foremost, it was to 
be the signal for the Indians to fall upon the officers and kill them. 



290 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

The Indians waiting outside about the streets were to do the same 
deadly work among the soldiers and citizens. The plans were well 
laid, but on the 5th, one of the English women visiting in Ottawa vil- 
lage to make purchases of maple sugar and venison, saw many warriors 
cutting off the barrels of their guns with files. She wondered why they 
could wish the barrels of their guns to be made shorter. There was 
only one conclusion; they wished to hide them under the folds of 
their blankets. One of the beautiful young Indian girls who were in 
the habit of visiting the fort left with so much reluctance on the night 
before the attack that she was questioned until she confessed the details 
of the plot. Pontiac made her suffer severely afterward for this 
treachery to her race. 

The force of Pontiac about Detroit was from six hundred to two 
thousand. The English garrison consisted of one hundred and twenty 
men. The fort was a square enclosed by a palisade twenty feet high. 
At each corner was a wooden bastion, with a few light pieces of artil- 
ler}-, and over the gateways were block-houses. Two armed schooners 
were anchored in the river. 

Pontiac came at the appointed time and entered the gate with his 
warriors. He saw at once that his plans had been discovered. "Why 
do I see so many of my father's young men standing in the street with 
their guns?" he asked. Gladwyn, who was commanding, replied, 
lightly, that they had been out for exercise. Pontiac began his speech, 
doubtless turning over in his mind the possibility of an attack even 
now. Once he lifted the wampum belt. Gladwjn replied with a 
slight movement of his hand. There was a rattle of arms at the door 
and the roll of a drum. Pontiac sat down in dismayed silence. The 
Indians were finally conducted to the gate by the soldiers, and ushered 
out in sullen silence. 

Pontiac and three chiefs came back the next day with a calumet and 
told Gladwyn that evil birds had sung lies in his ear. The following 
day he came with a large crowd of warriors, to find the gates barred. 
He was told that he alone would be allowed to enter. The war-whoop 
which his followers gave was the declaration of hostilities. Some of them 
ran to the defenceless English houses outside the fort, killed the inhabi- 
tants, and shook their bloody scalps at the soldiers. Pontiac' s village 
was hastily moved across the ri\'er to the mouth of the creek we now 
know as Bloody Run, a mile and a half north of the fort. On the loth 
he began a regular siege, fighting in the usual savage manner, behind 
barns and fences, keeping well out of reach of return fire. Two Scotch 



A BLOW FOR LIBERTY. 29I 

officers responded to Pontiac's wish to hold a council with the Eng- 
lish. Both were detained as prisoners and one was murdered. 

The Wyandots joined Pontiac and the siege was renewed with great 
vigor. It had taken Gladw>'n some time to realize the extent of the 
conspiracy. But now he removed everything about the fort which 
could obstruct the sweep of his guns. He carefully economized the 
provisions, and dug wells in the fort. These wells were not alone 
needed to provide against thirst, but to extinguish the fires as well, for 
one of the chief methods of Indian warfare was to tip the arrows with 
burning tow. Under cover of darkness the friendly Indians across the 
shore brought over supplies. Pontiac's soldiers had not been prepared 
for sustained conflict, and before long were short of provisions. The 
old chief was not lacking in dignified ideas of war and would not permit 
his men to prey upon the Canadian farms. He made a large number 
of promissory notes upon birch bark, which were to be exchanged for 
provisions. After his disastrous war had closed it is said that he 
redeemed all of these notes. 

Reinforcements were on their way up Lake Erie for Gladwyn. He 
knew of this, and sent one of his schooners to hasten their approach, 
but the schooner missed them, and they continued to slowly creep up 
the coast, not knowing of the siege, and were captured by a band of 
Wyandots, who killed or took as prisoners sixty men. Only two boats 
escaped. 

The Indians hid in the boats which they had captured and forced 
the crew to sail into the harbor. The Indians hoped to enter the fort 
by this strategy. At the fort they had watched the approach of the 
boats with great delight, and the disappointment when they were seen 
to be laden with Indians, was almost unbearable. The two boats which 
escaped hastened to Niagara and told their story. An expedition for 
relief was formed. The Indians made an attempt to capture this also, 
but it reached the fort in safety. 

The approaches to the fort were guarded b)- the schooners, of which 
the Indians stood in great fear. They made several attempts to 
destroy them with fire- rafts, but were not successful. The Wyandots 
and Pottawatomies exchanged prisoners with Gladwyn and sued for 
peace, but the Ottawas and Ojibewas kept up the conflict. On the 29th 
of July a reinforcement of two hundred and eighty men reached 
Detroit, and revived the spirits of the exhausted garrison. They now 
felt strong enough to march out from the fort and openly attack the 
Indian camp. But the Indian never could be made to fight in fair field. 



292 THE STORV OK AMERICA. 

They hid behind every' tree and clump of bushes. Dalzell, who led 
the expedition, could find no enemy, and after going as far as the deep- 
ening twilight would permit, turned his men back toward the fort. 
Then every bush, tree and hill became alive with savages who had 
lain in ambush. Dalzell was killed. Rogers took possession of a house 
and defended some of his men there. The cellar of the house was 
crowded with women and children, and upon the trap-door, which 
covered it, stood an old man who needed all his little strength and his 
eloquence to keep the soldiers from rushing, in their terror, into the 
cellar. Rogers held out until the batteaux, which had gone down the 
river with the killed and wounded, returned. This was called the battle 
of Bloody Bridge. In it the English lost fifty-nine men and the Indians 
about twenty. The great desire of the i cidians was to keep supplies 
from reaching the fort. One of the ?chooners returning to the fort 
from Niagara was attacked in the Detroit river by a large number of 
Indians, who swam silently through the water with knives in their 
teeth. The crew fought them with spears and hatchets, and succeeded in 
saving the boats from capture, but the captain was killed and several 
men badly wounded. The boat would have been lost, had not the 
mate given an order that the magazines should be fired. The Indians 
understood enough English to take warning. The next expedition 
^ivhich was sent to the fort from Niagara was overtaken b)- a storm. 
Seventy men were lost, besides all the store of ammunition. 

The Ottawas finally sued for peace, and Pontiac raised the siege in 
October and returned to his melancholy forest. That portion of the 
Tvar which he superintended himself had not been successful, but his 
alli^r had been more fortunate. At almost ever}' fort in that country 
the work of destruction had been successfulh- carried out. Forts 
Sandusky, St. Joseph and Quatanoir, on the Wabash, were all captured, 
and in most cases the garrison were murdered. At Michelimackinac, a 
very crafty plan was laid for the taking of the fort. The Indians invited 
the officers to witness a game of ball on the plain in front of the fort. 
From early morning till noon the soldiers looked on, well pleased 
-with the sport. Finally the ball was thrown near the gate of the fort. 
The Indians made a rush for it, seized the two officers, who were stand- 
ing near, and bound them, while the savages poured into the fort. 
Inside were the squaws, with weapons concealed under their blankets. 
These the men seized and fell upon the soldiers. vSeventeen were killed 
instantly, and six were tortured to death. The English traders were 
led into captivit)-. The French, quietly looking on, were not touched. 



A BLOW FOR LIBERTY 293 

At Prasqui, near the present town of Erie, Pennsylvania, the fort was 
was besieged for two days and a half Here the Indians mined the fort 
and the English were obliged to surrender. They were taken as pris- 
oners to Pontiac's camp. At Fort Le Boeuf, a block-house, in which the 
garrison had taken refuge, was set on fire, and the garrison of fourteen 
men dug a hole in the ground in the rear and crept stealthily into the 
forest, while the Indians stood dancing around in the belief that they 
were burning to death. The men started for Fort Pitt, but some of 
them died of hunger by the way. At Fort Venango, on the Alle- 
glian)-, the garrison was butchered and Lieutenant Gordon slowly 
tortured to death. Fort Pitt itself was well fortified. It had a good 
supply of water and provisions, and the attack was not successful. A 
command was sent out from Philadelphia, under Colonel Henry Boquet, 
to strengthen the garrison at Fort Pitt. He had five hundred men with 
him, mostly Highlanders. These marched through a desolate tract of 
countrj' at the western part of Pennsylvania. Many settlements there 
had been laid waste and the inhabitants murdered. A fierce attack 
was made on him near the stream called Brush river, where the men 
had encamped. His little army was entirely surrounded, and his 
horses, unused to the blood-curdling shrieks of the Indians, were 
unmanageable. The Scotchmen fought firmly, rather than bravely, 
and their verj' lack of excitement won them the victor}'. The fight 
was resumed the next da}' at the first break of light. The Scotchmen 
were placed at a terrible disadvantage. They stood in an open space 
in a compact mass. The Indians were dispersed through the woods 
and fought from behind trees. Boquet feigned retreat. The Indians 
supposed that their prey was about to escape, and made a furious 
attack. This was exactly what Boquet desired. In a short time 
the Indians were flying before the Scotchmen. The march was 
resumed, and the force arrived at Fort Pitt, having lost eight officers and 
one hundred and fifteen men. 

In a short time general peace was made, but for many mouths after 
the people in the frontier villages lived in terror of their lives. Two 
thousand whites were killed. Several costly expeditions had been 
entirely destroyed. Pontiac, still revengeful, tried to start another con- 
spiracy, but failed. He was murdered in 1769 by a Kaskaskia Indian^ 
on the spot where St. Louis now stands. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Parkman's "Conspiracy of Pontiac." 
Drama — .-V. Macomb's "Pontiac." 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 



S^Hr fait ]|i$ Jrulus. 



THE STAMP ACT — CONDITION OF THE COLONIES — THE OPPOSITION 

TO TAXATION — REPEAL OF THE STAMP ACT — REFUSAL OF 

THE ASSEMBLY TO PROVIDE FOR THE 

TROOPS SENT OVER BY 

ENGLAND. 



I OR a time after the close of the war a pleasant 
tranquility reigned in the colonies. George 
Washington, writing to a friend in England, 
confessed there was really nothing to say. 
' 'Happy the people whose annals are tiresome, ' ' 
says Montesquieu. For a time it seemed as if 
life in New England was to resolve itself into this 
fortunate monotony. But the young King George HI, 
in England, had ideas which brought this tranquility to 
an end. He believed that the colonies were rich 
enough to help him in carrying out one of his famous 
schemes. He wished to build a great palace which 
should rival the splendor of Versailles. To do this, it was 
evident that a prodigious sum of money was necessary-. 
There was no easier way to raise it than by taxing the American 
colonies. In 1763 a bill was introduced in Parliament which tested the 
whole question of the possible revenue to be derived from that source. It 
required that stamps varying in price, none of them less than one shilling, 
should be placed upon the records of all commercial transactions. An 
amendment to the sugar act was also introduced. The duty on foreign 
molasses was changed from six pence a gallon to three pence, and new 
duties were imposed on coffee, pimento. East India goods, and wines 
from Madeira and the western islands. George III was not mistaken 
in thinking that there had been a rapid increase of wealth in the 
American colonies. Between the years 1765 and 1775 two-thirds of 





-^ 



o<^ 



.j^C. 



C.«;SAR HAD HIS BRUTUS. 297 

tlu- foreign commerce of Great Britain was that which she conducted 
with America. Between 1700 and 1760 the value of property- in 
England increased fifty per cent. William Pitt claimed that this was 
due wholly to the American colonies, and said that Great Britain reaped 
a profit of two millions a year from them. At this time there were 
three millions of people in America, and these purchased almost every 
manufactured article from Great Britain, exporting, in return, fish, 
tobacco, indigo, rice and naval stores. England sent goods amounting 
to two million pounds annually to New York and Pennsylvania alone. 

But to the indignant Americans who turned the stamp act over in 
their assemblies, there seemed to be no reason why thej- should be 
imposed upon simply because the}- wei'C prosperous. That peculiar form 
of lawlessness which was so much stronger and more dignified than law, 
and which the people of NTew England had shown before, was 
thoroughly roused now. Samuel Adams, the leader of the popular 
party- in Boston, inflamed the people by his indignant eloquence. "If 
our trade may be taxed, why not our lands?" said he. "Why not the 
produce of our lands, and, in short, ever^'thing we possess or make use 
of? If taxes are laid upon us in any shape, without our having a legal 
representative where they are laid, are we not reduced from the 
character of subjects to the miserable state of tributary- slaves?" Such 
speeches, and James Otis' passionate pamphlet on the rights of the 
colonies, filled every American with courage and a determination to 
resist. Quietly, and to an extent secretly, every man in America armed 
himself. The speeches of the assemblies should have fairly warned the 
English ministers, but they were anxious to gratify the caprice of their 
half-mad King. A Continental Congress met at New York, in which 
there were delegates from the nine assemblies to consider what had best 
be done. Most of the assemblies had already met in the province and 
had made their individual protests. In Virginia, Patrick Henry had 
drawn up his famous resolutions denouncing the right of the mother 
countr}' to tax her colonies. These were wannly opposed, and Henr}-, 
rising in the house, cried, "Caesar had his Brutus, Charles I his Crom- 
well, George III" — "treason!" cried the men from every part of the 
house — "may profit by their example," continued Henr}-, firmly. "If 
this be treason, make the most of it!" 

The Continental Congress at New York was composed of the most 
distinguished men in the colonies. On the roll were the names of many 
men who, in the end, sided with the Crown. Among them was 
General Timothy Ruggles, of Massachusetts who was president of the 



298' THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Congress. He and several others were staunch Tories. The resohi- 
tions were not impertinent, nor even passionate. They were dignified, 
moderate, and absohitely firm. The thirteen articles of these resolu- 
tions had a single purpose — a protest against taxation. Meanwhile, 
the piles of stamp paper which were to produce this new revenue 
arrived in the different sea-ports. The collectors who brought the 
stamps were hung in effigy and waited on by mobs. Most of them 
were compelled to resign. In Boston, the mob entered the house of 
Oliver, the agent, and broke his windows. Then they gathered at the 
house of his brother-in-law, Governor Hutchinson, one of the richest 
men in Boston, and threw everything into the street. The militia was 
called out to arrest the ringleaders, which they made pretense of doing, 
but released them willingly enough, when they were ordered to do so 
by the mob. The newspapers were filled with letters of protest from 
private citizens. The opposition was led chiefly by the "Sons of 
lyiberty," an association in New York. 

The royal governors and the officers under them were very bitter. 
Lieutenant Cole, of New York, swore that he would cram the stamps 
down their throats with the sword. The distributor of the stamps in 
Maryland was obliged to fly to New York, and was finally visited by a 
delegation from the Sons of Liberty, and forced to take an oath to the 
effect that he would not resume the duties of his office. In South 
Carolina, the stamp act was publicly burnt, the bells of Charleston 
were tolled, and the flags of the ships in the harbor were at half-mast. 
Nor was it alone the young men, fond of novelty, who conducted these 
proceedings. The older and more dignified took part in them with 
equal enthusiasm. The colonies also took more radical and business- 
like methods of resistance. They agreed among themselves not to 
import English goods, and orders which had gone forward were 
countermanded. The retail dealers agreed neither to buy nor sell such 
goods as were brought into the country. A fair was opened in New 
York devoted to domestic manufactures. That the growth of wool 
might not be interfered with, it was determined that no lambs might be 
used as food. No mourning goods were manufactured in America and 
it was agreed that they should not be purchased. Some of the ship- 
masters bringing them over were forced to return with their cargo. 

In England there was a new ministry — a ministry which had not 
yet made up its mind what its attitude should be toward the colonies. 
For the first time in a year, William Pitt appeared in the House. His 
speecli upon the situation was most sarcastic. He said that Americans 



CESAR HAD HIS BRUTUS. 3OI 

were the sous, not the bastards, of England, and closed his speech with 
the celebrated words: "The honorable gentleman tells us that America 
is obstinate; America is almost in open rebellion. Sir, I rejoice that 
America has resisted. Three millions of people, so dead to all the 
feelings of liberty as voluntarily to submit to be slaves, would have 
been fit instruments to make slaves of all the rest. " Benjamin Franklin 
was present, and was examined thoroughly on the question. The 
stamp act was repealed. Throughout the colonies this was received 
with the greatest enthusiasm. Joy bells were rung in the churches, 
liberty poles raised, and pictures of Conway and Barre hung in Faneuil 
Hall. Conway was the man who had brought in the resolution for the 
repeal of the act. Barre was the man, who, when the stamp act was 
passing through Parliament, replied to the remark that the colonies had 
been planted by the care of England, with this indignant speech: 
"They planted by your care! No, your oppressions planted them in 
America. They nourished up by your indulgence! They grew by 
your neglect of them. As soon as you began to care about them, that 
care was exercised in sending persons to rule them in one department, 
and another who were perhaps the deputies of deputies to some member 
of this house, sent to spy out their liberties, to misrepresent their 
actions and to prey upon them ; men whose behavior on many occasions 
has caused the blood of those Sons of Liberty to recoil within them!" 
Statues of George III and Pitt were erected in Virginia and Mrr}land. 
In New York, statues of the King and Pitt were also erected and liberty 
poles raised, at the bases of which hogsheads of punch were drank. 

But the people had rejoiced too soon. The habits of loyalty was 
still strong in them, and they desired to have cordial relations with the 
home government. They had taken the repeal of the stamp act for 
more than it really meant. The sugar act was not modified, and still 
collected a revenue. It was still required of the colonies that they 
should provide fire, candles, vinegar, salt, bedding, utensils for cooking, 
beer, cider and wine for all the troops who might be sent to America. 
Again the ministry of England had changed, and now had at its head a 
ma!i who was determined to tax the colonies as he pleased. He insisted 
that military garrisons should be kept up in all the large colonial 
towns, and that they should be supported by colonial taxation. In 
June of 1768, Sir Henr>' Moore, the Governor of New York, sent a 
message to the assembly, asking them to make pro\isions for the 
troops, then on their way to the colony. The assembly refused. They 
were willing, they said, to bear a share in the support of the troops on 



302 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

their way through the province, as they had always done, of their own 
free will. But they would contribute nothing to the quartering of 
troops in the colony. Parliament ordered that all the legislative rights 
of New York should be stopped until this command had been complied 
with. The sympathy of all the colonies was with New York. At 
this time port duties were levied on wine, wools and fruit, if shipped 
direct from Spain and Portugal, and upon glass, paper, lead, colors and 
tea. This revenue was to be used for the support of the civil officers 
of the colonies. It will be remembered that the assemblies had always 
insisted upon the right to care for the ro}-al governors in the way they 
considered best, and that the sum given to the Governor annually, 
depended partly upon the prosperity of the province, and partly upon 
the benefit which the Governor had actually been during the year. A 
letter of supplication was promptly sent to the King, The reply was 
a letter from the Secretary of State of England, to the General Court 
of Massachusetts, commanding them to withdraw the resolution which 
gave birth to the letter. If they refused, the government was to dissolve 
the court. The assemblies of the other colonies received word that they 
would also be dissolved if they were disobedient. A letter so insulting 
and patronizing showed tlie absolute ignorance which England was in 
regarding the character of the American men with whom they had to 
deal. 

Four regiments of soldiers were then quartered in the town of 
Boston. Every man was curious to know why they were there. 
Americans could not grasp the idea of a standing army. They believed 
that the soldiers were there for no reason but to menace the community. 
The idea entertained in England, that it was a compliment to have 
troops stationed at a town, could not be understood by them. This 
Puritan town, forced by law into habits which were almost ascetic, and 
ruled by a government which was largely religious, could not tolerate 
the gayety, not to say debauchery, of the soldiers. The town had 
refused to prepare quarters for them. At a town meeting it was 
requested that every inhabitant should provide himself with fire-arms 
for sudden danger, in the case of a war with France. There was, as 
everyone knew, no likelihood of a war with France, but the fiction was 
sustained, and every man obeyed the bidding. When the troops arrived, 
one regiment was quartered in Faneuil Hall, another in the town hall, 
and one encamped on the Common. The Irish regiments, which arrived, 
a few days later, were added to those on the Common. A fleet of 
eighty men-of-war, having in all over one hundred and eighty guns, was 



C-BSAR HAD HIS BRUTUS. 3O3 

anchored off the town. It was with difficnlty that the wisest among 
the Bostonians prevented an outbreak. The people were not only 
willing to fight, but they were anxious to do so. 

The verj- boys shared the popular discontent. There had been quite 
a quarrel between them and the soldiers, for the soldiers were in the 
habit of destroying the snow-slides which the boys had prepared for 
their sleds. The boys appealed in vain to the captain, and finally went 
to the British general. He said: "Have your fathers been teaching 
rebellion, and sent you here to exhibit it?" "Nobody sent us here," 
said one of the boys. "We have never injured nor insulted your troops, 
but they have been spoiling our snow-slides so that we cannot use them 
any more. We complained, and the)- called us young rebels and told us 
to help ourselves, if we could. We told the captains of this and they 
laughed at us. Yesterday our slides were destroyed once more, and we 
will bear it no longer." The general ordered the damage repaired and 
told General Gage about the matter, who said that it was impossible to 
beat the notion of liberty out of people who had it planted in them 
from childhood. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Biography— Loring's "The Hundred Boston Orators." 
Tudor's "Life of Otis." 
Wells' "Life of Samuel Adams." 
Sparks' "Frauklin." 
Adams' "Life of John Adams." 
Wirt's "Patrick Henry." 



CHAPTER XLIX. 



>]^B Pnslnn M$n- 



TROUBLE IN BOSTON — "THE BO?TON MASSACRE" — ^THE TEA TAX- 
ATTITUDE OF GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON — THE BOSTON 
"TEA PARTY' — THE BOSTON 
PORT BILL. 



RRITATION in Boston reached its height on 
March 3, 177O. For a long time there had been 
many quarrels among the common soldier\' and 
the Boston .'itamen. Probabl}- there was little 
choice between the ignorance and brutalit)' of 
both parties, but the popular sympathies were, of 
course, with the j\mericans. On the evening of the 3d, 
some soldiers had agreed to hold a sort of free fight with 
a company of rope-makers. In the rough hand-to-hand 
fight several men on both sides were wounded. On the 
following nigbt an attempt was made to renew the 
squabble, and it was suppressed with some difficulty. 
The soldiers were resentful and naturally had a strong 
partisan fetling. On the night of March 5th, two 
young men tried to pass a sentinel at the foot of Cornhill. The senti- 
nel told them that they could not pass. A struggle followed and a 
crowd gathered. The sentinel was snow-balled. A file of troops was 
sent out to defend the sentr>-, and succeeded in getting him into the 
barracks safely. But the blood of the crowd was up. The actual indig- 
nities which had been heaped upon them made them anxious for 
revenge, and they can hardly be criticised if their methods were petty. 
Another sentinel vas espied, who had, it was said, knocked down a 
Boston boy ?. few days before. The ill-nature of the mob was turned 
against him. H^ tried to enter the building and escape, but found the 
door locked, and was forced to call for the main guard. Six men were 
sent to his -^elief. Captain Preston, the officer of the day, was at an 




THE BOSTON TEA-DRINKERS. 305 

entertainment in the cit)-. A messenger was dispatched for him. The 
mob grew ever}- minute, and the bells throughout the city were set 
ringing as if for fire. Captain Preston and six more men came on the 
oTound. The men presented onl>- their bayonets by way of defense 
against the mob, and fell back in front of the custom-house. Thej- 
were ordered not to fire, and, in spite of the missiles and epithets hurled 
at them, managed to control themselves. But when a soldier received 
a severe blow from a club, he lost his sense of discipline, leveled his 
gun, and fired. Seven or eight more soldiers followed his example. 
When the mob had fled, three men were found dead on the ground. 
Two others were mortally wounded, and six slightly. The exploit 
afforded the Bostouians a certain grim satisfaction. The strain upon 
their patience had ended. The longed-for opportunity for action had 
come. The twenty-ninth regiment answered the beat of arms, and soon 
formed in King street. From the balcony of the State House, Governor 
Hutchinson, a man of old New England blood, promised that a thorough 
investigation should be made. Captain Preston, before daylight, sur- 
rendered himself and was placed in jail. The selectmen lost no time in 
waiting upon the Governor and assuring him that the troops must be 
removed from town. The Governor replied that the regiment that had 
had the fight with the rope-makers might be marched to the castle. 
This answer was carried to the town meeting, where the selectmen 
awaited it, in the Old South Church. Samuel Adams said that if there 
was authoritv for removing one regiment, there was authority to remove 
two. "Nothing short of the total evacuation of the town by all the 
regular troops," said he, "will satisfy the public mind and preserve the 
peace of the province." Hutchinson knew the humor of the New Eng- 
land men, and though all England laughed at him afterward for his 
compliance, he had all the troops removed. It delayed, beyond ax'^oubt, 
the War of the Revolution, just five years. Preston was tried for mur- 
der, but was acquitted. Two soldiers were found guilty of manslaughter 
and sentenced to be branded in the hand. 

In the English cabinet it was decided that tea was still to be 
retained as a subject of taxation. An efibrt was made by the wiser 
members of Parliament to repeal this in less than a year after the act 
had been passed, but Lord North carried it by a majority. Lord North, 
who was minister, and the "Friends of the King," were now directing 
English affairs. The half-distraught young King was in no position to 
be either wise or generous, had he wished to be so; in truth, he was 
seriously out of patience with America, and was well pleased to vent his 



306 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

irritation upon her. The tranquility which had followed the removal 
of the troops from Boston was soon disturbed by the poor policy of Lord 
North. The Crown of England was interested in the prosperity of the 
East India Company. The United States steadily refused to import tea 
from England, and as a consequence the East India Company found 
itself burdened with seventeen million pounds of tea in its English 
store houses. To save it from bankruptcy the government lent it a 
million and a half of money. The directors of the East India Com- 
pany wished to be allowed to land the tea free in America. They 
knew much better than the English minister the humor of the men 
with whom they had to deal. The King insisted there must be one 
tax to keep up the right. The tax was only three pence a pound — 
half of that which was j^aid in England — but the English subject had the 
right to cast his vote upon the matter. American colonies were not 
represented. In this distinction la}- all the difference between slavery 
and freedom. To their great chagrin the people in Boston discovered, 
at this time, that their Governor, Hutchinson, was writing letters 
which they considered treasonable. He talked about the establishment 
of a patrician order, and in one letter said that there must be an abridge- 
ment of English liberties among the people of the colony. These 
letters were shown to Franklin, who was in England, and he obtained 
permission to send them to America. The Massachusetts assembly 
begged the King to remove Hutchinson and the Lieutenant-Governor 
from office. Edmund Burke, the young English statesman, says the 
council which met to consider this letter had the fullest meeting he ever 
remembered. Wedderburn, a lawyer, and one of Lord North's favorites, 
spoke for three hours against the petition, and turned a storm of per- 
sonal abuse upon Franklin, who was present. Walpole and Pitt 
made the day famous — one by an epigram, the other by a reproof 
Franklin was quiet and apparently undisturbed, but he laid aside a suit 
of velvet clothes which he wore that day with the remark that he would 
never put them on again until Wedderburn's insults were avenged. It 
was ten years before he enjoyed that privilege, and then, as Plenipo- 
tentiary of America, he signed, with the English Plenipotentiary, the 
treaty by which England acknowledged the independence of Franklin's 
countr}-. To add to the excitement of the council in England, news 
had just reached them that three cargoes of the taxed tea which had 
been sent to Boston had been thrown overboard. 

The Da> tmotitlt^ the first of the tea vessels, had arrived in Boston 
on November 24, 1774. A town meeting was called the next da}- at 



THE BOSTON TEA-DRINKERS. 



307 



the Old South Meeting-house. Samuel Adams moved that the tea 
should not be landed, that it should be sent back to the place froin 
which it came, and that no duty should be paid on it. These resolu- 
tions were passed unanimously. The owner and master were directed 
that they were neither to enter the tea at the custom-house nor to land 
it. A watch was put on the ships, and six horsemen were appointed 




to notify the country at once of an\- effort to land it by force. In every 
town, it will be remembered, were a compan}- of minutemen, well 
equipped and drilled, who were marksmen of no mean order. 

It was understood that in twenty days from the arrival of the first 
ship, the collector woiild make a formal demand for duties. The 
twenty days passed and the Governor would not permit the ship to 



308 THH STORY OK AMERICA. 

return to London, even if she had desired to do so. Ships-of-war 
crowded the channels so that no vessel without a pass could go by the 
castle outward bound. The town meeting, which was held daily at the 
Old South Church, had rapidly increased, and on the twentieth day 
there was a throng. Messengers were sent to the Governor to make one 
last inquiry as to whether he would give the pass permitting the ship 
with its lading to leave the harbor or not. He refused. Samuel 
Adams arose in his seat, and said, with significant emphasis: "This 
meeting can do nothing more to save the country." Then there was a 
rush for the wharves, and in the hurrying crowd were seen two bodies 
of young men, disguised as Mohawk Indians. They took possession of 
the tea ship, and bidding the captain furnish them with ropes and tackle, 
they elevated the chests on board, split them open and poured the tea 
into the harbor. There was no noise, no shouting or rejoicing. The 
matter was too serious. Every man who stood there, gravel}- watching the 
performance, knew what it meant, and that the responsibility assumed 
by the act was not small. It was nearly dawn when the young men 
had finished. Who they were no one to this day has ever learned. 

One man named Captain O'Connor, a devoted tea-drinker, tried to 
fill his pockets with the tea. Some more patriotic person seized him 
as he leaped from the vessel, and Captain O'Connor left the skirts of his 
coat in the hands of the man who tried to stop him. O'Connor's coat 
was nailed to the whipping-post next day as a punishment for his lack of 
public spirit. Boston was not the only place which refused to accept the 
ta.xed tea. The ship sent to Philadelphia was stopped before she reached 
the city, and the captain was forced to turn her toward home. The tea 
sent to Charleston was landed, but was purposely stored in damp cellars. 
It would be safe to say that not one cup of tea was ever made from that 
which North tried to force upon the American colonies. On March 14, 
1775, North introduced the Boston port bill, which, by way of punish- 
ment for the insubordination of the place, closed the port. After June 
1 8th no person was to be allowed to load or unload any ship in the 
harbor. The council was hereafter to be appointed by the crown and 
the magistrates by the Governor. Government was provided for Quebec 
and all persons who had taken part in the late disturbance were to be 
tried in England. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Bord's "Boston Massacre." 
Scudders "Boston Town." 
Poetry— "The Boston Tea Partv." See Ford's Poems of History. 
Charles T. Brook's "The Old Thirteen. " 
Philip Frenlaw's "An Ancient Prophecy." 



CHAPTER L. 



i^a pioah of yalmb. 



tHE FIRST BLOOD OF THE REVOLUTION — THE MEN OF BILLERICA- 

FIGHT AT CONCORD AND LEXINGTON — THE SIEGE OF 

BOSTON — THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 





' HERE was never a time when the people of the 
American colonies liked to be called traitors. 
Their habits of loyalty to the King of England 
made them lay all blame of oppression upon the 
king's ministers. The bills which had caused so 
much dissatisfaction were called ministerial bills; 
the army whose presence so outraged them was called a 
ministerial army. Yet, if George III was determined in 
anything, it was to subdue and humiliate his colonies in 
America, which he deemed woefully arrogant and lacking 
in reverence. Besides, from no other source, he believed, 
could the treasury' of England be so easily and rapidly 
replenished. The pushing of this policy on the part of 
the king, and the sturdy resistance on the part of the 
people, brought matters to a crisis. General Gage sent 
a small detachment of soldiers to Marshfield, in Plymouth county, for 
the purpose of protecting Tories there from insult. The people made 
no resistance or complaint about the matter, and General Gage 
gathered confidence from their apparent indifference. On the twenty- 
sixth of February, 1775, he sent out Colonel Leslie with a considerable 
company of men, to seize some cannon at Salem. The soldiers lauded 
at Marblehead on Sunday morning, while the people were all at 
church, but the news of their landing was hurriedly carried to Salem 
by a messenger loyal to the American cause. The soldiers were 
allowed to march unmolested through the town of Salem, but when 
they came to the North Bridge, be\ond which the cannon lay, they 
found that it had been drawn uji — for it was a draw-bridge. The 



3IO THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

people standing there qnietly told Colonel Leslie that it was a private 
way, and that no one conld be allowed to nse it without the owner's 
consent. Colonel Leslie's reply was to put his men on board a couple 
of scows. The owners of these scows jumped into them and began to 
scuttle the boats. The soldiers drove them out with their bayonets. In 
this way the first blood of the Revolution was shed. There were no 
further hostilities then. The minister of Salem had a short talk with 
Colonel Leslie, and got him to accept a compromise. The draw-bridgt 
■was lowered. Colonel Leslie and his men walked over it and back 
again — but without the cannon. Then he retreated to ]\Iarblehead, 
and to Boston, while about him, as he retreated, sprang up the ready 
minute-men, who did nothing, however, but watch him. To detail all 
the irritations which deej^ened the feeling of resentment on both sides 
would be tedious. Not only was the feeling of anger steadily increasing 
between the English and Americans, but a stricter line was being drawn 
Ijetween the Conservatives and Radicals. A dispute as to where loyalty 
ended, and treason began, divided neighborhoods, churches and families. 
The Provincial Congress at Massachusetts was quietly providing arms 
and provisions. The magazines of the province were at Concord and 
Worcester. Almost every' town had its own little magazine. The 
confidence of these little hamlets is something really amazing. What 
they lacked in strength, they made up in determination. At Billerica, 
a citizen had bargained with a soldier for a gun. There was an act 
against trading with soldiers, and the citizen was locked up all night by 
the officers of the guard, and in the morning was tarred and feathered, 
without a hearing. The soldiers paraded him through the streets with 
a placard, on which was written, "American Liberty; or, a Specimen 
of Democracy. ' ' There were fifty voters in Billerica. These sent this 
portentious paper to General Gage: "May it please your excellency, we 
must tell you we are determined, if the innocent inhabitants of our 
country towns must be interrupted by soldiers in their lawful inter- 
course with the town of Boston, and treated with most brutish ferocity, 
we shall, hereafter, use a different style of petition than complaint." 
These petty defiances were really not without their effect upon General 
Gage. He was fully convinced that the countr)' was a hot-bed of 
rebellion, and that it could not be taught a lesson too soon. He sent 
two officers to reconnoitre about Concord and Worcester, where the maga- 
zines of the province were. On Tuesday evening, the eighteenth of 
April, eight hundred men were given instructions to seize and destroy 
the guns, ammunition and stores at Concord. The troops marched 



THE BLOOD OF PATRIOTS. 31! 

at night. They left Boston, nnder command of Colonel Smith, embark- 
ing at the water edge of the Common. They landed at Leshmoor's^ 
which is now called Cambridge, and marched across the salt marshes^ 
striking the road to Menotomy. This excursion had long been expected. 
The Americans had prepared for it. Doctor Warren had returned to 
Concord from the meeting of the Provincial Congress at Boston. As 
soon as Gage launched his boats, Warren sent word to Hancock and 
A.dams by Paul Revere. Paul Revere was a coppersmith and engraver. 
He had been one of the thirty mechanics to patrol the streets of Bostoa 
at night all through the winter, in order to watch the movements of the 
English troops. Revere carried his message to Hancock, and passings 
through Charlestown, agreed, with a number of gentlemen there, that if 
the British started out by sea, two lanterns should be shown in the 
North Church steeple, and if by land, one as a signal. On the night 
that General Gage moved, Warren sent in great haste for Revere and 
begged him to set off for Lexington. He took his coat and boots with 
him for his ride and was rowed across the river to Charlestown. The 
night was clear and frosty, with stars overhead. Revere found a good 
horse and waited for the signals. At eleven o'clock, two lanterns were 
hung in the belfr}' of the Old North Church. Revere began his famous 
ride. At ever\' farm house, in every town, the people were aroused. 
At Lexington he told Hancock and Adams. Here, also, he was joined 
by Dr. Prescott and William Dawes. On the way, Dawes and Prescott 
stopped to alarm a house, and Revere was taken prisoner by four 
English officers. Dawes was also detained, but Prescott escaped ta 
ride on with the news. Colonel Smith, at the head of the English 
detachment, had made every effort to keep the news from spreading. 
When he found that the alarm had been given, he sent to Boston for 
reinforcements. As he had taken all the boats with him which were 
at the command of General Gage, the reinforcements were obliged to 
lEarch by land in a roundabout way. General Gage's men were not 
used to rapid action of this sort, and it was nine o'clock in the morning 
before they had even gathered upon the Common ready for the march. 
It was ver>' different, however, with the minutemen of the colonies. 
Waking and sleeping, for weeks, they had thought of nothing but such au 
opportunity. The Lexington minutemen were soon drawn up in 
array. They were under the command of John Parker, a veteran of the 
French war. Parker saw that his men were largely outnumbered, 
and tried to withdraw his men. Colonel Pitcairn, who commanded the 
column, rushed forward, cr},-ing, "Disperse, rebels, disperse!" No 



31^ THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

other words, however carefully selected, could have so inflamed the 
Americans. But there was a great desire on both sides not to have the 
responsibility for beginning the war. To the last the coriimanders of 
both forces ordered the men not to fire. Both commanders always 
insisted afterwards that their men did not fire first. What really 
happened is not known, nor does it especially matter. There was a 
general firing on both sides. The shots from the Americans hurt no 
one. The firing of the English killed and wounded many of the 
lycxington part}'. Seven were killed and ten wounded out of the little 
force of seventy, that, in the grey light of the early morning, fought on 
Lexington Common. The English troops pressed on to Concord. The 
whole country was alarmed and the people were rising rapidly. There 
are traditions still in Middlesex and Worcester counties, of a man on a 
white horse, who rode faster than any mortal man could ride, to say that 
the English had left Boston and the war had begun. The minutemen 
were cautious, and seeing that they were far outnumbered, they formed 
upon a bold hill about eighty rods behind the village of Lexington, 
near the "North Bridge." There Colonel Barrett joined them as soon 
as he had done all that was possible in the way of concealing the 
ammunition and supplies in the storehouse. Colonel Smith, the 
English commander, began his duties by destroying three new cannons, 
which Colonel Barret had been unable to remove. To this he added 
the not very dignified action of breaking up some wooden spoons and 
trenchers. He set fire to a number of buildings — among them the 
court house. In the midst of all this, shots were heard at the North 
Bridge, where the minutemen had taken their stand. Some English 
soldiers had been stationed on the bridge and the ofl[icers of the 
minutemen decided to drive them away. It was the Lincoln minute- 
men who volunteered to clear. the bridge. "There is not a man in my 
company that is afraid, ' ' .said Captain Davis. The column was ordered 
to pass the bridge without firing, but if attacked, to return the fire. 
They marched to the air of ' 'The White Cockade. ' ' When they were 
within a short distance of the bridge the English fired three volleys. 
Two captains were killed. One of them was Davis, who, had he lived, 
might have done much good to the American cause. The English 
were forced to retreat, and the minutemen crossed the bridge. The 
militia, gathering in the town, joined as rapidly as they could the main 
force upon the hill. In one way the Provincials had decidedh- the 
better of the Englishmen. They knew every inch of the ground. The 
fords, the passes between the hills, the irregular roads through the 



THE BLOOD OF PATRIOTS. 313 

forest were as well known to them as if they had been the square of a 
city. The way in which these determined, but raw companies of mea 
poured down into Lexington never ceased to amaze the Englishmen. 
As Smith marched back from Concord, he found ever}- cross-road held 
by the Americans. 

"They are trained," wrote General Gage, "to protect themselves 
behind stone walls; they seem to drop from the skies." Smith was 
badly wounded. His men returned to Lexington — a inarch of nearh- 
eight miles — in two hours. The retreat from Lexington to Boston 
was a rout. There was not then, and there never could be, a question 
about English discipline or bravery, but now the men had no choice 
but to retreat in rapid disorder. The road seemed to be lined with 
men, between which the panting English had to run. Lord Percy, 
with the reinforcements, met them away below Lexington and guarded 
them with field-pieces, that they might rest for a time. They laid on 
the ground panting, in the midst of a hollow square he formed to shield 
them. The sun was going down when the)' reached Charlestown 
Neck, which leads into Boston. Beacon Hill was crowded with people 
watching for their return. The English posted their sentries on their 
side of Charlestown Neck and the Americans rested on the other side. 
The militia were ordered to lie on their arms at Cambridge. In that 
dreadful march the English lost sixty-five killed, one hundred and 
seventy-eight wounded and twenty-six missing. The loss of the 
Americans was forty-nine killed, thirty-six wounded and five missing. 

The minutemen continued to pour down. They were stationed at 
Cambridge. The news of the attack at Lexington was carried from 
province to province. From New York it was sent to Virginia, from 
Virginia to the Carolinas, from the Carolinas to Georgia, while other 
messengers carried it in haste to Maine, New Hampshire and the 
"Grants," as Vermont was then called. When General Gage's forces 
were taken back to the barracks at Charlestown, the American army 
was in a condition to besiege Boston. All through the winter the 
patriots had been lading plans for the removing of the people from 
Boston in the event of a siege. They now asked permission of General 
Gage to take thirty families from the town daily. This he consented 
to, but the Tories of Boston finally persuaded him that if the American 
Whigs all left the city, they (the English) would probably burn tlie 
town. General Gage withdrew his consent to the evacuation, and the 
militia were obliged to besiege a town in which their own kinsmen 
■were still li\-ing. Minutemen were posted in Cambridge, just outside of 



3^4 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

Charlestown Neck, and in Roxbnry. Works were thrown np on the 
Charles river and on the salt marshes. The only egress from Boston 
was guarded by a strong fort. General Artemas Ward, of Shrewsbur)-, 
was the chief officer of the American forces. Under him were Spencer, 
of Connecticut, Green, of Rhode Island, and Folsom, of New Hamjishire. 
The works were all planned by Henry Knox, a young Boston book- 
seller, who had long been interested in military studies. He was helped 
by Gridley, a veteran of the French war. On the 4th of May there was 
a rumor that General Gage intended to march out, and all the minute- 
men near Boston were called into service, but nothing came of the 
matter, except that General Gage was given a chance to see how large a 
reserve force there was at the command of the eneni}-. On the 1 3th of 
May, General Israel Putnam marched an army of thirteen hundred 
men from Cambridge to Charlestown Neck, and from Charlestown to 
the ferry there. On the 27th, Putnam led a skirmish at an island 
northeast of Boston, in the harbor. The English, by this raid, lost a 
large number of sheep and cattle, besides a sloop and several men. 
There were several skirmishes of this character, in which the English 
were generally worsted. The Americans desired to get all the cattle off 
the islands and to provision themselves as well as possible for the 
coming conflict. In two of these skirmishes alone, Gage lost thirteen 
hundred sheep. On the 25th of May, Generals Howe, Clinton and 
Burgoyne came over from England with large reinforcements. When 
they reached Newport harbor they met a vessel, of which they asked 
the news. When they learned that Boston was being held by an army 
of ten thousand, and that the English garrison of five thousand was 
permitting the siege to continue, General Burgoyne cried, "Ten thou- 
sand peasants keep five thousand of the King's troops .shut up? Let us 
get in and we will soon find elbow-room." After this, Burgoyne was 
oftener called "elbow-room" than anything else. 

Boston is commanded by Charlestown on the north and by Dorchester 
heights on the south. Both parties were ambitious to occupy these 
heights. The English general laid explicit plans for the occupation of 
both of them. While the Englishmen were making their soldierly 
plans, the Americans, with less system, were marching to take possession 
of them. They desired to fortify Bunker Hill and command the har- 
bor. After much consultation they finally fortified a spur of Bunker 
Hill, which was called Reed's Farm, and from which guns could .swep 
the harbor more effectually than they would if placed on the main hill. 
This hill was well fortified. Colonel Gridley marked out the lines of a 



THE BLOOD OF PATRIOTS. 



3^5 



redoubt. An earthwork extended for a hundred rods to the north and 
stopped at the marshy place at the north side of the hill, where the 
marsh was thoug-ht a sufficient obstacle. This work was begun at mid- 



night and progressed steadily and quietly by the bright moonlight. It 
was some time after day-break before the commander of an English 
frigate saw the new fortification, and awoke the town with the fire 



3l6 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

which he opened upon them. General Gage was soon up and talking 
with his officers about what had best be done. He was a brave man 
even to rashness. He decided to attack the American redoubt in front. 
He had been greatly reinforced since the day of Lexington, and had 
with him a reliable corps of generals, in whom he placed great con- 
fidence. But they were not ready to attack until the afternoon, and the 
American works were being strengthened every hour. Few of the 
Englishmen had been under fire, and at the first attack they broke 
ranks and ran. The second attack was as fatal, but in the third a weak 
spot was discovered in the American lines. This was pressed upon 
from the rear as well as the front. There would still have been no 
need of yielding upon the part of the Americans, had not their supply 
of powder given out. As it was, the Provincial forces were withdrawn 
to Bunker Hill. The English did not follow. From first to last the 
patriots had conducted the matter with great discretion. They had had 
the courage to stand still until the English were within a few feet of them 
and to be fired upon without rephing until the}' could do so with effect. 
The enthusiastic American officers, most of whom had hung over the 
pages of Frederick the Great, knew almost as well what was the best 
policy as if they had had practical experience. It is said that at the 
battle of Prague the Prussian order was "no firing until you see the 
whites of their eyes. ' ' Prescott, who had studied the memoirs of the 
wars of Frederick the Great, gave this order at Bunker FT:!!, with the 
added instruction to "fire low" and to "fire at their waist-bands." 
That their small supply of powder held out so long was owing entirely 
to this econoni}', which required far more courage than vigorous action 
would have done. 

The victory had been won at a terrible cost. The English had a 
force at the beginning of the battle of two thousand five hundred men, 
of whom one thousand and fifty-four were killed and wounded. Howe 
said, "They may talk of their Mindens and their Fontenoys, but there 
was no such firing there. ' ' Among those killed was the brave Warren 
— who became a general on the very day of his death. In the fifty- 
second company, led by Howe, every man was killed or wounded. 
From that time till the close of the war, seven years later, the English 
were always careful of leading their troops against entrenched men. 
The American loss was one hundred and fifty killed, two hundred and 
seventy wounded and thirty prisoners. In a sense, the battle of Bunker 
Hill decided the war. For the future there could be no drawing back. 
The English were put upon their metal. They no longer deluded them- 



THE BLOOD OF PATRIOTS. 



3^7 



selves with the belief that the\' were ttying to quell a party of dissat- 
isfied farmers. It was no longer possible for any man in the colonies 
to remain neutral. Personal matters were lost sight of The money, 
time and brains of every one in the United Colonies were given up 
aow to a struggle for the overthrow of oppression. 



KOR FURTHER READING : 
Poetry— Long-fellow's "Ride of Paul Revere.'' 
S. R. Bartlett's "Concord Fight." 
Emmons' "The Battle of Bunker Hill." 
Sidney Lainer's "Battle of Lexington." 
Geo. H. Calvert's "Bunker Hill." 
W. C. Bn-ant's "'76." 
Dr.^m.v— Breckiiiriduc's "Bunker Hill." 
J. Eurke'b ' Bunker Hill." 




CHAPTER LI. 



Jfibrl^ or ^aallj. 



ETI»A,Fr ALLEN AND THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS— SURRENDER OF 
TICONDEROGA — WASHINGTON CHOSEN COMMANDER-IN- 
CHIEF — THE LACK OF POWDER — RECALL 
OF GENERAL GAGE — SMALL 
NAVAL CONQUESTS. 



HE Continental Congress met on May lotli. It? 
members did not icnow that far in the north Ethan 
Allen and a band of Vennonters, known as the 
"Green Mountain Boys," were making efforts to 
help in the establishment of American independ- 
ence. The country known as the New Hamp- 
shire Grants, otherwise our State of Vermont, was 
then a wilderness. For years it had been the site of colo- 
nial strife between New Hampshire and New York, both 
of which claimed the territory. The people of the grants 
were without regular government and had no village. 
There was not even a country store in the entire territory. 
But the people had formed a league for mutual protection 
against the claims of New York, This league was known 
by the name of the "Green Mountain Boys." They 
had a rude military organization which showed such systematic 
resi; stance to the law that a price was set upon the heads of the leaders. 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point, now held by the English, were consid- 
ereil by the people of the grants as the gates to New York. The officers 
of the Crown, who so frequently made their unjust demands on the 
farms scattered about the sides of the Green Mountains, made their 
headquarters at Ticonderoga, and the indignation of the Green Moun- 
tain Boys was especially leveled at that garrison. The first tidings of 
war that reached the North made the men anxious to do their part in 
freeing; the countrv from the British tvrannv which thev had felt so 




> 



vj 







WASHINGTCV TAKING COMMAND OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMV. 



LIBERTY OR DEATH. 319 

keenly. John Brown, of Pittsfield, a lawyer, and one of the leading 
patriots, made a journey through the grants to Canada, for the pur- 
pose of learning what the sentiments of the Canadians were in regard to 
the approaching struggle. On returning to his home he felt justified 
in applying to the Committee of Safety, in Boston, for help. The stores 
at Ticouderoga were coveted, and Connecticut and Western Massachu- 
setts were as anxious as the people of the grants to conquer the fort, 
which, it was understood, was thinly garrisoned and in a decayed con- 
dition. Colonel Parsons, of Connecticut, and Captain Benedict Arnold 
got three hundred pounds from the treasury on their own responsibility 
and set off with two men, one of whom had been an engineer in the 
British service. They conveyed northward permission from the Con- 
gress of Connecticut to lead the Green Moimtain Boys against Ticou- 
deroga. In the meantime, Ethan Allen, who had long been the chief 
of the Green Mountain Boys, had made ready for an attack. All the 
roads leading to the lake were guarded to prevent any one from carrying 
news to the fort. He knew nothing of the scheme which Benedict 
Arnold had laid, and on May 8, 1775, started with one hundred and 
forty men to go to the lake opposite Ticonderoga. 

His plans had been craftily laid. A man by the name of Phelps 
had disguised himself as a countryman, and entered the fort on the pre- 
text of wanting his face shaved. In a manner of great stupidity and 
curiosity he asked all the questions he wished, and left without being 
suspected. Thirty men had been detailed by Allen to capture the 
British camp and then to drop down the lake and join him. Allen had 
reached the point he desired, when Benedict Arnold came hurrying to 
the camp and announced that he was colonel and commander-in-chief 
of all the party. The officers took him into their confidence, showed 
him their plans, and tried to win his co-operation. Allen was in a 
hurry for action, and feared unless they moved quickly they would not 
be able to surprise the fort. Arnold insisted on taking entire com- 
mand. Ethan Allen, brave, vain, and headstrong, was not likely to 
yield at the head of men whom he had organized. At length it was 
proposed that the two men should march together at the head of the 
column. This compromise was accepted, and a force of eighty-three 
men marched upon the fort. The garrison was asleep, and Allen 
hastened to the quarters of Captain Delaplace. The Captain leaped out 
of bed, crying: "By what authority?" "In the name of the Great 
Jehovah and the Continental Congress," said Allen. It doubtless went 
against the grain of the experienced soldier to yield to an uncouth, 



320 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

awkward braggart, such as Allen must have seemed to him. But the 
garrison was asleep, himself unarmed, undressed, and at disadvantage. 
There was nothing for it but surrender. The stores and militar\- 
material, including one hundred and twenty pieces of cannon, were 
captured. Crown Point was taken a little later. 

The Continental Congress, during its session at Philadelphia, chose 
as Commander-in-chief of the American forces, George Washington, of 
Virginia. Artemas Ward, of Massachusetts, was to be his Major-Gen- 
eral. Gates, of Virginia, his Adjutant-General. Charles Lee, an Eng- 
lish officer, and Schuyler and Putnam, were also Major-Generals. 
Washington and Gates hastened to Cambridge, hearing on their wa)- of 
the battle of Bunker Hill. It was the 2d of July when Washington 
and his friends arrived at Cambridge, and on the 4th of July he 
assumed command. His hurried but thorough investigation of the 
army, its plans and materials, shov/ed him that their great danger lay 
in a lack of powder. In the thirteen States there was hardly enough 
for one general action. The apothecary shops in New York were 
searched for saltpetre. Letters were written in all directions, asking 
that it might be sent to headquarters, if only in the smallest quantities. 
A man of less tact than Washington might have started many feuds in 
the army for he had difficulty in getting his officers and Congress to 
always work in harmony. Unlike many of the men about him, he was 
a gentleman of high breeding, cultivated, politic, and experienced. 
The reputation which he had of being the best statesman and the 
richest man in Virginia won him the admiration of the people of the 
southern colonies, while, on the other hand, his directness and sim- 
plicity of speech, his gravity and sensible caution, endeared him to the 
northern men. 

An attack from the English lines was dreaded. The Americans 
feared to be outnumbered. Of the sixteen thousand seven hundred 
and seventy-one New Englanders, nearly two thousand were sick or 
absent from duty. The American army was divided by the Charles 
river, over which there was but one small and insecure bridge. Orders 
were given to keep the minutemen in the towns in constant readiness 
and to sustain a thorough drill. But the English Generals had no 
intention of moving. The strain on them at Bunker Hill had been 
greater than the Americans guessed. The heat of the summer was 
hard on the wounded. In England it was thought that Gage was inex- 
cusably languid, and he was recalled and practically disgraced. These 
matters hindered the attack of the English, which hindrance the 



LIBERTY OR DEATH. 321 

devoted New England men considered nothing less than providential. 
The Americans were making every effort to procure powder, lead, cloth- 
ing and tents. Benjamin Franklin was on the Committee of Safety, in 
Philadelphia, and he was among the most active in the attempts to pro- 
vide these necessar}- articles. Robert Livingstone, of New York, estab- 
lished a powder mill so secretly that none of the English spies ronnd 
about found it out until L,ivingstone made a raid on the government's 
stock of saltpetre and carried it off. The Committee of Safety, in 
Georgia, got hold of a supply of powder intended for the Florida 
Indians. Several hundred barrels were captured from a trading vessel 
in the Gulf of Mexico. An attack was made on Bennuda and a goodly 
quantity secured there. In New Orleans, Oliver Pollock, an American, 
was sending powder to Pittsburg by the river. As soon as the English 
cruisers were taken away from the coast at the approach of autumn, the 
government sent an eighty-ton vessel to Bordeaux to buy powder on the 
account of "The Continent." The lead mines of Connecticut had been 
worked some, and the products were now used for ammunition. By the 
press of necessity a little navy was being started. On May 5th the 
people of New Bedford and Dartmouth, irritated at the Falcon^ one of the 
British sloops of war, which hunc about the coast, recaptured a vessel 
with fifteen prisoners which the Falcon had previously secured. On 
June 1 2th the Margarctta^ an armed sloop belonging to the Crown, 
was taken off the main coast, as well as two other sloops of lesser size. 
Jeremiah O' Brien was made marine captain b}' the Provincial Congress 
of Massachusetts, and was stationed in Boston harbor to intercept sup- 
plies sent to the English troops. Washington supplied armaments and 
money from the Continental treasury' and six small vessels received 
commissions. Both Connecticut and Rhode Island had a small vessel 
in the service. 

The destitution of the English troops was becoming extreme. 
They were shut up in Boston by the activity of the Continental troops. 
Their supplies were being carried into the camp of the enemy, and sick- 
ness was rapidly increasing among them. But the forces under 
Washington were rapidly growing. In six weeks they had increased 
two thousand three hundred and ninety. Among them were several 
companies of riflemen from Virginia — men who could hit a target of 
seven inches at a distance of two hundred and fifty yards, while in rapid 
motion. But the Americans were unused to camp life, and sickness 
began to tell among them also. As soon as Washington received a 
sufficient supply of powder to justify action he advance his works to the 



32 2 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

left by fortifying Plowed Hill. This brought the circle of his lines so 
that the extreme left was north of Boston. His headquarters were on 
the Charles river, just beyond Cambridge. The right wing, under Gen- 
eral Ward, reached Dorchester Neck, directly .south of Boston. 

In October, Cape Ann, or what we now know as Gloucester, and 
Falmouth, now Portland, in Maine, were burned by the English. This 
was done by a fleet of armed vessels. The act seemed like a misfortune, 
but in reality it raised the Americans to a full understanding of what 
war meant. Previously they had hardly realized that they had laid 
themselves open to attack in any direction. They had believed that 
the conflict would be confined to Boston Bay. It was necessary to take 
active measures for meeting the enemy upon the sea as well as on the 
land. During the past few months the coast towns had been at the 
mercy of the English vessels. Newport had been threatened, and was 
only spared when it consented to furnish the commander of the English 
fleet with provisions. Bristol was bombarded, and many houses 
destroyed. A force landed on the island of Canonicut, in December, 
burned houses and barns, and carried off' all the live stock. Washington 
was obliged to send down a detachment of men, although he could ill 
spare them. General Eee took a force of eight hundred to Newport, 
and not only placed them so that they could protect a considerable 
stretch of land, but so that they could keep a close watch upon the 
Tories of the district as well, who were suspected of carrying informa- 
tion to the enemy. It was not easy for the New Englanders to equip a 
fleet of war. But the work progressed steadily, if slowly. The first 
notable victory at sea was the taking of the brigantine Na;/n', loaded 
with military stores. These were more than acceptable to the army. 
Washington was with difficulty keeping the soldiers with him. Thr 
term of enlistment of the Connecticut men had expired, and they were 
anxious to return to their homes. It was found that Dr. Benjamin 
Church, a member of the House in Massachusetts, was secretly writing 
letters to his brother-in-law in Boston, which revealed the condition and 
plans of the American army. He was expelled from the House and put in 
close confinement. Washington reorganized his army and issued a general 
order for the enlistment of new men. The corps of officers was pruned and 
improvements were made in all respects. On January 2, 1776, the army 
was practically a new one. At this time the army cari'ied the national 
flag which we now have, with the exception of the number of stars, 
which were then but thirteen, in accordance with the number of the 
colonies. General Howe, shut up in Boston, met with many discoui- 



LIBERTY OR DEATH. 323 

agements. Numerous accidents befell his provision ships. Some of 
them were taken by the eneni)-, and others met with severe storms and 
were obliged to discharge their cargoes. He even found difficulty in 
providing barracks for his troops during the winter season. He would 
have been glad to evacuate, but thought he had not transports enough 
to remove his force, and wrote to England for more help. He pulled 
down the Old North Church Meeting-house for fuel, and was obliged to 
mine for coal in Cape Breton. Faneuil Hall, to the great horror of the 
Bostonians when they heard of it, was used to hold theatrical entertain- 
ments in. General Burgoyne, who had at that time more fame as a 
literar)- man than as a soldier, wrote a little play which he called the 
"Siege of Boston." This was being performed, when a sergeant rushed 
upon the stage and cried that the Yankees were on Boston Hill. The 
audience laughed heartih-, thinking it a part of the performance, but in a 
few moments the officers were ordered to hasten to their posts, and the 
audience broke up in confusion. It was true that some of the Connec- 
ticut companies had crossed the Neck, and fired the bakery of the 
English at Charlestown. In the midst of such alarm Burgoyne returned 
to England. The "elbow-room" which he had thought to make was 
not )et his. The American Congress, from time to time, had consid- 
ered the advisability of setting fire to Boston, but this Washington was 
reluctant to do. He believed that if such a disaster could be avoided, 
it was best to do it. General Howe himself did not permit the destruc- 
tion of property more than he could help. 

Washington wished to cross to Boston on the ice, but in the council 
of war which he called he was outvoted. General Howe, on his part, 
sent a party on the ice to Dorchester Neck, who destroyed every house 
on the peninsula, and took some Americans prisoners. Washington 
would never have remained so inactive had he been supplied with 
powder and heavy artillery. He was almost in despair, when the 
capture of the Nancy renewed his hopes, and gave him ammunition. 
Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen sent down the guns they had taken 
from Ticonderoga. Under the direction of Henry Knox, the cannon 
were put upon fifty-two sleds and drawn by long teams of men over the 
snow-covered passes of the Green Mountains and the rude roads of New 
England. 

As soon as these reached Washington he called out all the militia of 
the neighborhood. Ten regiments reinforced him 3X once. Ward was 
given the over-sight of the movement upon Dorchester heights and 
entrusted the immediate command to John Thomas. The ground was 



324 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

frozen and it was impossible to throw up works, but fascines were 
collected and made a fair defence. On the night of Saturday, March 
7, 1776, the American works opened a cannonading at the north of 
Boston. This was kept ujj through the two following nights for the 
purpose of occupying the attention of the English. Meanwhile John 
Thomas' train, which consisted of twelve hundred men, took possession 
of a high hill upon Dorchester heights. Four hundred yoke of o.xen drew 
the material for the works, passing within a mile of the English sentinels, 
who had no thought for anything but the cannonading at the north. 
In one night the men threw up a very good defence. The works had 
been planned by Gridley, who had been so successful with the plans of 
Bunker Hill. When Howe's astonished eyes saw these in the morning 
he thought they must have been built by twelve thousand men. The 
English fleet dared not remain under fire from these guns. Howe 
himself feared to attack the works. He notified Washington at once 
that if he would not molest the town or the ships, he would leave 
Boston peaceably. On the morning of Sunday, the 17th of March, he 
sailed with his whole army, after destroying all of his property which 
he could not take away. He found that in an emergency he had ship- 
ping enough to carry off" his force. With Howe, sailed about eleven 
hundred loyalists, to whom the cause of the King was still dear. Many 
of these settled in Nova Scotia. 

The few people left in Boston received the army as benefactors 
when they marched in with music and flying banners. Washington 
was treated with great courtesy, and the street up which he rode still 
bears his name. Congress ordered a gold medal to be presented to him 
— the first coin struck by independent America. Upon its face was a 
picture of besieged Boston with a group of horsemen in the foreground 
and the proud motto: "Hostibus primo fugatis." 

Washington believed that the next point of attack would be New 
York, and continued his preparations for an engagement there. For 
three months the country was left with hardly a foreign soldier on its 
soil. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction — H. Hagel's "Old Put." 

Hawthorne's "Septimius Felton.'' 

Cooper's "Lionel Lincoln." 

D. P. Thompson's "Green Mountain Boys." 
Poetry — "Song of the Vermonters." Anon. 





'y/ y^^-^ 



CHAPTER LII. 



)\$ yinm nl jLbral^am. 



THE DESIGNS KOR THE AMERICAN CONQUEST OF CANADA — MONT- 
GOMERY'S MOVE AGAINST MONTREAL — ARNOLD'S FAILURE 
AT QUEBEC — THE UNION OF THE FORCES — ^THE SECOND 
DEFEAT AT MONTREAL — THE AMERICANS FALL 
BACK UPON TICONDEROGA AND 
CROWN POINT. 




r the north, Arnold and Allen carried on a sort of 
freebootkig together. They were ambitious to 
get Lake Champlain in the hands of the patriots. 
In all sea adventures Arnold was given the lead, 
and under his command an English sloop was 
captured. Encouraged by this, they laid a plan for 
the conquest of Canada. Arnold took up his quarters 
at Crown Point, and Allen remained at Ticonderoga. 
Congress was timid about seconding the ambitious 
designs of Arnold, and sent a committee of men to 
confer with him. They found him sullen and obsti- 
nate, and learned that his followers were in a state of 
mutiny against the government, and willing to side 
with him even at the cost of patriotism. A thousand 
men had been assigned by Connecticut to garrison Ticonderoga. When 
Arnold learned that these were to be commanded by Colonel Hinman, 
he resigned, as he was not willing to be second in command. 

The Governor of Canada was determined to retake Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point. As for the Canadians themselves, they were in a state of 
comparative indifference. The richer element was probably truer to the 
king than were the common people. The Indians of the Mohawk val- 
ley had been estranged from the Americans, and were now the allies of 
the Canadians. There was a call for volunteers on the part of the 
American Congress, and, meanwhile, Ethan Allen and Major John 



328 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Brown were sent into the country between Lake Champlain and 
Montreal, to discover the true condition of affairs there. Schuyler was 
Commander-in-chief of all the northern forces, and about the middle of 
August, 1775, was ready to move his troops. Altogether, these did not 
number quite two thousand. Schuyler's chief subordinate officer was 
General Richard Montgomery-, a young Irishman of much soldierly 
experience and strong personal attractions. He was with Wolfe at the 
capture of Quebec, in 1759, and had further won the confidence of the 
Americans by marrying one of the ladies of the patriotic Livingstone 
family. No general among the Americans was more popular with the 
soldiers. Schuyler fell ill shortly after leaving Ticonderoga, and the 
command devolved upon Montgomery. In the light skirmish in which 
the conflict opened, Montgomery was thoroughly disheartened by the 
cowardice of his soldiers. The troops were raw and undisciplined. 
They suffered not alone from bodily ailment, but from intense homesick- 
ness. Boston men, fighting for the protection of their homes, and in 
the face of a brave and determined enemy, had plenty to keep up their 
spirits. But to fight in the midst of a wilderness for the possession of a 
fortification, with winter approaching, and a poor outlook for provisions, 
could not but be dispiriting to men who were new to the profession of 
arms, and cared little for conflict in the abstract — men who had not 
even learned the value of subordination and discipline. 

Allen himself, though a brave man, was a bad soldier in some ways. 
He had never learned the necessity of waiting for orders, and was quick 
to do whatever his impulse prompted. When he was on his way to 
join Montgomery's camp, with a force of eighty Indians, he fell in with 
Major Brown, who had two hundred men in his party. These two 
leaders decided to attack Montreal. They had heard that there were no 
more than thirty men in garrison at that point, and that the towns- 
people sympathized with the Americans. The plan was for them to 
attack the city with two columns of men, above and below. The 
river was crossed in a blustering storm, and Allen's band, at early dawn, 
stood shivering upon the river bank waiting for Brown's men, who 
never came. The garrison set upon Allen, killed a number of his men, 
and carried others as prisoners to England. Among these unfortunates 
was Allen himself. 

The American expedition against the fort of Chambly was successful. 
The inhabitants round about aided in its capture. The stores of ammu- 
nition and provisions were taken to the army encamped under the walls 
of St. John. An attempt on the part of the English to relieve the 



THE PLAINS OF ABRAHAM. 329 

garrison there was repulsed and the fort was finalh' surrendered, 
principally because the provisions had given out. By this surrender 
five hundred regular troops, the greater part of the British army in 
Canada, fell into the hands of the Americans. Montgomery believed 
that the time had now come to take Montreal. He posted forces so 
that all communication would be prevented between that city and 
Quebec. Upon both sides of the river he planted batteries. On the 
13th of November he marched into the town, without bloodshed, the 
Governor and the garrison having left. In the meantime, Washingtoa 
had sent up a supjDorting party, numbering eleven hundred men. 
These were well equipped, although, from the nature of the journey, 
they could carry no field-pieces. Washington himself had outlined the 
expedition. He desired them to ascend the Kennebec river, cross the 
highlands that divided it from the Chaudiere, and descend that stream 
to where it enters the St. Charles, nearly opposite Quebec. Wa.shington 
had a hand-bill printed, which was distributed among the Canadians 
for the purpose of impressing upon them the friendlj- spirit of the 
Americans and begging them to join in the cause of liberty and assist 
in driving the British from America. With the men who had the 
country's interests most at heart the conflict in Canada was not a side 
issue, but an important part of the war. They set a high value upon 
that extensive and fertile country, with its magnificent rivers and 
superior natural advantages. 

But Washington expected far too much of Arnold and his men. 
He desired them to meet Schuyler's army, which was then in motion, 
and to take but twenty days for a march of two hundred miles. It 
took, instead, sixty days, and the little army of eleven hundred men 
had been reduced to about one-half when it reached the St. Charles. 
Their boats had been swamped in the treacherous Chaudiere; they had 
marched through bogs and were forced to make exhausting portages, 
carrying their heavy loads with them; they had a fatal lack of 
acquaintance with the country, and were out of provisions long before 
they reached their destination, and were obliged to eat shaving soap, 
candles, salve and dogs, even boiling their moccasins in the hopes of 
getting some nourishment from them. The horrors of the march are 
sickening, and not the least shocking scene was when Arnold, who had 
hurried on to procure provisions, sent back cattle and other supplies to 
his starving men. They ate like wild beasts, and many of them died 
from the effects of their indiscretion. It took them ten days to march 
the last thirty miles after they had entered Canada, for, although the 



330 THE STORY OK A:\IERICA. 

road was now comparatively easy, the men were too exhausted to go lar 
ill a day. During that last delay, one hundred men, mostly carpenters, 
had come down from Newfoundland and were busy repairing tlie 
defenses of Quebec. By the time Arnold was in a position for attack, 
soldiers were brought down the river and had prepared for the defense 
of the city. Washington had relied upon the surprise of Quebec, but 
Arnold had himself given information of his movements by a letter 
which he entrusted to a faithless guide. 

On the 13th of November, the very day that Montgomery entered 
Montreal, Arnold took his men over the same ground that Wolfe had 
taken, and in the morning had an army on the plains of Abraham, 
behind Quebec. But the English did not, as Montcalm had done, 
respond to the challenge. There was no revolt in the cit}' — a thing 
which both Arnold and Washington had counted upon. Arnold had 
not the power to make a breach in the walls near the city. The 
garrison was shortly reinforced, and Arnold was obliged to break camp 
and retreat to Point Aux Trembles. Here Montgomery joined him on 
the 1st of December and took the command. The army now consisted 
of three thousand men, with six field-pieces and five light mortars. 
They encamped before Quebec. Deep snow lay over all the country, 
and as it was impossible to build earthworks, Montgomery had fascines 
set up. These were filled with snow, over which water was poured, 
making a barricade of ice. It looked cruel and forbidding, but the 
first cannonading broke it in pieces. The men were encamped there 
for three weeks. Montgomery found them hard to manage, and on 
Christmas day decided that an attack should be made under cover of the 
first stormy night. The plans were elaborately laid. Arnold was to 
penetrate the lower town, Montgomery to advance to the rocky heights 
of Cape Diamond and reach the upper town by an easy communication. 
Aaron Burr had charge of a forlorn hope which was to scale the Cape 
Diam jnd bastion. The night of the 30th, as had been hoped, was dark 
and stormy. Montgomery's men made their way over blocks of ice 
and through the drifting snow till they reached the barricades under 
Cape Diamond. The Americans crowded past this and Montgomery 
urged on the advance, but as they neared the block-house, which was 
pierced for muskets, the brave young leader was killed, just as he cried, 
"Push t)n, brave boys. Quebec is ours." Two captains and two 
piivates were killed at the same moment, and the Americans retreaied 
in disorder. Arnold's men, under cover of the storm, had reached the 
palace gate, but here at the first barricade Arnold was wounded. 



THE PLAINS OF ABRAHAM. 33I 

Morgan, a Virginian, at tiie head of his riflemen, took the lead, and 
scaled the barricade with ladders. He was knocked down once; he 
mounted again at the head of his men. He carried the barricade and 
drove the enemy into the houses at the sides of the street. If he could 
have had reinforcements, he would have carried the day; but the odds 
were too heavy. He tried to cut his way out, but was surrounded on. 
all sides and obliged to surrender. He had four hundred and sixty-six 
men with him at the time. The Englishmen buried Montgomery 
within the city. Forty-two years later his body was given to the 
Americans, who carried it, with great honors, to New York and raised 
a monument to his memory in front of St. Paul's Church. His wife, 
then a ver}- old woman, sat alone upon the porch of her house on the 
Hudson, watching the funeral boat as it sailed by. 

The discouraged army was now placed under the command of 
Arnold, who begged Schuyler for reinforcements. In the course of the 
winter three thousand were sent to him. The English were afraid to 
risk an engagement against so heav}^ a force of men. The Canadians 
took neither one part or the other, with a few exceptions. A commis- 
sion, consisting of Benjamin Franklin and four other gentlemen, one of 
whom was afterwards Archbishop of Baltimore, was sent to visit Canada 
and see if a political union could not be made, but they had scarcely 
reached Montreal when news came of a British fleet at Quebec, and 
Fi'anklin hurried back to Philadelphia to urge the great need of 
reinforcements. These came in ]\Iarch, under General Wooster, who 
tried for two months to make an impression upon the fortifications of 
Quebec. He failed, not from lack of courage, but from want of 
military experience. Major-General Thomas took his place, and 
decided that it was wisest to retreat. He was not permitted to do even 
this unmolested. He lost one hundred men as prisoners, as well as 
most of his stores and provisions. In a number of small engage- 
ments which followed between detachments of both armies, the English 
troops were successful. Brigadier-General John Sullivan was sent to 
take the place of John Thomas, who, it was believed, retreated with 
unnecessary readiness. A last stand was made and an engagement 
fought, but the English had three times more men than the Americans, 
and one hundred and fifty of Sullivan's men were taken prisoners. 
They were obliged to fall back upon Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction* — Gleig's ".\ Day on the Neutral Ground." "In Chelsea Prison." 
Drama — "The Death of General Montgomery in Storming Quebec." Anon. 



CHAPTER LIII. 



il^0 yakatto Jfog$. 



THE FEELING IN ENGLAND — THE HIRING OF THE HESSIANS — ATTI- 

TUDE OF NEW YORK — THE CONFLICT WITH THE 

SOUTHERN COLONIES — THE DEFENSE 

OF FORT MOULTRIE. 



•V/f^^^^ \X<^ HE Parliament in England was thoroughly aroused 
^l^f^St^ ^''tw ^y '■^'^ *-""^ *^° '-^^^ importance of subduing and 
punishing the rebels in America. The friends of 
the colonies in Parliament, Edmund Burke, Barre, 
and Wilbur, protested against the measure which 
voted the King and ministry all the men and 
material they should need in carrying on the war, but no 
opposition could stem the tide of King George's impa- 
tience. He decided that the disorders in America must 
be put down. 

It was not so easy as he had supposed to obtain addi- 
tional troops. Men could not be found in England, and 
the King was forced to draw upon his garrisons in the 
West Indies, Ireland and Gibraltar. Even then the 
number was not sufficient for the successful carrying on 
of the war, and King George was forced to beg of friendly nations fm 
help. To his surprise, some of these nations which he had felt sure he 
could count upon, refused him. The reply from Holland was that the 
States-General considered the Americans worthy of ever}- man's esteem, 
and looked upon them as a brave people, 'lefending in a becoming, 
manly and religious manner those rights which, as men, they derived 
from God, not from the legislature of Great Britain, and that if soldiers 
were to be brought against them, the States-General of Holland pre- 
ferred to see Janizaries hired rather than soldiers of a free State. 
Russia, for different reasons, refused help. Frederick the Great had 
little sympathy with the English movement, and practically did not 
believe that a great State should have colonies which were severed from 




THE PALMETTO LOGS. 333 

it by natural obstacles. In short, the sympathy throughout Europe was 
with the Americans. The foreign troops which George III finally 
obtained were from the petty German princes. Among these men there 
was little voluntary' service, but almost all, with the exception of the 
oiEcers, were impressed, and a small price per head was paid by England 
to the German potentates for their services. There were 29,166 men in 
the German troops sent to America. 

The English and Americans agreed that the campaign for 1776 
must center at New York City. As soon as news of Concord and Lex- 
ington had reached New York the people had taken immediate steps to 
defend the city. The feeling there had, from the first, been as strong 
as elsewhere. The year previous, when the British garrison there had 
been ordered to join the army in Boston, the citizens consented to let 
them embark unmolested, but as the troops marched down Broad street, 
led by five carts loaded with arms, they were stopped by Marinos 
Willett, a "Son of Liberty." He seized the first horse by the head and 
brought the whole line to a stand-still. When the commanding officer 
asked what he meant by the interruption, he replied that it had been 
agreed that the troops should embark without molestation, but they had 
not been given permission to take away anus to use against their friends 
in Massachusetts. The mayor of the city and Governor Morris protested 
against Willett' s high-handed proceeding, but the sympathy of the 
crowd was with him, and the English were forced to leave without 
their arms. He then addressed the soldiers, and said if any of them 
were willing to join the ranks of liberty and desert their ranks they 
should be protected. One soldier only responded to the invitation, and 
was marched off with much cheering b}' the crowd. 

The Americans helped themselves to the cannon at the Battery, and 
placed them along the Hudson to protect the river, now that the conflict 
of '76 seemed to threaten that point. Lee was ordered by Washington 
to take command at New York. This was not a little alarming to the 
Tories of the town, who feared that this decisive action would bring 
about immediate hostilities, and that the place might be bombarded by 
the English vessels lying off the coast. There were hot internal dissen- 
sions in the city. The conflict between the Whigs and Tories was verj^ 
bitter. The Tories were powerful and rich, but the Whigs outnum- 
bered them, and had on their side that fierce determination and sense 
of religious right which gave them their strength from the beginning to 
the end of the conflict. It must be owned that their treatment of the 
Tories was not Christian. Some of the Tories were tarred and feathered, 



331- THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

some were waylaid, mobbed and insulted, while others were deprived 
of office and driven from home. Laws were enacted which inflicted 
penalties of great severity on them. It is estimated that during the 
course of the Revolution more than twenty-five thousand loyalists 
joined the military service and arrayed themselves against the patriots. 

The defenses of the city which the Whigs prepared, were, as can 
easily be imagined, accomplished under constant protest from a large 
portion of the inhabitants. When Lee aissumed command of aflairs 
at New York he turned all of the city into a camp of war, and 
presented as bold a face toward the threatened harbor as was possible. 
The works were strengthened, batteries were wisely placed, and the 
streets well barricaded. On March 6, 1776, Congress divided the 
southern and middle colonies into two military departments. Lee was 
sent south and Lord Stirling given the command of affairs at New 
York. He carried on Lee's work with the utmost vigor. Every male 
inhabitant of the town was put to work on the fortifications — rather 
rough work for some of the ostentatious gentlemen of New York. 
Washington himself arrived in the city on April 13, and took up his 
headquarters there. Families began leaving the town as rapidly as 
possible and the soldiers took possession of the dwellings which they 
abandoned. 

The British had other plans besides the capture of New York. They 
were anxious to move against the southern colonies, where they believed 
submission could be easily enforced. The Governors of Virginia and 
North Carolina labored under the delusion that most of the people in those 
colonies were loyal to the King's cause. Each Governor was provided 
with a small force to back his authority, and the King sent seven 
regiments to strengthen them. These he himself selected with great 
care. They were led by Earl Cornwallis, while the fleet was com- 
manded by Admiral Peter Parker. When they reached America, 
General Clinton was given the general command. The colonists who 
stood by Governor Martin, of North Carolina, were 'Scotch loyalists, 
chiefly Highlanders, who had emigrated to America after the defeat of 
the Pretender, and who still held to their oath of allegiance. The son 
and husband of Flora McDonald were among their leaders, and with 
them were a large number of Stuarts. But the sturdy Scotch Presby- 
terians in the back counties took up anns for the patriots, and the 
Governor soon realized that matters were not to run as smoothly as he 
had expected. As soon as the Provincial militia heard of the mustering 
of ]\IcDonald's clans, they arrayed themselves to prevent them from 



THE PALMETTO LOGS. 335 

reaching the Governor. They were led by Brigadier-General James 
Moore, who had with him many gentlemen of wealth and influence. 
These walked in the ranks wnth the common soldiery, to keep up the 
spirits of the men. Moore's force numbered two hundred less than 
McDonald's. In the first engagement the loyalists were routed. Eight 
hundred and fifty men were taken prisoners, disarmed and discharged 
and fifteen hundred excellent rifles were secured, besides a quantity of 
money, and, what was equally valuable, a chest of medicine. This 
was practically the end of Torj-ism in North Carolina. Within two 
weeks the patriots had ten thousand men in arms, these prompt meas- 
ures securing peace for North Carolina until 1780. The State was at 
liberty to give its aid to the other colonies. 

The next attempt was upon South Carolina. From the first, this 
province had felt much sympathy with Massachusetts, and was now 
prompt to arise for the defense of her own border. The militia was 
ready to move at the earliest call. Those on the border of North 
Carolina were held in readiness to join the southern men, should it be 
necessary. Colonel Christopher Gadsden and William Moultrie were in 
command of the regular troops. William Thompson led a regiment of 
riflemen, all of whom were excellent marksmen — the Colonel the best 
of them all. North Carolina sent down a regiment to join them, with- 
out even waiting to be requested. The first thing seen to was the 
.securing of Charleston harbor, for it was known that Clinton could do 
nothing without the aid of the men-of-war, and that these men-of-war 
could do nothing unless the}' held possession of the harbor. There 
were already some defences there, and these were hurriedly strength- 
ened. Stillivan's Island, a long, marshy strip of ground, well wooded, 
guarded the entrance to the harbor. Opposite was James Island, which 
was practically a part of the main coast. Gadsden was put on James 
Island and Moultrie and Thompson were put upon Sullivan's. Pennsyl- 
vania had sent down a force of men under the command of Armstrong, 
and these were placed near the city of Charleston: Every preparation 
possible was made in the town. Warehouses were torn down that the 
cannon might have full sweep. The streets were barricaded. All the 
horses, wagons and boats were impressed into service, and all the lead 
in the cit}- was made up into bullets, the very weights of the windows 
being used. On the 4th of June, General Lee arrived and assumed 
command. The brunt of affairs rested, however, upon Colonel Moul- 
trie, who was working to complete his fortifications on Sullivan's 
Island. His men worked upon it night and da}-. But only the two 



33^ THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

sides fronting the channel were completed when the enemy attacked. 
These walls, however, were sixteen feet thick and guarded with 
palmetto logs. Into their tough and spong)- fibres the balls could sink 
without doing harm. In the centre of the fort was a marsh, which the 
men left undisturbed, knowing that shells would be much less apt to 
explode if they fell into it. 

On the 31st of May the enemy appeared. Messengers were sent for 
the militia in all direction.s. The women and children were hastened 
out of the city. The slaves were set to completing the works. Every 
freeman worked of his own accord. Lee, and other soldiers as well, had 
little confidence that Moultrie's fort could stand out against the heavy 
guns of the enemy. But Moultrie himself was confident. The land forces 
of the enemy landed on Long Island, which lay north of Sullivan's. 
These were to attack in the flank and rear while the fleet bombarded the 
fort in front. Thompson's sharpshooters were to oppose the land 
forces. The English had two 56-gun ships, five frigates of twenty-eight 
guns each, a mortar ship and two smaller vessels, bearing in all two 
hundred guns. The bombardment was continuotis after it once began, 
the shot streaming steadih' against the side of the fort. But the spong\- 
palmetto logs could not be split and the banks of sand kept them from 
being dislodged. The shells, as had been expected, fell into the marsh 
and seldom exploded. Colonel Moultrie was inside nursing a gouty 
foot and calmly smoking as he gave orders to his intrepid men. More 
gallant defense could not ha\e been made. When the flag of the fort — 
a blue banner with a silver crescent, bearing the word liberty — was shot 
away, Sergeant William Jasper leaped the parapet and. in the midst of 
the hottest fire, replaced it on the bastion. The men aboard the ships 
suflfered terribly. Three vessels ran aground, and one of them was 
deserted and burned. Early in the evening the ships withdrew two 
miles from the island. Clinton had directed his forces at the north side 
of Sullivan's Island, but was held in check there by Thompson. A 
victor)' could not have been more absolute. Moultrie was accounted 
one of fhe successful commanders of the army. The fort was named 
after him. and his regiment was presented with a pair of beautiful 
banners. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Carrington's "Battles of the Revolution." 
Coffin's "Boys of ■76." 

Moultrie's "Memoirs of the American Revolution." 
Ramsay's "American Revolution in South Carolina." 
Poetry— Robert M. Charlton's "Death of Jasper." (See Ford's 
Historical Poems.) 





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CHAPTER LIV. 



e fim^ of Jfibrl^. 



THE GROWTH OF A DESIRE FOR IXDEPEXDEXCE— THE DECLARATION OB 
IXDEPEXDEXCE — THE FORMIXG OF STATE 
\ COXSTITCTIOXS. 



OR a long time the people of America were 
unwilling to admit, even to themselves, that the 
Revolution was a war for independence. Frank- 
lin himself assured Pitt, in ilarch, 1775, that, 
though he had traveled in America, he had never 
heard any expression in favor of independence. 
Even the "Sons of Libert}-'' were unwilling to talk 
about this matter, feeling that the people were not 
ready to accept it. The newspapers openly denounced 
the idea. Until Thomas Paine' s book, "Common 
Sense," was published, the subject was almost a tabooed 
one. But that pamphlet presented a strong plea for 
independence. Men, women and children read it. It 
was for them an education — a liberator from old preju- 
ive them fresh ideas and fresh courage. The different 
States began to urge Congress to take a more decided position. Samuel 
Adams, "the Father of American Independence," saw that at last the 
countr}- was reaching the point which he had so long been hoping for. 
Resolutions were passed in each Colonial Assembly which heralded the 
"Declaration of Independence." On the second day of July, 1776, the 
Thirteen States, assembled in Congress, resolved unanimously "that the 
thirteen colonies are, and of right ought to be, independent States." 
Following this came deep deliberations. The matter was one in which 
there could be no hurr>'. All knew that if the position was once taken, 
it would be impossible to draw back from it. There were main- dele- 
gates to the Congress who did not fully understand the situation, and 
who asked that all the consequences of such a step might be fully 




dices. It 



340 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

pointed out to them. This John Adams did, eloquently and clearly. 
At last all of the members signed the Declaration, except the delega- 
tion from New York, which had not been empowered to do so. But it 
is possible that there were many who signed with reluctance and regret. 
John Adams was elated. He wrote to his wife that the day had been 
the most memorable epoch in the history of America, and that it should 
be celebrated by succeeding generations as a great anniversary festival. 
"It ought to be solemnized," said he, "with pomp and parade, with 
games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of 
the country to the other, from this time forward forever more ;' ' and so 
till now it has been, though on the fourth of July instead of the second. 
Thomas Jefferson prepared the original draft of the Constitution, 
although he was indebted to the resolutions passed by the several 
colonies for some of his best ideas and expressions. The clause relating 
to slavery, which Jefferson had written, was cut out. Had it remained, 
it might have had its influence in a matter which plunged the nation 
into a yet more dreadful war than the Revolution, nearly a hundred 
years later. It was not until the eighth that the Declaration was read, 
and printed copies distributed. A great concourse of people gathered 
about the observator}' of the State House, in Philadelphia, and here the 
Declaration was read to them from the balcony by John Nixon, a mem- 
ber of the "Committee of Safety." 

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

In Congress, July ^, i/"/6. 

The Un-^nimous Declar.\tion of the Thirteen United 

States of America: 
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one 
people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with 
another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate 
and equal station to which the laws of nature and nature's God entitle 
them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they 
should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. \^'e hold 
these truths to be self-evident : That all men are created equal ; that they 
are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that 
among these are life, liberty, and the pursiiit of happiness; that to 
secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving 
their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any 
form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right ot 
the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new government, 



THE SOXS OF LIBERTY. 341 

laying its foundations on such principles, and organizing its powers in 
sucli form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and 
happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long 
established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and, 
accordingly, all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed 
to suffer while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolish- 
ing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of 
abuses and usurpation, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a 
design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is 
their duty, to throw off such a government, and to provide new guards 
for their future security. Such has been the patient suffering of these 
colonies, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter 
their former system of government. The histor\- of the present King 
of Great Britain is a history- of repeated injuries and usurpations, all 
having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over 
these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. 

He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary 
for the public good. 

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and 
pressing importance, unless suspended in their operations till his assent 
should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to 
attend to them. 

He has refused to pass other laws for the accomodation of large 
districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of 
representation in the legislature — a right inestimable to them, and 
formidable to tyrants only. 

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncom- 
fortable and distant from the repository of their public records, for the 
sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. 

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedh' for opposing, 
with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people. 

He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, to cause 
others to be elected, whereby the legislative powers, incapable of 
annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their e.xercise, the 
State remaining, in the meantime, exposed to all the dangers of invasion 
from without and convulsions within. 

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States — for 
that purpose, obstructing the laws for the naturalization of foreigners, 
refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising 
the conditions of new appropriations of lands. 
21 



54- THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

He has obstructed the administratioii of jiistice, by refusing his 
assent to laws for establishing judiciar}- powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his wiU alone for the tenure of 
their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. 

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of 
officers to harass our people and eat out their substance. 

He has kept among us, in time of peace, standing armies, without 
the consent of our legislatures. 

He has affected to render the military- independent of, and superior 
lo, the ci\-il power. 

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign 
to OUT Constitution and unacknowledged by our laws, giving his assent 
to their acts of pretended legislation; for quartering large bodies of 
armed troops among us; for protecting them, by a mock trial, from 
ptmishment for an}- murders which they should commit on the inhabi- 
tants of these States; for imposing taxes on us without our consent; 
for depri^•ing us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jun."; for 
transporting us beyond the seas to be tried for pretended offences; for 
sbolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring pro\nnce, 
establishing therein an arbitrary" government and enlarging its bounda- 
ries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing 
the same absolute rule into these colonies; for taking away onr charters, 
abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering, fundamentally, the 
forms of governments; for suspending our own legislatures, and 
declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for i^s in all cases 
whatever. 

He has abdicated government here by declaring us out of his 
protection, and waging war against us. 

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, 
and destroyed the lives of our people. 

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries 
to complete the works of death, desolation and t^•ranny already begun, 
with circumstances of cruelt\" and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the 
most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a ci%-ilized 
nation. 

He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high 
seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of 
their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. 

He has excited domestic insurrection among us, and has endea\ored 
to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages, 



THE SOXS OF LXBERTV. 

whose known mie of warfare is an nndistingnished destmctkm of all 
ages, sexes and conditions. 

In e\er\- stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redres in 
the most humble terms. Onr repeated petitions have been answered only 
bj' repeated injnr\-. A prince whose charaxrter is thns maiked by e^er}' 
act which may define a tyrant, is tmfit to be the mler of a free people 

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. 
We have warned them, from time to time, of attempts by their legisla- 
ture to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction o\-er ns. We ha\'e 
reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement 
here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity', and 
we have conjured them b>- the ties of a common kindred to disavow 
these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and 
correspondence. The\-, too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and 
consanguinity. We must, therefore, acqtiiesce in the necessity which 
denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of man- 
kind — enemies in war; in peace, friends. 

We, therefore, representatives of the United States of .\menca, in 
general congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the 
World for the rectitude of onr intentions, do, in the name and In- the 
authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and 
declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, /ree 
and independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to 
the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and 
the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally disolved; and 
that as/ree and independent States, they have full power to lev}- war, 
condnde peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other 
acts and things which independent States ma>- of right 60. And for 
the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of 
Di\-ine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our 
fortunes, and onr sacred honor. JOHX Haxcock. 

Xew Hampshire. — Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, ilatthew 
Thomtou- 

Massackusetis Bay. — Samuel Adams, John Adams. Rober: Treat 
Paine, Elbridge Gerry. 

Rhode Island, etc. — Stephen Hopkins, William Elleiy. 

Connecticut. — ^Robert Sherman, Samuel Huntington. William 
Williams, Oliver Wolcott. 

Xeu- York. — William Floyd. Philip Li~lng5tone, Francis Lewis, 
Lewis Morris. 



344 



TIIK STORY OF AMERICA. 



Nciv /ersey. — Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hop- 
kinf^n, j'jhn Hart, Abraham Clark. 

Pcnnr>ylvania. — Robert Morris, Benjamin Rnsh, Benjamin Franklin. 
John ]\Iorton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James 
Wilson, George Ross. 

Delaware. — Csesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas M. Kean. 

Maryland. — Samnel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles 
Carroll, of Carrollton. 

Virginia. — George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, 
Benjamin Harrison. Thomas Nelson, Jr. , Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter 
Braxton. 

North Carolina. — William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn. 

South Carolina. — Edward Rntledge, Thomas Hay ward, Jr., Thomas 
Lynch, Jr. , Arthnr Middleton. 

Georgia. — Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton. 




OLD LIBERTY BELL. 



Through the countr}-, wherever the declaration was received, it 
awoke great excitement. In New York, a mob pulled down the gilded 
leaden equestrian statue of King George. The head was severed from 
the body and wheeled in a barrel to the Governor's house. The rest 
of the statue was moulded by a company of ladies into forty-two 



THE SONS OF LIBERTY. 



34S 



thousand bullets, which were to be shot at the King's soldiers. Penn- 
sylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, ^Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina 
adopted State constitutions in 1776; New York, South Carolina and 
Georgia in 1777; Massachusetts in 1780 and New Hampshire in 1781. 
Connecticut and Rhode Island continued to use their royal charters as 
the law of the States. Not till 181 8 did Connecticut adopt a State 
constitution, and Rhode Island waited until 1840. Few of the consti- 
tutions admitted religious liberty. The constitution of South Carolina 
said "that no person shall be capable of holding any place of honor, 
trust or profit under the authority of this State, who is not a member 
of some church of the established religion thereof." The constitution 
of Pennsylvania required ever}' member of the legislature to declare not 
only his belief in the existence of a God who is a rewarder of good and 
a punisher of evil, but also to believe that the Scriptures are given by 
Divine inspiration. The constitution of New Hampshire stipulated 
that the members of its legislature should be of the Protestant religion. 
The constitution of Massachusetts provided against luxury, plays, 
extravagant expense in dress, diet, and the like. Every minister or 
public teacher of religion was obliged, in Massachusetts, to read the 
Constitution to his congregation once a year. 

FOR FrRTHER READING: 
History— Winsor's "Readers' Hand-book of the Revolution." 
Biography — Goodrich's "Lives of Signers of the Declaration." 
Fiction— John Neal's "Seventv-six." 

H. C. Watson's "Old Bell of Independence." 
POHTRY — Charles Sprague's "Fourth of July." (See Ford's Historical Poem.) 




HOrSE IN WHICH THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WAS SIGNED. 



CHAPTER LV. 



ilj0 ionlinintals. 



WASHINGTON AT NEW YORK — ARRIVAL OF THIRTY-TWO THOUSANH 
BRITISH TROOPS — OVERTURES FOR PEACE BY THE 
BRITISH — BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND — THE 
BATTLE OF HARLEM HEIGHTS — DE- 
STRUCTION OF NEW Y'ORK — 



BATTLE OF WHITE 




PLAINS. 



WASHINGTON was anxious to hold New York 
permanently, and he believed that it could be 
done. He continued the work which Lee had 
begun. Governor's Island, Fort Stirling and 
Long Island were well fortified and manned. 
Strong works were built upon the Palisades and 
three water batteries were also built along the 
shore of the Hudson. By June eight}' pieces of cannon 
and mortars were mounted, bearing upon the bay and 
the two river channels. It was not until the last of 
June that the enemy arrived. The first to come was 
vSir William Howe, commander-in-chief, with his Boston 
arm}-. Governor Tryon, of New York, and many 
loyalists, went out to meet him. The troops followed 
in one hundred and thirty ships, and by June 29th all 
were in the ba}'. The}- debarked upon Staten Island, and here the 
General took up his headquarters. Admiral Howe, Sir William's 
brother, followed with some troops, and on August latli the Hesssian 
arrived. These forces numbered altogether thirty-two thousand men. 
Washington had upon his rolls about nineteen thousand. Under 
Howe's command were many distinguished officers, men of high 
breeding, intelligence and bravery. The English and Hessian soldiers 
were well trained. De Heister, the general of the Hessians, had been 



THE CONTINENTALS. 347 

in many European campaigns. Among- the Hessians was a famous 
company of sharpshooters, under Donop. Even those Hessians who 
had come against their will and who were not used to bearing arms had 
still warlike traditions, and they were surrounded by such good material 
that their inexperience did not greatly lessen the strength of the force. 
As for Washington's men, they were made up of farmers, merchants, min- 
isters and mechanics. They were brave, but lacking in discipline and 
an understanding of war. They were without uniforms, a thing which 
is always depressing to the soldier, and were poorly equipped, the old 
flint-lock piece being the common arm. Bayonets were few. These 
men, in motlej- array, presented but a poor contrast to the elegantly 
costumed Englishman, and the Hessian, with his brass-pointed cap, his 
brass-hilted sword and glittering bayonet. General Washington's 
headquarters overlooked the Hudson, near Varick. Admiral Howe 
and his brother said that they had come bringing the olive branch of 
peace, and on July 1 4th sent a flag of truce up the bay with a letter to the 
commander-in-chief The generals sent out to receive this letter found 
that it was addressed to George Washington, Esq., and returned it with 
the remark that there was no such man in the American army. On 
the 20th another flag of truce was sent up with a message to his Excel- 
lency, General Washington. This was received and read with atten- 
tion, but Washington could entertain no proposition for peace which 
did not acknowledge American independence. An interview was held 
between Lord Howe and a committee of Congress, which came to nothing, 
because Howe had not been empowered by the King to admit the inde- 
pendence of the colonies. On August 20th all of the British troops were 
moved over to Long Island. The sight was an exhilarating one. 
Nearly ninety boats and flat-boats were filled with the best troops of the 
army, the glittering arms, the artillery and handsome horses, making 
a. display which that harbor has never seen excelled. Fifteen thousand 
men took possession of the roads of the island and occupied the Dutch 
village, while General Cornwallis and Donop' s sharpshooters drove back 
the Pennsylvania riflemen who had been patrolling the coast. Gen- 
eral Green was in command of the Americans at Long Island, and 
had surrpunded himself with strong earthworks thrown up in what is 
now the heart of Brookl)-n. On what is now Washington Park stood 
Fort Putnam, at the crown of the hill. The ridge of hills which lay 
between the Brooklyn lines and the coast of Gravesend Bay was made 
the outer line of defense by Washington. Several regiments were 
brought over from New York to reinforce the Brooklyn wing. General 



^y 



THK STORY OK AMERICA. 



Green was ill with a fever which was raging among the soldiers, and 
his command fell upon General Sullivan. Early on the morning of 
August 27th the American guards were unexpectedh- attacked bv the 




tff^- 




English. The da)' had not yet broken, and in the confusion the 
American pickets retreated, ]ea\'ing their major a prisoner with the 



THE CONTINEXTALS. 349 

eneni, . Reinforcements soon arrived and the men held to a steady 
resistance, although most of them were untried and raw. Against the 
seventeen hundred inexperienced troops of Lord Stirling were placed 
at least six thousand English veterans. The Americans took advantage 
of an orchard near by and the heavy growth of hedges to protect them. 
Stirling was making a fair defense, when Generals Clinton, Cornwallis, 
Howe and Earl Percy came up with their men. These marched 
well around the American lines before they were observed. Two 
battalions fell into the hands of the English. The rest of the Ameri- 
cans retreated toward the Brooklyn camp, fighting as they went. 
General Sullivan was captured. The Hessians marched on rapidly 
after the retreat had begun, attacking the broken detachments. Ten 
thousand British and four thousand Hessians chased less than three 
thousand Americans through the woods and over the hills of Long 
Island, but most of the Americans succeeded in getting behind the 
works. Stirling still held the field with an organized force. They 
were surrounded and obliged to surrender to the Hessian commander, 
De Heister. Two other regiments were captured as well. The English 
loss was three hundred and seventy-seven officers and soldiers. The 
American loss in killed and wounded was less than three hundred, but 
they had given between eight hundred and one thousand prisoners into 
the hands of the enemy. 

On the afternoon of the 29th a council of the general officers met" 
Washington, and it was decided to retreat from Long Island. For 
twelve hours the troops were ferried across, in the midst of serious 
interruptions. There was still doubt as to whether it would be wise to 
continue the defense of New York, and at one time the Americans 
thought seriously of burning it before they deserted it. For two weeks 
there was comparative quiet. Had Howe chosen, he might have 
destroyed New York himself, but he, as well as Washington, concluded 
that it would be wiser to let it remain unharmed. Washington, after 
considering how insubordinate his soldiers were becoming, concluded 
not to continue the defence of New York. The men were sadly 
discouraged by the disaster at Long Island, and they were neither well 
paid nor well fed. The disorders were many, and some of the men 
were so homesick that, though they remained faithful to their jDosts, 
they could not be relied upon for \'igorous fighting. Fortunately, 
Washington's call for fresh men was responded to and he was able to 
allow some of his disabled men to return to their homes. On the 2d 
of Februarv Washington's arm\- numbered less than twentv thousand 



350 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

New York was to be evacuated on the 15th, and the activity of the 
city for a few days previous could easily be observed by the English. 
Howe was prompt to move his ships up closer to the city, and about lo 
o'clock on the morning of the day appointed for the removal, these 
ships opened fire. Under cover of this, Donop's Hessian sharpshooters 
crossed to New York and chased the Americans over the fields to 
Murray Hill. Washington and his men rode out in a vain attempt to 
rally the militia. Even those of the men who were willing to fight, 
could make no stand against the headlong and terrified rout of the 
majority. Washington was worked up to one of those fierce spasms of 
anger for which narrow-minded people have so often criticised him. It 
is said that he drew his sword and threatened to run some fugitives 
through, and that he laid his cane over many of the officers who showed 
their men the example of running. He dashed his hat on the ground 
and cried, "Are these the men with whom I am to defend America." 
So disgusted was he and so regardless of his life, that had not one of 
his attendants seized his horse's reins and turned him toward Harlem 
Heights, the General would probably have fallen into the enemy's 
hands. It is said that Putnam and Aaron Burr gathered up a portion 
of the soldiers, and by the most extraordinar}' exertions marched up the 
west side of the island through the woods and brought the men to Harlem 
Heights in safety when night had falleii. Howe was close upon this 
column in pursuit, and might have overtaken them, but for the 
exertions of a charming Quaker lady, Mrs. Murray. The General and 
his staff stopi^ed at her door to ask how long since the Americans had 
passed. Mrs. Murra}- replied that they were long since out of reach, 
and begged that General Howe and his followers would come in and 
rest from the heat. Mrs. Murray and her daughter treated them with 
cake and wine, and held the men by their quaint Quaker coquetry for 
two hours. As a matter of fact the Americans had not been gone ten 
minutes when Howe inquired for their whereabouts. 

A terrible rain fell that night. The patriot soldiers were without 
shelter. They had lost their provisions, cannons and baggage. The 
generals were not in a mood for giving them much sympathy for they 
felt that a more ready courage and obedience would have saved the 
day. There was a brisk engagement in the morning which was fairly 
well fought, and put some fresh spirit into the army. Early on the 
morning of the i6th occurred the battle of Harlem Heights, in which 
Washington himself directed the movements. He succeeded here in 
driving the English regulars in an open field — an experience new to 



THE CONTINENTALS. 35 1 

the American soldiers. In this engagement tlie Americans lost four 
valuable leaders. But the troops were reanimated, and Washington set 
great store by the influence of this victory- upon their minds. 

New York was now entirely in the possession of the English. On 
the 2ist it was nearly destroyed by fire, though not intentionally. 
Five hundred buildings were burned, and it is supposed that several 
women and children perished in the flames. The Americans were 
suspected of setting the fire and about two hniulred of them were 
arrested. Most of them were discharged as soon as examined. One 
man was hanged. This was Captain Nathan Hale, of Connecticut, a 
patriot of great courage and influence. He had volunteered to go 
within the British lines at Long Island and obtain information concern- 
ing the forces of the enemy, which was absolutely necessar)- to 
Washington. He was captured, and papers found upon him which 
showed his purpose. He did not at any time deny that he was a spy. 
He was hung without any trial, and was not even permitted to see a 
clerg}man or use a Bible in his last hours. The letters he had written 
to his mother and sister were burnt. History- has placed him among 
the honored men of America. 

There was quiet for a few weeks, and it was not until the 12th of 
October that Howe was ready to renew hostile measures. The position 
of the Americans at Harlem Heights had been strengthened, but the 
Commander-in-chief feared that they could not be held, with the 
exception of Fort Washington. This was filled with a good garrison. 
The majority of the troops were scattered along the hills west of the 
Brown river, which runs nearh- parallel to the Hudson. The army 
were disposed here in position to face the enemy. Washington held 
W'lile Plains and the' roads leading up the Hudson and to New Eng- 
land. The English moved up in two columns — an impressive sight to 
Wasliington and his officers, who looked down upon them from the 
hills. At the time of Howe's approach the troops were disposed along 
the brow of a steep declivity. The enemy came clambering straight 
up the ascent, but recoiled under the hot fire with which they were 
recei\ed. They made a second attempt and were again forced to 
retreat, but in the third rush they were successful, and drove the 
Americans before them. All through the retreat the patriots kept up 
a steady fire from behind trees and fences, and at the close of the day 
the loss of the English was much greater than that of the Americans. 
Within the next two or three days Washington withdrew his army to a 
position on the North Castle heights, which was so strong that Howe 



352 THE STOR\' OF AMERICA, 

did not attempt to capture it. He now turned his attention to Fort 
Washington. On the I5tia of November Howe demanded a surrender 
of the fort, threatening that if he was obliged to take it by assault the 
garrison would be put to the sword. I\Iagaw, who was commanding 
the Pennsylvanians holding the fort, replied that he preferred to defend 
it. So insulting a demand for surrender would probably have deter- 
mined him to this course, even if he had not previously intended it. 
The fight was a hot one. The American forces were scattered over the 
hills, along the shore of the river, and about the fort. All of these 
were finally crowded into the fort. Magaw was obliged to surrender, 
but it was upon honorable terms. The loss of the English army was 
three times as great as that of the Americans. Fort Lee was also forced 
to surrender. The Americans withdrew to the other side of the 
Hackensack river. Howe commanded the entrance to the Hudson. 
Washington believed that the British would follow their successes 
about New York by an immediate attack upon Philadelphia. 

FOR FURTHER READING; 
Fiction— J. R. Sinims' "The American Spy." 

Alden's "Old Store House." 
Poetry— F. C. Finch's "Xathan Hale." 
Drama— D. Fnimbell's "Death of Captain Nathan Hale." 



CHAPTER LVI. 



iallb %}d& nnh '^mnnu 



THE JERSEY CAMPAICxN — THE BATTLE OF TRENTON — THE BATTLE OV 

PRINCETON — WINTER ENCAMPMENT OF WASHINGTON 

AT MORRISTOWN. 



Washington left a part of his force to hold the 
the posts which they still retained at the north, 
and took Putnam, Green, Stirling and Mercer 
southward with him. The entire force which 
accompanied him was less than four thousand. 
He wrote to Governor L,ivingstone, of New Jer- 
sey, telling him to prepare for an invasion of 
his territory, and asking the people to remove their 
stock, grain and other possessions out of the reach of 
the eneni)". The treatment of the people in the villages 
of New York, by the English, had been merciless, and 
Washington wished to prevent, as far as he could, 
another scene of such desolation. Washington was 
anxious about the condition of his anny. The enlist- 
ment terms of his men were short, and by the first of December Wash- 
ington would have but two thou.sand men with him. The two armies 
moved through northern New Jerse}', Washington always a little in 
advance of Cornwallis. The two Howes, as peace commissioners, 
offered pardon to all who had taken up arms against the king, if they 
would return quietly to their homes. This offer held good for sixty 
days, and many in New Jersey and Pennsylvania accepted it. As the 
British moved on through the towns, they took possession of horses, 
cattle, wagons and whatever else they desired. Washington kept a 
close outlook, and steadily retreated. His intention was to make a 
stand for the protection of Philadelphia. Fearing that at any time he 
might be forced to retreat into Pennsylvania, he had boats in readiness 
at Trenton, and, to keep the English from pursuing him, he ordered 




356 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



that all sorts of craft should be removed from the Jersey side, for 
seventy miles up and down the Delaware river. The American force 
crossed the Delaware just as the English entered Trenton. The two 
armies moved southward. Congress thought it unsafe to remain in 
Philadelphia, and adjourned to meet in Baltimore. Washington was in 
great need of reinforcements, and kept sending commands to Lee, who 
Was at the north, to join him with his forces. But Lee was envious of 
Washington's position, and desired to be first in command himself. He 
paid no attention to the commands, although they were imperative, and 
it was a fortunate thing for the army when he was finally taken 




prisoner by a compan)- of British dragoons. His command fell to 
General Sullivan, who lost no time in obeying Washington's orders, 
and reached headquarters just sixteen days after the first command was 
sent to Lee. Howe swept on through the country, the Americans 
hurr>-ing before him. The Pennsylvania and New Jersey men had gone 
to their homes, their tenn of enlistment having expired. The patriot 
troops Avere thoroughly dispirited. Washington felt that warm action 
was necessary, even though it might be risky. He decided to fix 
Christmas day as the date of an attempt upon Trenton. The British 
were confident that rebellion was about put down in America. They 



EATTLE FIELD AND BIVOUAC. 357 

had scattered themselves widely over the countr>', parti}- to afford pro- 
tection to the lojal inhabitants and partly to keep recruits from joining 
the American army. The men were quartered in companies of twelve 
and fifteen to a house, all through the farm district, and were given 
over to plunder of the most vicious sort. Barbarians could not have 
been more merciless. The wanton destruction of property was the 
least of their offences. The English had acquired a thorough contempt 
for Washington's army. They no longer felt fear or any need of watch- 
fulness. 

Situated at Trenton was Rahl, with twelve hundred men. Against 
these men Washington meant to move. Cornwallis was so confident 
that the campaign was over that he had obtained leave of absence, and 
had already reached New York, on his way to England. It was upoji this 
lack of suspicion that Washington relied for the success of his plan. 
He determined to cross the Delaware at night above and below Trenton, 
to fall upon Rahl and his Hessians, capture them, and recross before he 
could be overtaken. That Donop and his sharpshooters, who were 
below Trenton, might have their attention engaged, a body of militia 
kept up a skirmish which drew off part of his force eighteen miles. 
General John Cadwallader was directed by Washington to cross the 
Delaware at Bristol, with a force of Pennsylvanians, and General 
Ewing was told to cross directly opposite Trenton. The main column, 
landing nine miles north of Trenton, at McConkey's ferry, was to be 
led by Washington himself When the night came it was found unfa- 
vorable. Both Cadwallader and Ewing were unsuccessful in their 
efforts to cross, for the ice was piled up high on the Delaware shore. 
But Washington made up his mind that he would act, even though he 
was obliged to do so without support. The troops in his immediate 
command he felt that he could trust. Twenty-four hundred men 
composed the expedition. Most of them had seen service, and they 
were led by valiant men, but the difiiculties they had to contend with 
now were not common ones. There was a driving storm, which half 
blinded the troops and threatened to make the guns useless. The 
current of the river was swift and filled with cakes of floating ice. The 
gentlemen who composed Washington's staff were filled with a ».ourage 
which was almost gay. All the way across the treacherous river they 
encouraged the troops in every manner possible. The boats were 
manned by Massachusetts fishermen, who were natural sailors, and 
among the best soldiers of the war. Washington had hoped to be on 
the Jersey shore by midnight, but it was four in the morning before 



358 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

troops and cannons were safely landed. It was too late to retreat, how- 
ever, and there was nothing to do but to push on, although there was 
no longer hope of surprising the town. The road was slippery, and 
many of the men were nearly barefoot, but among the troops were the 
most experienced and tried men of the army, and no complaints were 
made. At Birmingham village the troops were divided, so that they 
might march around the town in two columns. It was found that the 
priming of the muskets had become too wet to use in many cases. Wash- 
ington gave orders for the men to fight with bayonets. The Hessian 
outposts were surprised. A detachment of Americans, led by Lieu- 
tenant James Monroe, dashed in among them and was soon within 
Trenton. Sullivan had led the men up the lower road and had 
succeeded in surprising the outposts there as well. The Hessians made 
an attempt to form in the streets, but Washington himself directed the 
guns which cleared them away. Rahl had been indulging in Christmas 
festivities through the night, and neither he nor his men were clear- 
headed enough to do their best. They ran for their lives and were 
checked at ever\' quarter. In a short time they were compelled to lay 
down their anns. Rahl, their lieutenant, was mortally wounded, but 
lived long enough to give up his sword to Washington. The Ameri- 
cans took nine hundred and fifty prisoners and six guns, and killed 
seventeen and wounded nearly eighty of the enemy. Their own loss 
was only two killed and four wounded. By evening Washington had 
recrossed the Delaware, and by the 30th he had mustered his whole 
force in the neighborhood of Trenton. 

Cornwallis was determined to have revenge for the Trenton aflfair. 
He gathered all his available forces at Princeton, and on January 2, 1777, 
marched with his seven thousand men upon Trenton. They succeeded 
in cooping the Americans up there in a position which Washington 
recognized at once as being very perilous. To cross the Delaware in the 
presence of the enemy and retreat once more into Pennsylvania was 
impossible. Between Trenton and McConkey's ferrj' lay a part of the 
English army. In any position for battle his flanks could easily be 
turned, for the enemy outnumbered him. In a council of war a for- 
tunate plan was hit upon. It was to follow an almost unused road and 
to reach Princeton secretly, if possible, in the night, and so escape from 
the trap in which they were at present caught. General St. Clair 
attended to all the details of preparation. Along the front of the camp 
the appearance of an army at rest was kept up. The guards were 
relieved, the camp fires were kept burning, and every semblance oi 



BATTLE FIELD AND BIVOUAC. 359 

peaceful encainpuient sustained. As a matter of fact, the troops were 
quietly niarcliing along what was called the Quaker Road towards 
Princeton. The ground was frozen and the artillery moved without 
trouble. Washington went with them in the midst of his guard, which 
was composed of twenty-one gentlemen of fortune, from Philadelphia, 
who were volunteers to the army and paid their own way. In the 
morning Cornwallis awoke to the realization that his prey had escaped, 
and that the Trenton affair was still unavenged. But before the success 
of the manoeuvre was assured there occured a brisk engagement between 
General Mercer's men and a detachment of the English. This was 
known as the battle of Princeton. In it the English were routed, losino- 
sixty killed and many wounded, besides one hundred and fifty prisoners. 
The American loss was small. General Mercer had been unhorsed, and 
on refusing to surrender, was baj-oneted on all sides while he fought 
single-handed with his sw'ord. He died a day or two later. Not a few 
of the men died from the effects of that night march through the bitter 
wind. They went without rest or provisions for two days and nights, 
and all of them were insufficiently clothed. As soon as Cornwallis 
learned that the enemy was at Princeton, he marched his soldiers in 
hasty pursuit, and entered that town just an hour after the Americans 
had left it. Washington took up winter quarters at Morristown. There 
was a feeling of general satisfaction throughout the United Colonies, for 
though the army had met with many disasters, it had succeeded in 
holding the English well in check. It was now seated in the verj- 
heart of New Jersey, which at one time everyone felt sure that the 
enemy would overrun. True, Howe held New York, but he had been 
obliged to abandon his plans against Philadelphia. Cornwallis and 
Howe had been outgeneraled and their veteran troops had suffered 
severely at the hands of the raw militia. George Washington was 
recognized as a great soldier, patient, discreet, ingenious and brave. 
Europe, and even England, were obliged to admit the dignity of the 
American Revolution, and to recognize the fact that the world had a 
new nation. 

FOR FURTHER RE.\DING : 
Biography— G. W. Greene's 'Life of General Green. " 
Fiction — C. J. Peterson's "Kate Aylesford," 

Paulding's "Old Continental.*' 
Poetry— "Battle of Trenton." (See Ford's Historical Poem.) 
C. F. Ome's "Washington at Princeton." 



CHAPTER LVII. 



STATE OF THE AMERICAN ARMY — THE PENNSYLVANIA CAMPAJ/5N— 
THE BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE — "THE PAOLI MASSA- 
CRE" — THE BRITISH AT PHILADELPHIA — THE 
BATTLE AT GERMANTOAVX — ■WASH- 




INGTON WINTERS 
VALLEY FORGE. 



AT 



X April, 1777, General Howe demanded of Wash- 
'^ ington a return for a number of officers and 
twenty-two hundred privates whom he had released 
and sent within the American lines. Washington 
refused to make an exchange which would be 
equal in numbers, for he said that the eneni)- had 
broken the spirit of the contract made concerning 
prisoners. He accused Howe of great injustice and 
cruelty, and said that many of the prisoners, when 
released, were in so weak a state that they died before 
reaching their homes, or immediately afterward. In 
exchange for these suffering men, broken in body and 
mind, Washington did not propose to make a return of 
an equal number of able-bodied Englishmen. As a 
matter of fact, the American prisoners met with terrible treatment. As 
soon as they were taken they were robbed of their baggage, their 
money and their clothes. Many of them were kept upon the prison 
ships, which were terribly overcrowded, with only one-third tiie 
allowance of food which they should have had. It is said that at least 
eleven thousand five hundred men died upon the prison ships. Wash- 
ington continued to refuse an equal exchange of men for the melancholy 
creatures who were sent him, almost none of whom were able to be 
placed in the field again. This was a great disappointment to Washing- 
ton, for he was in serious need of men. The term of man\- of his 



THE YEAR OF THE THREE GALLOWS. 361 

regiments had expired, and in the spring of 1777 he did not have four 
thousand names on his muster-roll. The difficulty of procuring 
munitions of war was as serious as that of procuring men. Arms were 
scarce and gunpowder almost unattainable. But for France, it is 
doubtful if the war could have been carried on. In spite of her treaty 
with Great Britain, France was friendly to the American cause. 
Though the French minister deeply deplored to the English government 
the aid which the people of France were giving to the American 
patriots, he took care to remain ignorant of what was actually being 
done. Large supplies of powder, cannon and field equipage were 
shipped from France and allowed to leave without hindrance from the 
government. Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane and Arthur L,ee were 
sent by Congress to France, and these asked the King to recognize the 
independence of the United States. He would not do this, although 
he expressed his good will and ordered two million livres to be paid 
them by quarterly payments. Spain secretly joined France in helping- 
the colonies, and contributed one million livres, but she was not willing 
to be known in the matter. 

It is not necessay to relate in detail all the numerous and unimportant 
skirmishes which took place at different points between the Americans 
and the English. During the spring of 1777 the English burnt a 
number of villages, and Governor Tyron, who was now Major-General 
of the Provincials, did some disastrous work through Connecticut. 
Each of those engagements between the opposing forces has left many 
interesting traditions, but to cite them all, or even the best of them, 
would be a task too great to undertake. In May, Long Island was the 
scene of some determined fighting, the hostilities reaching as far as Sag 
Harbor. General Prescott, of the English army, was captured, and 
Washington hoped that he might be exchanged for Lee, whom it will 
be remembered was in the hands of the English. Lee was still believed 
in by many people, although he had offered to sell himself and his 
plans to the English and had for months been disloyal to his country. 
By the 28th of May, Washington broke camp, moving to the southeast 
that he might be in a better position to watch Howe's movements. 
The patriot army had now increased to seven thousand. Sullivan was 
in command of the continentals at Princeton, and the first move of 
the English army was to send Cornwallis to attack this town. Sullivan 
fell back and was not overtaken. Cornwallis tried to bring Washington 
into action, but failed. A little later he succeeded in taking three 
cannons and two hundred prisoners from General Stirling, but on the 



362 



THE STORV OF AMERICA. 



30th the English withdrew and crossed in a body to Staten Island. 
For six weeks they made no move, and Washington was unable to guess 
what their intentions might be. On the 23d of July, Howe set sail 
from New York, with eighteen thousand men, leaving six thousand in 
the city, under Clinton. A week later the English fleet appeared in 
the Delaware, but Washington had put such good obstructions there 
that it again put out to sea. Washington was as anxious as he was 
curious. He feared that it might be Howe's intention to move upon 
Charleston, and knew that defences could not reach the city in time to 
be of help. When next the fleet was hea: d of it was off the Chesapeake, 



^.^2^r>Ks^..- 




MARQI-IS MAKIE JOSEPH PAITL DE LAFAYETTE. 

and Washington was reassured by the reilection that Howe's intention 
must still be to move upon Philadelphia. At this time Washington's 
army was joined by several foreign officers, who distinguished them- 
selves in their devotion to the American cause. Among them were 
Lafayette and Baron John De Kalb. De Kalb and Lafayette were 
commissioned by Congress. Lafayette was very young— indeed he had 
not yet reached his majority — and it was oulv "-'..en he assured 
Congress that he had come as a volunteer and would pay his own 
expenses, that he was commissioned. The very ship in which he had 



THE YEAR OF THE THREE GALLOWS. 363 

brought his men had been purchased and fitted out at his own expense. 
Washington marched his army through Philadelphia on the 22d of 
August. Howe was pushing his army through Pennsylvania. On the 
loth of September Washington determined to hinder his further 
progress. At this time Howe was on the bank of the Brandywine 
river, commanding the principal forts. The engagement was a general 
one all along the lines. The Americans were finally forced to retreat. 
Their loss was three hundred killed and five hundred wounded. The 
English loss was less than si.x hundred in killed and wounded. 
Lafaj'ette distinguished himself, and received a wound in the leg which 
kept him confined to his quarters for two months. The American 
arm)' retreated the following day towards Pennsylvania and Gennan- 
town. On the 15th of September it crossed the Schuylkill. Here 
Howe advanced upon them. Anthony Wayne was in the American 
advance and was quite willing for a battle, but a drenching rain storm 
put an end to it. On the 19th of September Wayne was at Paoli, and 
within sight of Howe's encampment. He saw that the army was 
quietly engaged in camp occupations and told Washington that if he 
would come to his aid with the whole army he believed that a deadly 
blow might be dealt them. The intention was to move upon them in 
the night. Wayne had fixed midnight for the time of his movement. 
The watchword in his camp was "Here we are and there they go," but 
it proved to be a watchword without a signification, for, two hours 
before midnight Howe did exactly the thing which Wayne was 
intending to do. The British fell upon the American camp, firing no 
shots, but using their bayonets. The Americans were in the light of 
their camp-fires, and the British in the protection of the shadow. 
W^ayne's men ran in confusion through the dark woods. Nearly one 
hundred and seventy were killed. This is known as the Paoli massacre. 
At I o'clock that nigliL an aid-de-cainp dashed into Philadelphia 
with a message from Washington that the enemy had crossed the 
Schuylkill and would be in the town in a few hours. The news spread 
through the town wildly and the people were roused out of their beds 
to hurr)- from the place. A patrol was put in the streets to guard 
against fire. It was over a week before Howe marched into the city. 
His troops were received with loud cheers by the Tories. 

Washington learned a few days later that Howe had sent a small 
detachment to reduce the American forts on the Delaware. Washington 
decided that this was a good opportunity to strike an effectual blow. 
Howe's army was encamped in a long, straight line, to wiiich there 



364 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

were four approaches. Washington's plan was to advance on all four 
roads and engage the enemy along the whole line at the same moment. 
The attack was to be made at precisely 5 o'clock on the morning of the 
4th of October. On the evening of the 3d the American army left its 
encampment and marched all night. They reached the points aimed 
at about daybreak on the 4th. The morning was misty and they were 
upon the outposts of the enemy before their approach was known. 
The Americans were in good fighting mood. Their cry was to revenge 
the Paoli massacre. A part of the English lines broke, and the day 
might have been won, but that in the fog and smoke the Americans 
mistook their own lines for those of the enemy, and did serious injury 
among themselves, delaying the general movement. The battle was 
lost and Washington ordered a retreat. A thousand men had been left 
behind, while the English lost not more than five hundred. But Howe 
was alarmed, nevertheless, and withdrew his army into the city. He 
was in doubt where to take up his winter quarters. The Delaware 
river was commanded by the Americans and it was not easy, therefore, 
to obtain provisions. The Schuylkill was seriously impeded by 
obstructions and by floating batteries along the shore. Howe sent 
Colonel Donop, with his Hessian sharpshooters, to reduce Fort Mercer. 
Donop made a furious assault, but both he and his lieutenant-colonel 
were killed, as well as four hundred Hessians. The two British ships, 
which had moved up the river to aid in the assault, ran aground. One 
was blown up by the fire from the fort and the other burnt to escape 
capture. But Howe still felt that he could not afford to let the enemy 
retain possession of the Delaware river. On the 1 9th of November the 
British fleet was brought to bear upon Fort Mifilin. The garrison 
there made a sturdy fight, but could not hold out against the heavy 
guns of the vessels, and they were obliged to take refuge on the other 
side of the river, in Fort Mercer, having had two hundred and fifty out 
of four hundred either killed or wounded. Comwallis now moved 
into New Jersey, at the head of so large a force that even Fort IMercer 
had to be deserted. The Delaware, below Philadelphia, was now under 
the control of the British fleet. Washington took up his winter 
quarters at Valley Forge, and it is said that the march of his army over 
the frozen ground could be tracked bv the blood from their uncovered 
feet. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Cooper's "History of the American Na^y." 
Fiction— Cooper's "Pilot.'' 

J. R. Jones' "Quaker Soldier." 
E. H. Williamson's "The Quaker Partisans." 
Poetry— Carleton's "I^ittle Black-eyed Rebel.'' 



CHAPTER LVIII. 



mlbrait ©onijucrnrs. 



WASHINGTON'S CAMP AT VALLEY FORGE — NEGLECT OF CONGRESS- 

THE CONWAY CABAL — GENERAL STEUBEN — BURGOYNE 

IN THE NORTH — ^THE SIEGE OF TICON- 

DEROGA — THE BATTLE OF 

ORISKANV 



{, 




HE winter at Valley Forge was a dreary one. 
Congress neglected the soldiers woefully. For 
months the)- were left to suffer with hunger, cold, 
and disease. They slept without blankets, many 
of them sitting all night by their camp-fires. At 
one time there were more than a thousand of 
'them without shoes. Even the sick had to lie on the 
ground without even a bunch of straw under them. 
There were but few horses, and the soldiers themselves 
drew their wood and provisions to their huts in little 
carts. It was verj- seldom that the troops received any 
money, and when they did, it was in Continental cur- 
rency, the value of which was steadily decreasing. It 
fell so low that at one time it took one hundred Conti- 
nental dollars to buy a pair of shoes. The foreign officers 
who had joined the camp were still faithful. Besides Lafayette and 
DeKalb, were Kosciusko, Pulaski and Von Steuben. These lived in little 
log huts ' 'no gayer, ' ' writes Lafayette, ' 'than a dungeon. ' ' These men 
were used to courts, luxurj' and adulation, and their devotion to the 
American cause was put to a severe test, although, of course, they did 
not suffer the stinging privations of the common soldiery. The camp 
at Valley Forge was laid out in parallel streets of log huts, built by the 
soldiers. Fortunately there was plenty of building material close at 
hand. This was their salvation. Had they not been well sheltered, 
it is doubtful if they would have had courage to face the rigors of that 
winter. Even as it was, the death-rate increased thirty-three per cent. 



366 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



from week to week. Desertion was frequent, but not so frequent as one 
might expect. 

Congress was at York, Pennsylvania. It seemed to the men who 
had the interests of the national army at heart, that Congress was 
strangely neglectful and indifferent. Upon Washington's shoulders 
fell the responsibility and burden of providing supplies and putting 
down mutiny. His distresses were added to by the fact that he had 
many enemies who were planning for his overthrow. Chief among 
these was General Gates, who had conducted the latter part of a suc- 
cessful campaign at the north — a -campaign in which he won more 




BARON VOX STEUBEN. 



credit and did less work than several other generals whose names history 
has not so faithfully preserved. He was exceedingly jealous of Wash- 
ington, and conspired with a man by the name of Conway for the 
overthrow of the Commander-in-chief This was called the "Conway 
Cabal." A conspiracy of this kind could not be conducted without 
correspondence, and this made discovery almost inevitable. Through- 
out the countrj' the cabal aroused universal indignation. In the midst 
of these troubles Washington had the satisfaction of knowing that the 
best men of the coimtry were his warm frietids, and he also perceived 



TATTERED CONQUERORS. 36'/ 

that in spite of their privations the army was growing in effectiveness. 
This was due largely to William \'on Steuben, the Prussian general, 
who has been mentioned before. He had been with Frederick the 
Great, and understood the management of men thoroughly. He intro- 
duced the Prussian system of minor tactics, and beginning on a small 
scale, he gradually brought the whole army into an admirable state of 
drill. The fact that he had no personal ambition in the matter and 
was moved solely by a sympathy for the soldiers and the cause they 
represented, endeared him to the hearts of the men. He had a quick 
temper and a brusque manner. He swore at the soldiers in German, 
and compelled his aids to swear at them in English. But the men had 
the sense to perceive that what they were learning would make them 
formidable. They saw now, if they had never before, the necessity of 
absolute obedience on the part of the soldier, and that he is valuable 
only when he becomes an unthinking part of a great human machine. 
In the battles which were to come Steuben was remembered with affec- 
tion and tenderness when the men saw the strength they had gained 
under his instruction. Stories of his bluffness, his roughness and his 
profanity were told for long years after with a humor which but illy 
disguised the emotion which the mention of his name awakened. So 
the long months of the winter passed with Washington's men, and mean- 
while, in the North, there were active hostilities. 

Burgoyne, on his return to England after the end of the American 
campaign in Canada, submitted to the ministry' his "Thoughts for con- 
ducting the war from the side of Canada. ' ' His plans were approved, 
and in March of 1777 he was given command of a force. Lieutenant- 
Colonel St. Leger was to assist him by making a diversion on the 
Mohawk river. The Governor of Canada was order.ed to give all the 
assistance possible by adding Canadians and Indians to the expeditions. 
'But the Canadians were more than indifferent; they were disinclined to 
the service. It was a matter which did not concern them, and in which 
they would have preferred to take no part. With the Indians, a^ can 
easily be imagined, it was quite different. But Burgoyne was seriously 
criticised, even in England, for the use of these savages in honorable 
warfare. The plan of the campaign was for Burgoyne to get possession 
of Albany, control the Hudson river, co-operate with Howe, and allow 
that general to act with his whole force southward; in short, to divide 
New England from the other States, and thus make their reduction 
easier. But through a very slight accident, which, however, was not 
slight m its consequence. General Howe was not informed of these 



368 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

plans at all. Burgoyne landed with his eight thousand men off St. 
John's river, with the finest artiller\' train in America. Under him 
was a corps of successful officers. An English fleet was put upon Lake 
Champlain, consisting of nine vessels, carrying one hundred and forty- 
three giins and manned by one hundred and forty seamen. 

On the 17th of June Burgoyne prepared for an attack against Ticon- 
deroga. The river of St. John being the outlet of Lake Champlain, he 
had easily moved down to the western shore of the lake, and arrayed 
himself before the fort. Ticonderoga was still thought to be the key to 
the northern colonies, and the Hnglish believed its reduction to be 
necessar)-. The Americans were confident of holding the fort. General 
Arthur St. Clair, of Pennsylvania, was in command of the post with a 
force of three thousand men. Major-General Schuyler, who at this 
time had chaige of the northern department, hastened to strengthen the 
chain of posts from Ticonderoga to the Hudson and Albany. St. 
Clair's force was too small to cover every explored point, and to save 
some of his out-post detachments, he withdrew them. One of the posts 
which he was forced to abandon was Mount Hope. This the English 
General, Frazer, took possession of with heavy guns, and cut off the 
communication of the Americans with Lake George. But this was a 
little matter compared with an unexpected move on the part of the 
British, which amazed and dismayed the Americans. South of Ticon- 
deroga was a steep wooded height, which rose more than six hundred 
feet above the level of the lake. This was Sugar Loaf Mountain. It 
overlooked every fortified elevation in the vicinity, but had always been 
neglected in former wars because it was thought to be inaccessible. 
Burgoyne had with him engineers of ambition and skill, who secretly 
made a path up which the artillery could be drawn to the top, and one 
morning the American garrison, awoke to find the best guns of the 
English army frowning down upon them. St. Clair had but one; 
chance of saving his garrison and that was by leaving the fort secretly 
at night. On the 6th of July, at 3 o'clock in the morning, the 
troops marched out of the Ticonderoga forts and moved towards 
Castleton, thirty miles southeast. The guns had been spiked, the tents 
struck, the women and the sick sent hours before up the lake with the 
stores, and all would have gone well if some one had not been foolish 
enough to set fire to one of the houses. By the light of the blaze the 
English saw the Americans retreating, and started immediately in 
pursuit. All the next day St. Clair retreated through the woods and on 
the morning of the 7th was attacked. He met with a heavy loss and 



TATTERED CONQUERORS. 369 

was obliged to retreat. Forty of his men were killed and three hundred 
and fifty wounded or taken prisoners. General St. Clair made a 
circuitous march of more than one hundred miles and reached Fort 
Edward with the remainder of his army. 

Throughout the colonies there was a feeling of deep chagrin which, 
to tell the truth, was out of proportion with the disaster. In England 
there was rejoicing as ill-proportioned. There was no question, of 
course, but that the condition of the northern army was serious. All 
the troops that General Schuyler could muster at Fort Edward by the 
middle of July were barely five thousand. He called for assistance, and 
Washington sent him two brigades of Morgan's splendid riflemen, 
besides tents, ammunition and guns, which he could but illy spare from 
his own arlny. General Benedict Arnold and General Lincoln, of 
Massachusetts, were ordered to report to Schuyler. Burgoyne, for 
some reason, was slow in moving, and these reinforcements had time to 
reach Fort Edward without interruption. In all, the American army 
at the north numbered six thousand, two-thirds of whom were Conti- 
nentals, fairly armed. When Burgoyne' s soldiers began their march, 
they found that the roads had been torn up, trees felled across them, all 
the bridges destroyed, and the cattle driven off. Their provisions were 
tardy, and the month of July had almost passed before they reached the 
river at Fort Edward. -. On the 22d Schuyler abandoned this fort and 
took a better position on Moses' creek, three miles below. Being 
threatened here, he fell back from one point to another until he reached 
Von Schaick's Island, where the Mohawk runs into the Hudson. 
Burgoyne' s plan of the campaign, as has been said before, was to send 
two forces southward. One of these was to march through the Mohawk 
valley to Albany and join the main body. This was composed of 
eighteen hundred men, under St. Leger. These reached the vicinity of 
an old fortification on the Mohawk river, known as Fort Schuyler. St. 
Leger demanded surrender but was promptly refused. The people of 
the valley were patriotic, and at the first alarm the militia had turned 
out eight hundred in number and hurried to the relief of the garrison, 
which was composed of seven hundred and fifty New York and 
Massachusetts Continental troops, under Colonel Gansevoort. At the 
head of the militia was General Nicholas Herkimer, a sturdy German, 
who had been so warm in his defence of the popular cause that his 
leadership alone gave courage to the people of the valley. He sent 
word to Gansevoort of his approach, and suggested that the garrison 
should meet him at an appointed place. But St. Leger heard of 



37° THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

Herkimer's approach and intercepted him. Herkimer was marching 
carelessly through the IMohawk valley where the river bends frequently 
and the ground is broken with ravines, when he found himself 
surrounded by Indians and Englishmen in ambush. The Americans 
had entered well into the defile near Oriskany, where they were quite 
at the mercy of the enemy. Herkimer was mortally wounded at the 
beginning of the engagement, but he seated himself upon his saddle at 
the foot of a tree, lit his pipe, and determining to die as slowly as 
possible, gave his orders. No fight of the revolution was more 
desperate. For a large part of the time it consisted of hand-to-hand 
struggles, in which the men fought with knives, tomahawks, swords 
and spears. The fight lasted for five hours, till the ground was covered 
with the dead and wounded, nearly two hundred being killed on each 
side. At length help came to the Americans. Gansevoort had been 
reached by a messenger and sent out a sortie, composed of two hundred 
and fifty New York and Massachusetts men, under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Willett, of New York. This party rushed into the enemy's camp, 
where only a few troops had been left in charge, capturing baggage, 
stores, papers and flags and drawing the attention of the enemy away 
from Herkimer's hard-pressed forces. The Indians were frightened 
and soon retreated. This weakened the British so that they had no 
choice but to follow. St. Leger did not, however, give up the siege of 
the fort until news reached him of Arnold's approach, when the Indian 
allies compelled him to abandon the siege. 

This was the first check to Burgoyne's plans. The hatred of him 
among the Americans had increased a thousand fold. His cruelty in 
employing the Indians was everywhere condemned. The fate of Jane 
McCrae was quoted as an example of the horrors which Indian alliance 
involved. She was a young woman, beautiful and gently reared, 
affianced at the time of her death to a young loyalist officer. She was 
killed while in the hands of two Indians, and her long hair was after- 
wards shown at Burgoyne's headquarters. People chose to believe that 
she was killed by the Indians, but in fact she was killed by her friends, 
the American soldiers, who were firing upon a party of Indians who had 
captured Miss McCrae and a friend with whom she was staying, Mrs. 
McNeal. Miss McCrae was buried by the soldiers who had attempted 
her rescue and heedlessly caused her death. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Burgoyne's "Expedition from Canada." 
Biography — Spark's "Life ot Allen." 



CHAPTER LIX. 



OUI 



00m. 



THE RAID OX BENNINGTON — GENERAL GATES GIVEN COMMAND AT 
THE NORTH — THE BATTLE OF FREEMAN'S FARM — 
BATTLE OF BEMUS HEIGHTS — SURREN- 
DER OF BURGOYNE. 



JRGOYNE, moving his main column with slow, 
military' precision, was in great need of stores, and 
was delighted when he learned that abont twenty- 
five miles east of his line of march, at Bennington, 
in the New Hampshire grants, was a depot of 
horses and stores, which the Americans had established 
To marcli against this store-house was, therefore, his 
intention, and he appointed for the leader of the raid 
Lieutenant-Colonel Baume, a trusted German officer. 
Under him was a select corps, five hundred strong, and a 
party of loyalist rangers. About one hundred Indians 
joined the column also. Baume started out on the 
eleventh of August, and on the afternoon of the 
thirteenth, then sixteen miles distant from his starting 
point, wrote to Burgoyne that the rebels were now aware of the expe- 
dition, but that the Tories all about the country were flocking in to him. 
He complained that the Indians were uncontrollable, and added that he 
had learned that the strength of the American militia at Bennington 
was about eight hundred. Burgoyne concluded, on receiving this 
niformation, that it would be best to reinforce Baume, and on the 
fifteenth sent forward Colonel Breyman and his five hundred Brunswick 
chasseurs. It was true that Burgoyne' s approach had been learned of 
by the ' 'rebels. ' ' They had risen with their usual promptititde, and at 
their head was General Stark, who, at the time of the Boston fight, had 
gathered the farmers of the country around him and hastened to the 
rescue. At Bunker Hill, and at Trenton, he had done brave work, and 
now the whole region was read\- to answer to his call. The State 




372 THE STORY OV AMERICA. 

ordered out the militia, and gave Stark the command. His brigade 
consisted of fifteen hundred militia. To these were added companies of 
"Green Mountain Boys," which swelled the entire force to about 
twenty-two hundred. These hastened to Bennington, many of thenj 
marching by night in a severe rain. B\- the sixteenth, Stark was 
ready to attack Baume's main body. There is a story that as the 
general came in sight of the enemy he cried: "See there, my men; 
ihere are the red coats; before night they are ours, or Mollie Stark is a 
widow." The fight lasted for two hours, and the British were finally 
forced to give wa)-. No road of escape was left open to them, and the 
entire body surrendered. Baume was mortally wounded. The Ameri- 
can militia-men, in great exultation, scattered over the abandoned camp 
for the purpose of plundering it. By this greed and disorder they came 
near losing all the advantage the\- had gained, for the}' were surprised 
by Colonel Breyman with his reinforcements, and it was only by the 
promptest action of the American officers that the English were driven 
back. When night fell, it was certain that the Americans had gained a 
signal victory. The)' had taken four cannon and nearly seven hundred 
prisoners, with but a small loss to themselves. This was known as the 
Battle of Bennington. This success at the north reanimated the spirits 
of the colonies. Volunteers hastened northward to swell the victorious 
army there. General Gates was given command of the northern 
department, in the place of Schuj'ler, and the former general reaped 
the credit of all the work Schuyler had done. Gates moved the camp 
from the mouth of the Mohawk, and took possession of Bemus Heights, 
twenty-five miles north of Albau)-. This site was commanding, and 
capable of easy defense, and, under the direction of Kosciusko, was 
strengthened by a line of breastworks and redoubts. This post held the 
road to Albany, and to reach that town Burgoyne must first overcome 
this obstacle. The British were still annoyed by lack of supplies, but 
it was necessary that the)- should push on, and the}' hastened to attack 
the Americans on Bemus Heights as soon as possible. 

Gates had about nine thousand men. His position was excellent. 
Upon the right was the Hudson; on the left, ridges and thick woods; in 
front, a ravine and abattis. Commanding with Gates was a large 
number of efficient officers, among them Arnold, and Colonel Daniel 
Morgan of Virginia, with his famous rifle corps. On the eighteenth there 
was a skirmish, in which a number of Englishmen, who were gathering 
potatoes, were killed or captured. On the nineteenth, work began in 
good earnest. Burgo}'ne mo\'ed upon Gates in three large columns. 



"ELBOW ROOM." 373 

Gates hastened to send out Arnold and Morgan to meet him. The 
battle ground was interspersed with thick woods, occasional clearings, 
and ravines. With such protection the lines were able to approach 
within close range. The fight was a long and serious one; now one 
side and now the other fell back. A number of the American com- 
manders lost half of the men in their force. The English had four 
pieces of artillery on the ground, but the Americans had none. A partv 
of New Hampshire men charged upon and seized a twelve-pounder. 
They were driven from it by a larger body of the enemy, but secured it 
a second time, and were again forced back. Private Thomas Haynes, 
of Concord, sat astride the muzzle of a piece when the enemy came up, 
and killed two men with his bayonet before a bullet struck him. The 
fierceness of the struggle can be imagined when it is known that thirty- 
six out of the forty-eight British gunners were either killed or wounded. 
The firing ceased at sunset. The Americans withdrew their fortified 
lines and the enemy held the field. Neither side were victorious, but 
Burgoyne had received his second check. The engagement was known 
as the battle of Freeman's Farm. 

The British fortified the ground which they held, and rested there 
for eighteen days. In the meantime, reinforcements came to Gates. 
General Stark threatened Burgoyne's communication with the north, 
and Colonel John Brown, with five hundred men, had made a dash at 
Ticonderoga and taken prisoners and guns. Burgoyne's constant hope 
was to join the main body under Howe, and thus force Gates to fall 
back. By the 2ist of September he received word that Sir Henr}- 
Clinton had been sent from Howe's army with an expedition which 
would sail up the Hudson for the purpose of taking the forts near West 
Point, thus creating a diversion in Burgoyne's favor. Clinton succeeded 
in doing as he desired, and carried both Forts Montgomen,- and Clinton 
by assault. The American loss was about three hundred, of whom 
• sixty or seventy were killed or wounded. The British dismantled the 
forts, burned two American frigates and laid a village in ashes. General 
Putnam, who was in command of the Americans at that point, retreated 
farther up the river and attacked the post at Fishkill. Clinton then 
returned to New York. 

This had not been of such marked relief to Burgoyne as he had 
hoped. The American lines were closing about him. He was short of 
provisions, and he found his Indian allies restless. It was necessary for 
him to either advance or retreat, and it was more in keeping with his 
character to do the first. With his best generals, he took position on 



374 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Open ground within a mile of the American lines, sending an advance 
around to reach the American rear. Gates was quick and cordial in his 
response, sending out Morgan, with his riflemen, to begin the work. 
Hardly an hour passed after the British gave battle before their whole 
line was retiring in disorder. The success of the day had largely been 
due to the efibrts of Arnold. There were many jealousies and enmities 
in the northern division, and Arnold's impassioned and overbearing 
disposition had brought him into disgrace. Gates had taken his 
command from him and told him to remain in his tent, but when he 
heard the firing upon the field and saw how the American lines wavered 
for a time, he rushed out and took command of first one corps and then 
another, rousing the troops to enthusiasm. Gates sent a messenger 
ordering him to leave the field, but Arnold succeeded in avoiding him, 
and continued to cheer on the men who followed wherever he led. 
Even when the English were driven to their intrenchments, and the 
twilight had deepened almost to darkness, Arnold and Morgan broke 
through the lines and works and forced the Hessians to abandon their 
position. In this last charge Arnold was wounded. Congress promoted 
him to the rank of Major-General. The American loss had been small, 
but the English had lost many men as well as one of their best generals, 
and altogether the defeat of the English was decisive. Burgoyne 
retreated to Saratoga and encamped at the north side of the Fishkill. 
Gates followed him and made such a disposition of his troops as to 
surround him. His line of retreat was severed; he was threatened in 
the rear, and had but five days rations in the camp. Under the 
circumstances there was little choice but for him to make proposals for 
surrender. These he sent to the American commander, who agreed 
that the British anny should march out with all the honors of war and 
have free passage to England, upon condition of not serving again 
during the war. The surrender included five thousand seven hundred 
and sixty-three officers and men. On the 17th of October the army 
laid down their arms in the presence of two majors of General Gates' 
staff". For several days after, Burgoj'ue and his officers were entertained 
courteously by Gates and his staff". In England, Burgoyne was severely 
blamed for a blunder in which the ministry should have taken the blame 
to themselves. Congress presented Gates a medal for accomplishing 
what, up to this time, was the most important event of the war. 

FOR FURTHER READING; 
History— Burgoyne's "Orderly Book." 

Felton's "Journal of American Rcvolutiou." 
Biography— Spark's "Life of Stark." 
F.XTiON — Cooper'.s "Chain-Bearer.' 



CHAPTER LX. 



Snltra anb ffiuska). 



EVACUATION OF PHILADELPHIA BY THE BRITISH — THE BATTLE OF 
MONMOUTH COURT HOUSE — FIRING OF BEDFORD AND 
FAIR HAVEN THE WYOMING MAS- 
SACRE WARFARE IN 

y^J THE WEST. 



. HE British forces had occupied Philadelphia for 
more than eight months with a force much larger 
than Washington's, but they had failed to estab- 
lish themselves in the State at large. Early in the 
summer of 1778 they received orders to return tc 
New York, for the concentration of their forces had 
become necessary. On June i8tli they began to 
move, and were soon ferried across the river and marching 
northward through the Jerseys. Howe had been relieved 
and Sir Henry Clinton had the command. The train 
was composed of fourteen thousand effective men and the 
provision train was eight or ten miles long. The heat 
was intense, the roads bad, and during the long march to 
) New York between six and eight hundred Hessians 
deserted. As soon as Washington heard of Clinton's 
start he broke camp at Valley Forge and sent his men forward to 
destroy bridges and delay the enemy. On the 21st the Americans 
crossed the Delaware and on the 28th struck the rear of Clinton's 
columns, bringing about the battle of Monmouth Court House. General 
Steuben himself had reconnoitred the enemy the day before. Lafayette, 
Green and Lee were given commands. The night before the 28th several 
hundred men were moved up closer to the enemy, where they could be 
in position to watch their movements in the morning. As soon as Clin- 
ton's troops were set in motion Washington sent word to Lee to hasten 
operations and force an engagement. The main army moved forward 
to support the advance corps. Lee was thrown into confusion by con- 




376 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

flicting reports, and it was 9 o'clock in the morning before he was 
assured that the British were realh- continuing their march. The 
opportunity for attack, according to Washington's plan, was lost. A 
second skirmish took place between detachments of both armies, the 
Americans gaining the advantage. 

At this stage of the conflict Lee sent orders to Wayne to move to 
the right and capture the enemy's rear guard. This looked like a 
retreat to the rest of the commanders, and they left their positions and 
fell back some distance, when Lee sent his tardy orders to stand fast. 
By this time the entire division was in retreat. This the British saw 
and were not slow to take advantage of Lee watched his detachments 
retreat across the ravine and then, seeing that they were safe, followed 
them, to find that Washington had come up with the main army and 
taken command himself In a moment the atmosphere changed. The 
vacillation of the troops was gone, and they responded to the command 
of Washington's vigorous leadership. The Commander-in-chief ordered 
the nearest officers to hold the ground, while he formed the main army. 
The retreating troops were quick to join those in position. When Lee, 
last of all, came across the ravine, Washington met him and reproached 
him in terms as angry as they were justifiable. Lee's militar\' career 
was practically ended. He was soon after brought to trial before a 
court-martial, found guilty of disobedience to orders, misbehavior before 
the enemy, disrespect to the Commander-in-chief, and was sentenced to 
suspension from command for a year. The British soon advanced, but 
the Continentals stood finn, and Lafayette prevented Clinton from 
deflanking the position. Not until 5 o'clock in the afternoon did the 
British fall back. The loss was about three hundred and fift}- on each 
side. Clinton marched on to New York without further interruption, 
Washington following him. The Americans encamped upon White 
Plains, where they could watch the enemy. Late in July the Count 
D'Estaing arrived from France with a squadron of twelve ships, carrying 
four thousand troops. This fleet was intended for the relief of Phila- 
delphia, but did not reach the Delaware until that city had been evacu- 
ated. It finally put in at Newport, and at its approach twenty-one 
English vessels were burned to avoid capture. The Continentals had 
been in great hopes that D'Estaing would put in at the harbor of New 
York, but he claimed that the water there was not sufficient. Not a 
little dissatisfaction was felt, but this was soon forgotten in a determina- 
tion to be grateful for his aid. It was decided that the French and 
American armies were to co-operate in an attack upon Newport, where 



SABRE AND MUSKET. 3;- 

General Pigot was stationed with six thousand British and Hessians. 
There were ten thousand Continentals in Rhode Island, under the 
command of Sullivan. Sullivan agreed with D'Estaing that an attack 
should be made on August loth, but he moved before that date and 
neglected to inform the French commander of his change of purpose. 
On the 9th, when the French were ready to co-operate, a fleet of 
thirty-six vessels, under Lord Howe, appeared at sea, and D'Estaing 
re-embarked his men and put out after them, but no battle followed, for 
the fleets were overtaken by a terrible storm which scattered them. 
Sullivan thought best to push on, even without the French troops. He 
forced the enemy to withdraw within their lines of intrenchment, 
covered his own men with earthworks, and waited for D'Estaing' s 
return. The French commander, instead of returning, went to Boston 
to have his fleet repaired. It was a bitter disappointment to the Conti- 
nentals. Sullivan was doubtful about the safety of attacking under the 
circumstances, for D'Estaing steadily refused to separate his men from 
the ships. But on the 29th an engagement took place, which was 
provoked by Sullivan. In the end the Americans were driven from 
their positions, though with a loss of only one-fifth as large as that sus- 
tained by the British. On the following day Sullivan learned that 
Pigot was to be reinforced by Clinton with five thousand men, and he 
therefore began a hasty retreat across the country'. Clinton finding 
there were no soldiers to fight, set fire to New Bedford and Fair Haven 
and all the vessels at their wharves. Howe sailed to Boston and chal- 
lenged D' Estaing to battle, but he was not yet ready for sea, and when 
his fleet was at length refitted he sailed for the West India station 
without any further effort to help the American cause. 

While these hostilities were being conducted along the coast, in the 
west the Tories and the Indians were still keeping up frequent though 
irregular hostilities. In the battle of Oriskany, the year before, more 
than one hundred Indians had been slain, and in the tribes of the Si.K 
Nations there was a thirst for revenge. Joseph Brant was the most 
influential of all their chiefs. He had been educated among the whites, 
and having naturally an active mind and a savage nature, was now a 
most formidable leader. He was attached to the Tory interest of cen- 
tral New York by a sort of relationship with Sir William Johnson. 
The Tories did not disdain to use him as one of their chief allies, and 
among the Whigs he was dreaded without measure. From July to 
November of 1778, a merciless warfare was kept up by the Tories and 
Indians on the defenseless Whigs. Tne warfare extended all along the 



37^ THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

valley of the Susquehanna, northward through the west of Albany. 
Villages were burned, and men, women and children murdered. 
Toward the last of June two forts were taken at Wyoming, and many of 
the inhabitants of the valley were obliged to fly for their lives to Fort 
Forty. Colonel Zebulon Butler had command of the garrison here, 
and foolishly moved out against the Tories and Indians, who had a 
much larger force than he. All but sixty of his three hundred men 
were killed. As the news of this terrible massacre spread through the 
valley, the people fled from their homes to the woods and mountains, 
or sought protection at Fort Wyoming. In a little while this fort was 
also surrendered on a promise that the settlers should be permitted to 
return to their farms. But, as might have been expected, this promise 
Avas broken and many of the farmers, with their wives and children, were 
slain. About this time Joseph Brant had entered the settlement of 
Springfield, at Oswego Lake, and burnt every house in the village 
except one, in which he had had the humanity to place the women and 
children. Two months later Brant, with a large body of followers, 
destroyed the settlement of German Flats, in the valley of the Mohawk. 
For ten miles not a house or field was left unmolested. Earlj- in 
November a terrible fate overtook Cherry Valley, a village remarkable 
for the refinement and virtue of its inhabitants. The people were 
staunch patriots, and were, therefore, sure targets for Tory vengeance. 
Nearly fifty persons were killed here in -the course of one day, and all 
but sixteen were women and children. The fort was not taken, but 
most of the buildings in the village were burned. 

Still farther west the warfare was waged as mercilessly. The terri- 
tory which is now the States of Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky was 
then thinly settled with pioneers. It was three years since Daniel 
Boone had blazed a trace in the wilderness west of Virginia. The men 
who followed him were among the bravest and most enduring of 
the nation. Hunting and fighting were necessary to their bare 
existence. Their deeds of endurance and fortitude are among the 
most romantic tales of histor)'. They had settled, unfortunately, upon 
what was considered the common hunting grounds of both the northern 
and southern Indians, and the savages naturally resented the encroach- 
ment upon their lands. The terrible disasters which overtook the 
pioneers of that region caused it to be called "the Dark and Bloody 
Ground." The English added fuel to their hatred, and many of the 
expeditions against the unfortunate settlers were inspired at Detroit, 
Vincennes and Kaskaskia by the commanders of the garrisons there. 



SABRE AXD MUSKET. 379, 

Colonel George Rogers Clark, one of the hardy pioneers of Kentucky, 
determined to strike at the source of this mischief Patrick Henry, 
who was then Governor of Virginia, gave him aid, and Clark got. 
together a band of one hundred and fifty men, and in May, 1778, went 
down the Ohio. At Corn Island, by the falls of the Ohio, he built a 
block-house as a depot for provisions, and leaving five men in chaige, 
went on with his force, which had now increased a little. While he 
was gone, these five men built cabins where Louisville now stands. He 
left his boat at the mouth of the Tennessee and marched across to Kas- 
kaskia. Here he surrounded and took the town. He sent the 
Governor to Virginia, and exacted an oath of allegiance to the United 
States from the people. Cahokia was soon taken in the same manner, 
and after that Vincennes, on the Wabash. It was in the autumn of 
1778 that the county of Illinois was first recognized and a civil com- 
mandant appointed. Governor Hamilton, of Detroit, soon recovered 
Vincennes, where Clark had left only two men in the fort. Hamilton 
was not aware of this fact, and approached with eight hundred men, 
demanding a surrender. The captain refused till he knew the lerms. 
Hamilton conceded the honors of war, and the captain and his one man 
marched out with dignity between the surprised columns of the enemy. 
Late the following winter Clark marched from Kaskaskia throvigh the 
swamps of that country- and retook the fort. Hamilton was sent as a 
prisoner of war to Virginia. The Indians, who were always anxious to- 
be on the strongest side, now became the friends of the Americans. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 

History— Moore's "Treason of Charles Lee." 
Biography— Abbott's 'Life of Boone." 
Stone's "Life of Brant." 
Fiction— H. Peterson's "Pemberton." 
Poetry— Hopkinson's "Battle of the Kegs." 

Campbell's "Gertrude of 'Wyoming." 

William Collins' "MoUie Pitcher at Monmouth." 



ch.\pti;r lxi. 



,b 



m mmmt 



!]|^it]^arit/' 



BRITISH REDUCTION' OF GEORGIA — THE DESTRUCTION OF NEW 

HAVEX — THE AMERICANS CAPTURE STONY POINT — 

THE GREAT NAVAL ENGAGEMENT OF 

JOHN PAUL JONES. 



OWARD the close of the year the war drifted to 
the South. The ministry of England still held 
that the southern colonies ought to be, and could 
be, subdued. Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell was 
sent, with two thousand men, to reduce Savannah. 
There were twelve or fifteen hundred Continent- 
als at that place, under the command of General 
Robert Howe, of North Carolina. He was well situated, 
witli a lagoon in front, a morass on the right and the 
swamps of the river on the left. The works of the town 
were in his rear and he thought himself safe, but Campbell 
discovered a path through the swamps, which had been 
left unguarded. A detachment, led by a negro, went over 
this path and turned Howe's right. At the same time an 
attack was made in front, and the Americans beat a confused retreat 
into the town, losing over five htmdred in killed and as prisoners, as 
well as baggage and artillen,-. In a short time Campbell was in 
possession of Augusta, and the people of Georgia were obliged to 
acknowledge royal rule. Throughout Georgia and the other southern 
colonies there had been a fierce jjartisan warfare. Nowhere else in the 
colonies had there been neighborhood feuds as bitter as in those vStates. 
The loyal and patriot parties were about equally divided all through 
the South, and first one and then the other would be in the ascendancy. 
As soon as Campbell took Augusta a company of Tories assembled for 
the purpose of joining him, but they were intercepted by a band of 
Whigs. Seventy men were captured, tried for treason, and five of them 





THE ASSAULT ON STONY POINT. 



THE "BON HOMME RICHARD." 383 

were hanged. In March, 1779, five hundred North Carolina militia 
were ordered to move down the Savannah towards the enemy, who had 
left Augusta. The Patriots were surprised by the Tories, two hundred 
men killed or wounded and the rest frightened into dispersing with as 
much speed as possible. Occurrences of this sort were not unfrequent. 
A party feeling existed everywhere, and neighbors whose plantations 
adjoined each other waged as bitter war against one another as if they 
had been denizens of different countries. The militia could not be 
relied on, for they were likely at any time to leave their duties and 
hasten home to the protection of their households against private 
enemies. 

By the nth of May the English commander was before Charleston 
and summoned it to surrender. This Moultrie and the other military 
leaders would not consent to, and in the engagement which followed 
the English were obliged to move back upon Savannah. In the course 
of the summer General Clinton sent down several expeditions for the 
purpose of harassing the people. Along the Virginian coast many 
merchant vessels were burned and large quantities of provisions 
destroyed. General Tr>^on landed at New Haven on the 5th of July 
with three thousand men. The move was an unexpected one, and 
there were no soldiers to oppose him. But the people armed, and the 
Yale students formed themselves into a military company, Dr. 
Daggett, the president of the college, sending his daughter to a place of 
safety and then shouldering his musket to fight with his pupils. He 
was, unfortunately, taken prisoner. The inhabitants did all that they 
could to check the progress of the enemy, but the Hessian and British 
soldiers filled the town and indulged in every sort of outrage. The 
houses were robbed, the men murdered and a scene of debauchery and 
cruelty followed which was a disgrace to civilized soldiers. Norwalk 
and Green's Farms were visited next and treated in the same manner. 

Washington had placed his force so as to cover West Point. He 
had recovered Stony Point, which Clinton had taken from him but a 
short time previous. The attack for recovery was made at midnight on 
July 15th. Every soldier had a badge of white paper fastened to his 
hat, that he might be distinguished from the enemy. Each man was 
to shout, "The fort is our own," as he entered the works. Between 
the point and the mainland was a neck, which, at the hour of the 
attack, was covered by the tide about two feet deep. While crossing 
this, fire was opened upon the Americans from the guns. The 
Americans had been ordered by Anthony Wayne, who led them, not to 



384 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

fire, but to depend entirely on their bayonets. The English stood by 
their guns crying, "Come on, ye damned rebels, come on," to which 
Wayne's men cheerfully responded, "Don't be in such a hurry, my lads; 
we will be with you presently" — and they were, although they had to 
scramble up the steep ascent and over the abatis with the English fire 
upon them. The attack was one of those impetuous ones which none 
could lead so successfully as "Mad Anthony Wayne." He was struck 
in the forehead with a ball, but insisted on being carried into the fort 
by his men. The entire capture had not taken more than half an hour, 
and by i-t the Americans gained nearly fifteen hundred prisoners, fifteen 
pieces of cannon, and large quantities of stores and ammunition. 
This defeat delayed Clinton's advance and caused him to postpone 
indefinitely the movement upon Connecticut. 

A little later than this he met with another surprise in the loss of 
the post at Paulus Hook, now Jersey City. On the igtli of August, 
Major Henry Lee, with five companies of southern troopers, carried 
the place by assault without firing a shot. The)- were hotly pursued, 
but took one hundred and fifty prisoners with them in safety. Clinton 
sent out a naval expedition in August, which had an engagement near 
the mouth of the Penobscot, in which they were successful. In this 
affair the American colonists showed a lack of courage and judgment. 

Not more than a month after this. General Paul Jones fought his 
great battle upon the sea. It was the most important event of the year, 
and indeed one of the most remarkable battles which ever took place 
upon the ocean. The contest upon the sea up to this time had been 
barely respectable. It was mostly a warfare of privateers, with plunder 
for its aim. Congress had been anxious for a navy, and had made all 
the eflForts possible for establishing one. But their means were limited, 
and the work had been left mostly to the small frigates and privateering 
vessels, who, in their way, did not a little work for the Revolution. 
In the year 1777 two hundred and fifty British vessels were captured by 
American cruisers before the ist of February. By the end of that year 
the number taken was four hundred and sixty-seven. The most 
successful of all the seamen was Paul Jones. All along the English 
coast he was held in terror and dread. To him the King of France 
gave an old Indiaman, fitted out as a man-of-war. This Paul Jones 
named the Bo7t Homme Richard. This cruised along the west coast of 
Ireland and the north of Scotland for more than a month, with two 
consorts, the Alliance and the Paulus. On the 2 2d of February they 
came in sight of a fleet of merchantmen under convoy of two frigates. 



THE "BON HOMME RICHARD." 385 

One of these, the Serapis^ carried fifty guns, the other, the Counless of 
Scarhoroughy carried twenty-two. Jones gave the signal for pursuit as 
they were off Flaniborough Head, on the coast of Yorkshire. He was 
not altogether in good condition for fight, for his crew had been reduced 
to man prizes, and hi;; prisoners were two-thirds as numerous as his 
remaining crew. Besides, the Serapis was a new frigate. She had 
twenty guns on each of her decks, main and upper, and ten lighter ones 
on her quarter deck and forecastle. The Richard had only six guns on 
her lower deck, which were all on the same side. Above these, on the 
main deck, were fourteen gims on each side. She had a high quarter 
and forecastle, with eight guns on these, and was of old-fashioned 
build, with a high poop, so that her lower deck was but little below 
her antagonist's main deck. It was after stmset, and a full moon had 
arisen, when the Richard came within hail of the Serapis. Captain 
Pearson, of the latter frigate, spoke the Richard twice. For answer 
Jones opened fire. Unfortunately, at the ver)- first, two heav}- guns on 
the lower deck burst. Many of the men were killed by the explosion. 
The rest went up to the main deck. The Serapis responded to the fire 
immediately. Jones pushed up closer, and as the heavy vessels swung 
arotmd, the jib-boom of the Serapis ran into the niizzen rigging of the 
Richard. Jones himself fastened the vessels together, and one of the 
anchors of the Serapis catight the quarter of the Richard., lashing them 
fast. The Serapis was so close to her antagonist that she could not 
open her ports on the starboard side, and her first shots were fired 
through her own port lids to free her guns. The fire from the main 
deck of the Serapis, while it badly injured the Richard, had but little 
effect upon the men, who, as has been said, deserted the lower deck, 
where the cannonading did most execution, at the beginning. The 
upper ginis of the Richard, of course, hung over the Serapis, as the 
former vessel had greatly the advantage of height. Muskets were little 
used, for it was night and clouds of smoke enveloped the vessels. At 
length, after two hours of about equal fighting, the men in the 
Ri.liard^s tops began throwing hand-grenades upon the deck of the 
Serapis, and one sailor, who had worked himself out to the end of the 
main yard with a bucket filled with grenades, lighted them one by one 
and threw them down the hatchway of tlie Serapis. They fell among 
a row of eighteen-pounder cartridges. The row was lighted, and in the 
explosion which followed, twenty men were blown to pieces. Many 
others were frightfully burned. Some of them were stripped naked, 
leaving nothing but the collars of their sliirts and their wrist-bands 



3^6 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

upon them. This roused them to desperation, and they made an 
attempt to board the Richard. They were met by Jones with a spike 
in his hand at the head of his men. The English were forced to fall 
back. At half past ten, Pearson, of the Serapis, struck his colors, but 
the fight was so equal that the men upon the Richard hardly knew, 
when the cry "they have struck" came, whether it was Pearson or 
Jones who had yielded. There is a story that when Pearson delivered 
his sword to Jones he said : ' 'I cannot, sir, but feel much mortification 
at the idea of surrendering my sword to a man who has fought me with 
a rope around his neck." Naturally this reproach did not in the least 
discomfort Jones. He returned the sword courteously, saying, "You 
have fought gallantly, sir, and I hope your King will give you a better 
ship." When Jones heard afterward that Pearson had been knighted 
for his intrepid action, he remarked: "He deserved it, and if I fall in 
with him again I will make a lord of him." When morning dawned 
the Richard was found to be sinking. The fires on her had not been 
put out, and she had been sadly torn to pieces. The wounded were, 
therefore, removed to the Serapis and were followed by the crew, who 
watched the gallant ^zV/zar^f sink to the bottom. The King of France 
presented Jones a sword, and Congress gave him a vote of thanks. 
Jones' action was the last important one between the English and the 
American ships in tLe war. The French fleet was relieving the 
American government from the expense of maintaining a navy. For 
the most part the naval actions during the remainder of the war were 
between privateers, of which there were a large number. 

FOR FURTHER READING; 
History — Tarleton's "Histon,- of the Southern Campaign.*' 
Lee's "War in the "Southern Department." 
Hawk's "Revolutionarj' History- of North Carolioa." 
Drajlon's "Revolution "in the CaroUnas" 
Biography— McKenzie's "Paul Jones." 
Fiction— Cooper's "The Pilot." 

T. Mirgge's "Paul Jones." 

A. Cunningham's "Paul Jones." 

Dumas' "Captain Paul." 




c/^^ja^Xj /u^^-^t-u) 



CHAPTER LXII. 



)}p jlir Tlalians. 



EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIX NATIONS — THE CIVILIZATION OF THE 
INDIANS — HUMILIATION OF THE SIX NATIONS — EXPE- 
DITION UP THE MISSISSIPPI FROM LOUIS- 
IANA — TRIUI\[PH OF CLINTON 
IN THE SOUTH. 



i^[-ASHINGTON was opposed to the movement 
fi against Canada. He thought it involved an 
unnecessary waste of lives and money, and it 
seemed to him that the great cause would not be 
materially affected by victor}- in that direction, 
and that the army of the nation, feeble enough at 
best, had need to concentrate its attention upon 
the defense of American homes. The plan of Cana- 
dian conquest had been a favorite one with Congress, 
and they listened to Washington's objections with 
unfeigned irritation. When at length they yielded, 
it was only upon condition that an effort should be 
made to take the British fort at Niagara. This Wash- 
ington did not altogether approve of, but he hoped, by 
sending an expedition against that fort, to severely 
Dunish the Six Nations, from whose atrocities the frontier settlements 
still continued to suffer. Early in 1779, preparations were made for 
carrying the war into Central New York and Western Pennsylvania. 
The command was given to Sullivan. The directions from Wash- 
ington were that he was to seem to have Niagara as his destination, but 
the punishment of the Indians was to be his sole object. These com- 
mands Sullivan followed closely, never approaching within seventy- 
five miles of Fort Niagara. But the spring and the summer passed 
before Sullivan was able to move. Congress showed its usual indif- 
frence, and the men were in no way provisioned for such an expe- 




39° THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

dition. At one time all the officers in the New Jersey brigade sent in 
their resignations. In doing so, not even Washington could accuse 
them of lack of patriotism. Their families were actually suffering for 
the necessities of life, for the soldiers had received no pay for months. 
The officers insisted that they must return to their homes and provide 
for their families. Washington made a protest to the New Jersey legis- 
lature, which brought help for the time being, and the men resumed 
their duties. Before Sullivan could obtain supplies for his men he had 
to indulge in reproaches to Congress which were more candid than 
courteous, and which made him many enemies. 

It was late in August when Sullivan was ready to move. He found 
the enemy in force near Elmira. This force was placed in a position 
protected on two sides by a bend in the river, and strengthened in 
front by a breastwork which was artfully hidden by woods and under- 
brush. Into this ambush it was expected that the American forces 
would march. Joseph Brant led the Indians, and the Butlers, father 
and son, fiercest among the Tories, were the commanders of the loyal 
militia. The Americans knew well that should they fall into the hands 
of such enemies, no quarter would be shown, and in case of defeat, 
victory would be turned into massacre. But this stratagem was not 
successful. A rifleman who had climbed a tall tree discovered the 
whole plan, and by his discovery defeated it. Sullivan had three thou- 
sand men, led by able and experienced officers. He sent a portion of 
his army to face the Indians and force them into fight. Another por- 
tion was sent quietly through woods and swamps for an attack on the 
rear and flank. The enemy was caught in its own trap, and when the 
artillery broke in upon them from the rear, crying, "Remember 
Wyoming!" they took to headlong flight. 

Sullivan's army resumed its march in two days, and for weeks kept 
on its way leaving behind it the most utter desolation. Never before 
had Indians attained such a degree of civilization. They had built 
themselves towns and comfortable log huts, conveniently furnished and 
surrounded by excellent orchards and fields. Sullivan spared none of 
these. His relentless destruction set back the civilization of the Indian 
permanently. Never since, except among the Cherokees, have they 
shown the industry', frugality and self-respect which they did at that 
time. Thousands of fruit-bearing trees were cut down. Two hundred 
bushels of Indian corn and immense quantities of potatoes, beans and 
other products of their farms and gardens were destroyed, as well as 
forty villages. The Indians were left with neither shelter nor food to 



THE SIX NATIONS. 391 

carry them through the winter, which was close at hand, and which 
proved to be one of terrible severity. It was little wonder that when 
any of Sullivan's men fell into their hands they were tortured in that 
manner of ingenious cruelty of which only the savage is capable. Sul- 
livan went as far as the most western settlement of the Six Nations, 
called Seneca Castle. From here he retraced his footsteps, having lost, 
in a long series of encounters, only forty men. Upon rejoining Wash- 
ington's army he resigned his commission. He had done the work 
appointed him and had done it well, but the reproaches which he had 
heaped upon Congress for their neglect of the national army caused 
them to accept his resignation without demur. 

At this time, or a little before, an expedition was undertaken from 
Louisiana, which, in the final settlement between England and the 
United States, probably did more than anything else towards securing 
the territor}' west of the Mississippi to the United States. This expe- 
dition was led by Galvez, the young and ambitious Governor of Louis- 
iana. A declaration of war had been made by Spain against England. 
The bonds of friendship between Spain and the United States were 
therefore strengthened, and Galvez joined with Pollock, the agent of 
Congress, in moving against the British forts, i\Ianchac, Baton Rouge 
and Natchez. They also succeeded in capturing eight English vessels on 
Lake Pontchartrain, and a few months later took Mobile. The following 
year Pensacola, the last post in Florida in British possession, was also 
reduced by Galvez. But for this, in the final adjustment, the United 
States might have been bounded by the Mississippi river on the 
west. 

The war had now lasted for five years. Clinton was stfU of the 
opinion that the quickest way to bring it to an end was to overrun the 
thinly settled southern country and compel the people to swear alle- 
giance to the King. By dividing the L^nion there, it was hoped that 
the rebellion could be suppressed. The national anny was in despair. 
Washington mustered only about fifteen thousand men, and of these not 
more than eleven or twelve thousand were in the ranks. The time was 
approaching when mau)^ of the terms of enlistment would expire. For 
months the pay of the soldiers had not been forthcoming. They were 
often hungr>', all were poorly clothed, and some were actually naked. 
Had it not been for foreign loans, the nation could not have been sus- 
tained. It was this wretched army of half-starved men which Wash- 
ington had to bring against Clinton's well-cared-for troops. A common 
commander would have done one of two things — he would cither have 



392 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

lost heart aud surrendered, or brought on a rash attack to bring an end 
to these desperate straits. But Washington's military genius was equal 
to the occasion. His policy was to watch warily every movement of 
the enemy, to harass, annoy, delay, and to seize those rare opportuni- 
ties where a blow could be struck in safety. Clinton was lacking in 
that energy which sustained Washington, and while it seemed to lie in 
his power to win victor}-, he preferred to remain passive. Clinton 
believed that should he make both the South and North points of 
attack that he could crush either one or the other, for Washington, it 
was obvious, could not divide his forces. Charleston was still in 
possession of the Americans, being held by General Lincoln. The 
Americans were anxious to regain Savannah, and a plan was laid by 
which D'Estaing was to return from the West Indies, join with Lincoln, 
and move upon Savannah for the purpose of recapturing it. They did 
so, and demanded surrender. The answer of Prevost, the commander 
of the fort, was one of defiance. A siege was sustained there for a 
month, but as Prevost showed no signs of yielding, an assault was 
made on October 9th. D'Estaing and Lincoln led the attack with 
their combined force of four thousand men. The French fleet in the 
harbor kept up a cannonading of shot and shell. The English had a 
strong defense, and from behind the abatis and earthworks, kept up a 
murderous fire. The American bravery displayed was superb. Ser- 
geant Jasper, who had restored the flag to its place when it was shot 
down at Fort Moultrie, was killed here in defense of his colors. 
Between eleven and twelve hundred on the American side were killed, 
among them Count Pulaski. The British lost less than fifty. This 
ended the siege of Savannah. The French fleet set sail for the West 
Indies and Lincoln retreated to Charleston. Clinton now resolved upon 
energetic measures for the reduction of the whole South. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Ramsay's "American Revolution in South Carolina." 
Stone's'"Border Wars of the American Revolution." 
"Siege of Savannah." Anon. 



CHAPTER LXIII. 



Worn San /^a %vm\ Tfoui? 



PLANS OF THE TWO ARMIES — SIEGE OF CHARLESTON BY THE ENGLISH 
— CAPTURE OF THE AMERICAN ARMY AT THE SOUTH — 
BURNING OF CONNECTICUT FARMS — ARRI- 
)VAL OF ROCHAMBEAU — TREASON 
''oF GENERAL ARNOLD. 

HE winter of 1779-80 was one of great severity. 
The sufferings of the American army at Morris- 
town were almost unendurable, and even the 
English, in their comfortable quarters at New 
York, were not a little annoyed by the extreme 
cold. The English constantly expected an attack, 
-^ for the ice was so solid that the town could be easily 
approached. Lord Stirling led his Continentals across 
the Kill on the ice, at Elizabethtown, to Staten Island, 
marched two thousand men north to the Narrows, and 
burned a fortified house and several vessels. Another 
party crossed the North river in sleighs, and marching 
to Newark, burned the Academy and sacked some of the 
houses. Expeditions of this sort ser\-ed to keep the Eng- 
lish in expectation of a general attack. Clinton's ambi- 
tious designs for subduing the southern colonies were not a little delayed, 
and it was the middle of March before he was ready to take the final 
steps for investing Charleston. ^leanwhile, the American envo}s 
begged for more extensive help from France. Franklin and his asso- 
ciates, who represented America in France, were doing work of as 
much importance to the independence of this countr}^, as were Washing- 
ton and his devoted generals. Lafayette visited France to join his 
solicitations to those of Franklin. Together they persuaded the court 
to send nearly six thousand men, under Count De Rochanibeau. The 
expedition was a splendid one. It sailed in April, at the time that 
Clinton appeared before Charleston and demanded surrender. General 
Lincoln, who was in command of the American defense at that 




394 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



point, sent word that lie should hold it to the last extrt:nity. This lie 
did. The English fleet crossed the harbor, and closed slowly around 
the city. The American troops, defending the cit}- at the rear, were 
met b)- the enemy and defeated, so that all of Lincoln's available roads 
for retreat were cut off. On the eighth of May the town surrendered, 
and the Continental troops and seamen were held as prisoners of war. 
The entire southern army of America was thus in the hands of the 
British. Savannah and Charleston, the foremost seaports, were 
captured and held by the enemy. The British armj- in Georgia and 
South Carolina numbered nearly fourteen thousand men. Clinton's 
plan of subduing the southern colonies seemed to him, and to even'one 
else, only a question of time. In spite of all lessons, however, the 
English continued to under-estimate the inherent patriotism of the 
American heart. Clinton issued a proclamation requiring all persons 
to take an active part in settling and securing his majesty's govern- 
ment, and declaring that all who refused to do so should be considered 
enemies and rebels. In all of the southern States there were many 
who were willing to remain neutral, but comparatively few — aside, of 
course, from the open Royalists — who were willing to take up arms 
against their own countr}-men. In the popular protest which was 
made to this proclamation, a Major James was sent to ask the com- 
mander of a British post at Georgetown for an explanation of the proc- 
lamation. The commander replied: "His majest}- offers you a free 
pardon, of which you are undeserving, for you all ought to b-^ hanged; 
but it is only on condition that you take up arms in his cause." Major 
James, the American, replied that those whom he represented would 
not submit to such conditions. "Represent! You damned rebel, if you 
dare speak in such language I will have you hung at the yard arm." 
James had no weapons, but for answer he knocked the British officer 
down with a chair and left him senseless. James and his four brothers 
were, after this, among the leaders of the partisans of the State. 

When the news of the surrender of Charleston reached Morris- 
town, it had a verj' dispiriting effect upon the troops. The English 
counted upon this, and on the sixth of June, six thousand troops were 
marched from Staten Island to the village of Connecticut Farms. The 
militia of the country fought ever)- step of the way with them, falling 
back slowly and coolly before the superior numbers of the English, but 
they were unable to protect the village, and Connecticut Fanns was 
burned. The wife of the Rev. James Caldwell was killed by a shot 
through the window of the room where she was sitting with her 



"whom can wk trust now?" 395 

children. A few da\s later, when the English had undertaken another 
movement, the husband of this murdered woman was among the 
leading spirits of the defense. The engagement took place at Spring- 
field, and in spite of the utmost efforts of the Americans the place was 
taken and burnt. When the men were in want of wadding for their 
guns, Caldwell distributed hymn books among them with the exhorta- 
tion, "Put Watts into'em, boys!" After the burning of Springfield, the 
enemy returned to Staten Island. 

By the nth of July, De Rochambeau arrived in Newport with his 
troops, now swelled by the addition of a fleet to twelve thousand men. 
Washington wished to move at once upon New York, but many of the 
French were ill from the effects of a troublous voj^age, and their 
commander would not consent to action. So, to the great disappoint- 
ment of the people and of the army, the autumn passed in inactivity. 

As Washington was returning to his army from an interview with 
Rochambeau, at Hartford, in Connecticut, his iinexpected arrival at 
West Point discovered the gigantic treason of General Arnold. Arnold 
was a man of proud and haughty spirit. As a soldier, his bravery and 
dash were never questioned. As a gentleman and a patriot, there was 
always some doubt of him in the minds of those who knew him best. 
His naturally arrogant nature had been irritated by the neglectful 
conduct of Congress in not paying that tribute to his ability which he 
felt that it deserved. This is urged as his only motive for his treason- 
able actions. For several months he corresponded with the British 
Commander-in-chief, giving him all the military' and civil news which 
could be of any use to the enemy. While Arnold was in command at 
Philadelphia, various charges had been brought against him by the 
State, for which he was taken before a court-martial. After a public 
rebuke from the Commander-in-chief, he was restored to the service and 
tmder pretense of being disabled from duty in the field by an old 
wound, was given the command of West Point. He took this for 
the sole purpose of betraying his trust and selling himself at a high 
price to the English. No post in the country was of greater import- 
ance to either side than that of West Point. It commanded the 
navigation of the Hudson, and to a degree the communication with 
Canada, as well as that between the Northern and Southern States. The 
garrison by which it was held numbered more than three thousand men. 
These were defended by one hundred guns. With the betrayal of the 
place, large stores of provisions, ammunition, and the greater part of 
the men would inevitably fall into the hands of the English, and a blow 



39^* THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

^%■ould be struck at the Anierican cause which would render success 
more than doubtful. 

In order to make the final arrangements, it was necessary that a 
personal interview should be held between Arnold and some represent- 
atives of General Clinton. Major Andre was the officer chosen by 
Clinton, as being a man of discretion and bravery. Arnold dared not 
trust any one on his own side with a knowledge of his villainy, and 
determined to converse with Clinton's emissary himself. He deter- 
mined, too, to take as little personal risk as possible, and after making 
several ineflfectual efforts to induce Andre to come within the American 
lines, he at last succeeded. It became necessary that if the plan ^\■as to 
be carried out, it should be done immediately, and under stress of this 
pressure Andre consented to leave the British ship, on which he had 
put himself that he might be nearer to Arnold, and to come on shore 
within the American lines. Hiding his uniform under a long overcoat, 
he took a boat and w-as rowed to the foot of Long Clove Mountain, 
about six miles below Stony Point, where he met Arnold. There, 
hidden in the bushes, the conspirators talked through the night. At 
dawn, Andre was taken to Arnold's headquarters and concealed there. 
To escape with his news was a difficult matter. The vessel in which 
he had been brought had moved farther down the river, and he was 
obliged to risk a ride through the coimtn,- To provide against 
suspicion, Arnold gave his confederate a pass made out to John 
Anderson, which allowed him to pass White Plains and beyond. 
Mounted upon a good horse, Andre began his perilous ride through the 
country. He was within half a mile of Tarry-town, when he was 
stopped by three men who wished to know his business and destination. 
How so brilliant a man could have blundered in the carrying out of a 
scheme of such paramount importance, it is not easy to see, but in the 
alann of the moment he confided that he was a British officer. The 
men took him to the nearest military- post. Here the pass of John 
Anderson seemed to be a sufficient explanation of his presence. But 
his gait betrayed the fact that he was a soldier, and the matter was 
investigated. 

No one was willing to believe that one of the most trusted generals 
of the American army was a stupendous traitor, and it was some time 
before that idea even occurred to any one. The commander of the post 
to which Andre was taken wrote a letter to Arnold concerning the 
mysterious person, John Anderson, and asking an explanation. When 
Arnold received it he was at breakfast with two of Washington's aids. 




ESCAPE OF BENEDICT ARNOLD. 



"WHOM CAN WE TRUST NOW?' 



399 



He saw that his treason would soon be known in all its enormity. He 
quietly went into another room, told his wife, in a few hurried words, 
of his peril, mounted a horse at his door, and riding to the river side, 
took a boat. Then, tying his handkerchief to his cane as a flag of 
truce, he sailed to the British ship, the Vulture. It was afternoon 
before his escape was noticed. 

Andre was hung. He had risked his life to oblige his commander, 
and under the promise of the reward of a large sum of money. He 
failed in his scheme, and received the punishment due a spy. It has 
been the fashion, both in England and America, to sympathize with 
him greatly because he was young, high born, scholarly and brave, but 
he did not act the part of a hero in the cause in which he died. No 
one who has read history can help contrasting his dramatic self-con- 
sciousness — for he wrote and talked much about his sense of honor and 
his bravery — with the modesty and devotion of Nathan Hale, the sp)- 
who died regretting that he had not another life to give his countr\-. 
Washington offered to exchange Andre for Arnold, but Clinton was a 
man of honor, and would not break his word to a traitor, even to save 
a man who was the victim of his plans and his friend. 

The British government showed its gratitude to Arnold by giving 
him a commission as Brigadier-General in the army, and 6,315 pounds 
sterling in money. His wife and all of his children were pensioned, 
and throughout their lives received half pay as retired officers. But 
Arnold received no more respect among the English than among his 
own countr>'men. Later, in the southern campaign, Cornwallis 
positively refused to have him in his command. That .spirit of brilliant 
daring which had distinguished him in the American army never again 
showed itself In the victories which he won for the English he 
showed more of the spirit of a murderer and a marauder than of a 
general. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— "Trial of Benedict Arnold." 

"Trial of Major John Andre." 
"New York City in the American Revolution." 

Tuckerman's "America and her Commentators." {French auxiliaries.) 
Biography — J. N. Arnold's "Life of Arnold." 

Fiction— E. P. Roe's "Near to Nature's Heart." 
Poetry — Harte's "Caldwell, of Springfield." 
Freneau's "Arnold's Departure." 
Bradley's "Andre's Last Moments." 
Drama— Calvert's "Arnold and Andre." 
Lord's "Andre." 
Dunlap's "Andre." 



CHAPTER LXIV. 



'^ l|atj0 ^m{ fctt n §mtvnV 



CORNWALLIS AND GATES AT THE SOUTH — THE COMMAND OF THB 

SOUTHERN FORCE GIVEN TO GENERAL GREEN — THE 

BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN — BATTLE 

OF GUILFORD COURT HOUSE. 



FORTUNATELY no serious harm came of 
Arnold's treachery, but to the people, and to 
the Commander-in-chief in particular, it was 
ver}' discouraging. "Whom can we trust 
now?" asked Washington, sadly. It might 
well be a moment of gloom, for in the South, 
affairs for the time seemed hopeless. After Charleston 
was taken and the army moved . through the State, 
Colonel Abraham Beaufort was sent, with about four 
hundred Virginian troops, to harass the enemy. He 
was met by thirty cavalry and mounted infantry under 
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Bamastre Tarleton. 
Tarleton fell upon the Americans without giving them 
time for defense, and when they threw down their arms 
and begged for mercy, he cruelly killed them. It was not a battle, but 
a massacre, and won for Tarleton that reputation for cruelty by which 
he is remembered to this day. Had not the country been filled with 
partisans likely to rise at any time, this might have seemed the end of 
the war in the South, but since there was not a citizen who was not 
likely at any time to become a soldier, it was impossible to tell when 
the country was conquered. The loyal partisans of the CaroHnas and 
of Georgia were obliged to content themselves at this time by harassing 
the enemy in every way possible. Sumpter, Davie, Marion and many 
others were the leaders of desperate bands of men who hid themselves 
in the swamps and thick woods of the southern country, and sallied 




"I HAVE SEXT YOU A GENERAL." 40I 

forth at unexpected moments to annoy and injure the enemy. The 
camp of Marion was hid in the swamps of the Pedee, and so securely 
concealed, that even his men had sometimes to search for hours before 
they found it. 

Cornwallis, a soldier on the old plan, used to military' precision and 
well-regulated warfare, was not a little chagrined and vexed by hostil- 
ities of this sort. He was never certain where he would find the enemy, 
and when he did find them he could not rely upon their keeping in 
battle array. They were verj- much more apt to disperse, baffle pursuit, 
and only appear again when they could strike an unexpected blow. 
When he learned that Baron De Kalb was marching southward 
with Maryland and Delaware troops, Cornwallis was prompt in his 
measures to intercept them. Gates had now been appointed by 
Congress to conduct the campaign, and he hastened forward wdth 
cavalr\' from Virginia and North Carolina, for the purpose of forming a 
junction with De Kalb. The American anny numbered three thousand 
men, most of whom were raw recruits, without discipline, sufficient 
arms, or comfortable clothing. The British troops were veterans, but 
were fewer in number than the Americans. Gates wished to wage 
active warfare, although he must have known that his men could not 
be relied upon to stand steady fire. Gates sent Marion with his men 
into South Carolina on a reconnoisance, ordering him to destroy all 
the bridges and boats on his way, that the British might have no means 
of escaping to Charleston should they be defeated. - But Cornwallis 
had no intention of being defeated. He was as anxious as Gates for 
action, and with far better cause. On the 15th of August, 1780, both 
armies moved, each with the intention of surprising the other. At the 
first fire the Americans broke ranks and fled, but a portion of the militia 
had the courage to check the advance, and the fight continued till night 
forced them to desist. When morning dawned Cornwallis was able to 
take in all the weakness of his opponents. He posted his best men 
opposite the untried Virginia militia, who, as he expected, fired a single 
shot, threw away their arms and fled. The panic spread along the 
lines, and a great part of the army fled without a blow. The Conti- 
nentals, under De Kalb and Gist, fought with coolness and decision, 
pushing the enemy before them. But they were finally so hard pressed 
that one-third of them were killed or wounded and the rest were forced 
to seek safety in the woods. De Kalb, the distinguished French 
commander, fell under eleven wounds. His clothing was stripped from 
him by the soldiers, and it was only when he was discovered by Com- 



402 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

wallis that any attention was paid to his needs. Gates' army was 
practically annihilated, and the militia, who never felt under obligations 
to remain in organized force, returned to their homes. Within a few 
days Gates gathered together such of his men as could be found, with 
the intention of forming a new army, making his headquarters one 
hundred and eighty miles from his dreadful defeat. 

Cornwallis determined to subdue South Carolina before Congress 
could send another army. With Tarleton and Ferguson, two unrelenting 
persecutors of patriots, to help him, he started out on a journey through 
the State. In many of the smaller engagements all through the 
southern country Cornwallis had had reason to believ-e that success 
would soon crown the English arms. He therefore followed the 
Americans with enthusiasm and on the 8th of October fought the battle 
of King's Mountain, near the boundary line of North and South 
Carolina. Here Cornwallis suffered, losing about one-fourth of his 
fighting force. He sent to New York for reinforcements and spent the 
time mainly in attempts to meet with Sumpter, or Marion, or some of 
the other partisan leaders who waged constant hostilities. In the 
autumn. Green arrived to take command of the remnant of the army 
which Gates had so nearly destroyed. He came with Washington's ■ 
warm recommendation, but it was feared that he could do little, so 
reduced was the southern army and so illy provided with necessities. 
Green did not believe that the army could sustain an active campaign, 
and began with a policy exactly opposite to that of Gates. His plan 
was to avoid a general battle as long as possible, to delay the enemy at 
every step of his progress — to tire him out, as it were. His army 
moved into South Carolina in two bodies, the larger part of which was 
commanded by the General himself and the other by Morgan. Green 
moved steadily towards Cornwallis, and only halted when he was about 
seventy miles east of him. Tarleton was sent in pursuit of Morgan, 
who, it was feared, threatened the whole line of posts in the rear of the 
British army. So great was his anxiety that Cornwallis himself, instead 
of moving upon Green, tried to intercept Morgan. This American 
general was therefore forced into an engagement. He chose a field of 
open woods in which his cavalry could easily maneuvre, and behind 
which there were two hills which he could use in case of need as a 
protection. He posted four hundred men on the first eminence and in 
front placed militia and skirmishers. On the second eminence was 
Colonel Washington's famous cavalry and a corps of mounted infantry. 
Behind them were the horses and militia, ready either for pursuit or 



"l HAVE SENT YOU A GENERAL." 403 

flight. Eight hundred men were on the field and all were so well 
disposed, that when Tarleton looked at them he thought that the enemy 
was at least two thousand strong. The English came on with a rush — 
one of those charges which have made them famous in battle fields all 
over the world. They were met with a deadly fire, and when the first 
line was broken through, the second stood valiantly for a time and then 
gave way. Colonel Washington, with his cavalry, charged upon the 
wing, broke straight through a line and charged again from the rear. 
He found himself then at the rear of the other wing of the forces, and 
fell upon them there, while Morgan conducted the conflict in front. 
The English prayed for quarter, and it was with much diificult>' that 
the American commanders kept their soldiers from slaughtering 
Tarleton's men as Tarleton's men had slaughtered so many of their 
comrades. Tarleton lost six hundred prisoners out of his thousand 
men; one hundred were dead upon the field; his two guns, his colors, 
eight hundred muskets, one hundred dragoon horses and a large part of 
his baggage train were in the hands of the enemy. Upon the i\merican 
side only twelve were killed and sixty wounded. But still Green knew 
that discretion compelled him to act upon the defensive rather than the 
oflFensive. His orders to Morgan were, therefore, to retreat and join the 
main army, which he did. Cornwallis pushed on through the State, 
and Green slowly retreated before him in good order. 

The American army grew, by reinforcements from the Virginia and 
Carolina militia, to forty-three hundred men, but as nearly three-fourths 
of this force were raw recruits, the strength of the army was not 
materially added to. March 15, 1781 — the winter having been passed 
by Green in eluding Cornwallis — Green made a stand near Guilford 
Court House and awaited the enemy. The battle field was well chosen, 
the men being under good commanders. They were well placed, and 
there was no essential point of weakness except the inexperience of the 
greater part of the men. The British, as usual, advanced steadily and 
quickly, and as usual the American militia fired one shot and then fled. 
But a few of them held their ground until the British charged with 
their bayonets, then they also fled, and the conflict was left to Green's 
regulars who fought desperately. Colonel Washington, with his 
splendid cavalr}', was there, in which one expert swordsman cut down 
thirteen of the enemy, There were many hand-to-hand encounters. 
The fight was a desperate one, but Cornwallis' force was so held that in 
the end the Americans retreated, though they did so slowly and in good 
order. Cornwallis lost nearly one-fourth of his army. The victory 



404 fHE STORY OF AMERICA. 

was with the British, but they paid far too great a price for it. Green's 
anny was too exhausted to venture an attack the next day and Com- 
wallis, who said that he was tired of going about the Carolinas in 
search of adventure, wrote a letter to his Commander-in-chief, begging 
that he might be allowed to quit the Carolinas and put his army in 
march for Wilmington. Green started after him in hurried pursuit, 
but he was not able to overtake him. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Draper's "King^s Mountain and'its Heroes." 
Fiction — W. G. Simms' "The Partisan." 

C. H. Wiley's "Alamance." 
Poetry — "Battle of King's Mountain." 

William C. Bryant's "Song of Marion's Men." 



CHAPTER LXV. 



ARNOLD'S EXPEDITION — BATTLE BETWEEN CORNWALLIS AND LAFAY- 
ETTE — THE SIEGE OF YORKTOWN AND SURRENDER OF 
CORNWALLIS — ^THE SACKING OF NEW 
LONDON BY ARNOLD. 



^HAT," Arnold once asked of a prisoner, "wouU 
be done with me if I should be captured by the 
Americans?" The prisoner replied: "If my 
countr>-men should catch you, I believe they 
would cut off that lame leg, which was 
wounded in the cause of freedom and virtue, 
and bur}' it with the honors of war, and after- 
ward hang the remainder of your body on gibbets." 
The answer was, probably, a reflex of Arnold's own 
fears. He could no longer be relied upon for daring 
attack, and was sent b}' Clinton upon marauding expedi- 
tions. It was he who was selected to lead the expedition 
to Virginia, the sole purpose of which was harassing 
and ravaging any part of the country where he could 
do so with safety to his men. Arnold had with him a force of nine 
hundred. He landed at Westover, on the James river, and marched to 
Richmond. Here he divided his troops, remaining, himself, in Rich- 
mond, to destroy much private propert}-, militar}- stores and public 
archives. The detachment which he had sent on an excursion of 
destruction was met by Baron Steuben, but not checked by him. 
Arnold went as far as Portsmouth, wreaking his anger and bitterness 
upon the country he passed through. Congress and the Commander-in- 
chief were seriously distressed. Their impulse was to send immediate 
help, but this they were in a bad condition to do. Thirteen hundred 
Pennsylvania men had mutinied. There had been a misunderstanding 
about the term of their enlistment, and the neglect which they had 
sustained at the hands of Congress irritated them beyond endurance. 




4o6 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

They were not lacking, as their many hard-fought fields testified, in 
patriotism, but their physical suffering, added to a sense of having been 
imposed upon, was more than they covxld patiently stand. That they 
were patriotic, is shown by the fact that the emissaries sent by Sir 
Henry Clinton, ofiFering them aid and protection if they would join the 
English standard, were delivered to the proper authorities to be 
executed as spies. With a great effort the States raised a large sum of 
money to quiet the complaints of the soldiers. In Februar\', Washing- 
ton was able to make preparations for a campaign in Virginia, which 
should oppose Arnold's progress. He sent a detachment of twelve 
hundred New England troops, under Lafaj-ette. These he ordered to 
the head of Chesapeake bay, wdiere they weic to embark for the lower 
part of Virginia. The British fleet had been recently disabled by a 
storm, and W^ashington was anxious that his French allies should seize 
this time to send the whole French squadron to the bay, in aid of the 
movement imder Lafayette. These started, but in an engagement with 
the English were defeated, and sent back to Newport. When Clinton 
heard this, he sent General Phelps, with an additional force of two 
thousand men, to take command in Virginia. These followed the same 
plan which Arnold's troops had done. They did not fight, but they 
ravaged. Steuben was sent to pursue him, and the two generals chased 
each other about the country, without either much profit or harm. The 
great point with the English was to deprive Green of men and supplies. 

Cornwallis was still at the south, and hoped to conquer the colonies 
by moving northward from Georgia. When his force moved up to join 
that of Arnold and Phelps, Eafayette was largely outnumbered, and he 
fell back to make a junction with Antony Wayne, who was approaching 
with eight hundred Pennsylvania men. Cornwallis had little respect 
for Lafayette. So boyish was the young French general that the 
Englishman could not believe that he imderstood or could apply 
military tactics. But the first engagement between the forces was a 
drawn battle. Lafayette's men in the retreat were maneuvred with 
cleverness. The vexation of Cornwallis was added to by the fact that 
Clinton begged him to send three thousand of his men northward to 
jis relief. Cornwallis was ordered to put himself behind the defences 
at Portsmouth, and, as soon as he started for this place, Lafayette 
followed after in close pursuit. Lafayette received some severe checks, 
on this march. 

Green, meantime, was marching southward. One of the English 
forts was taken. This success was due to the erection of a wooden 



THE UNITED "STATES OF AMERICA. 407 

tower of logs, so tall that it could overlook the stockade. Here the 
sharpshooters could pick off the garrison without danger to themselves. 
In course of time other forts were taken by the same means. Thus the 
hostilities at the South progressed. They were made up mostly of 
skirmishes, to which the name of battles could not be appropriately 
applied, but the fighting was fierce, and the consequences marked. 
The personal partisanship of the colonies grew, rather than decreased, 
and all the while a net was slowly closing about the English. Green 
was frequently defeated and compelled to retreat, but as the enemy fol- 
lowed up his forces, they became only the more enmeshed in the web 
which he was weaving about them. Washington himself crossed the 
Delaware and reinforced Lafayette. Following him came Rochambeau 
with his force. Clinton was mewed in New York, and, as his call for 
reinforcements showed, was continually expecting an attack from Wash- 
ington. In fact, Washington had been threatening that city all summer, 
and his rapid movements toward the South were unknown by Clinton 
for some time. De Grasse, the admiral of the French fleet, had been 
requested by Washington to come from the West Indies and join him in 
the Chesapeake. As Washington neared the lower part of that bay and 
learned that the summons had been promptly obeyed, he rode back to 
tell Rochambeau himself, waving his hat and calling to the French 
commander like a child. This, he felt sure, was the herald of victory 
and peace. Fifteen hundred men were carried down the Chesapeake 
Bay in boats to the mouth of the James river. The rest went to 
Annapolis by aid of the French frigates and then marched overland. 
Washington had time to stop for a day at his beautiful home. Mount 
Vernon, and to entertain Rochambeau and all the other officers for a 
few hurried hours. On the arrival of this large force Cornwallis with- 
drew behind the fortifications which he had built to defend Yorktown. 
The American and French generals promptly laid works by which the 
town might be approached — for the first time conducting a regular 
siege by the system of scientific and technical warfare. On September 
30th the town was surrounded. Cornwallis did all that he could to 
annoy the men at work. This was the utmost that he could do. On 
October 9th fire was opened by the besiegers, and one by one the 
batteries and cannons of Cornwallis were rendered useless. He wrote a 
letter begging Clinton to come to his help lest army and navy should 
be lost. He made one attempt in the night to cross the York river and 
escape, but a violent storm put an end to these plans, and on October 
19th this brave general surrendered tipon honorable terms. His most 



408 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

important redoubts had been carried by assault. He had been crowded 
within the innermost part of his works. All avenues of escape were 
shut off. There were many sick and wounded among his men, and it 
would have been selfish and grossly inhuman to have required more 
fighting from them. On the ver}- day that he surrendered, Clinton 
sailed from New York to the relief of Yorktown, but learning that 
every British soldier in Virginia was a prisoner of war, put back again. 
With it he sent the history of a dishonorable triumph which he 
hoped would coiinterbalance it somewhat. This triumph was that of 
an expedition against New London, commanded by Arnold. Arnold 
landed his force at the mouth of the Thames river on September 6th. 
He divided his force in two columns and marched one column up each 
side of the river. His own home had been in New London, and he 
made use of his local knowledge of the town to direct the troops which 
had been sent to destroy it. Cornwallis, it is said, refused to have him 
iinder his command in Virginia, and it was this that caused his diversion 
northward. The expedition against New London had been proposed 
by the Commander-in-chief to divert Washington's attention from the 
South. It was hoped that he might return to the protection of New 
England. New London was surrounded and burnt. The militia of 
the neighborhood gathered in Fort Griswold, but they had not nearly 
force enough to man the parapets. Arnold's men were crazy with 
liquor. These poured over the eartnworks and demanded surrender. 
Led)ard, the American commander, ordered his men to throw down 
their arms and surrender to Major Bronfield, who was at the head of 
the Englishmen. That officer stabbed Ledyard with his own sword as 
he surrendered it and a general massacre followed in which the whole 
garrison were killed or wounded. Of these, only three had been killed 
before Ledyard had given the order to surrender. The dead were 
stripped of their clothing, and when preparations were made for blowing 
up the magazine of the fort, the wounded were piled upon a wagon and 
which, being sent rolling down the steep hill, against a tree, many of 
the wounded were killed by the shock. Groton, on the other side 
of the river, was also burnt, though Arnold, it is said, had the humanity 
to direct that a few of the houses, belonging to old friends, should be 
spared. 

FOR FURTHER READING : 
FiCTlo.N" — J. P. Kennedy's ■■Horseshoe Robinson." 
J. P. Simms' "The Scout." 

■Catherine Walton." 
*' ■■ ■"Woodcraft." 

■■Foragers." 
■Eiitaw." 



CHAPTER LXVI. 



CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY AT THE CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION^ 
7OHN ADAMS MADE MINISTER TO ENGLAND — THE DISBAND- 
ING OF THE ARMY — THE CALL FOR DELEGATES TO 
CONSTRUCT A CONSTITUTION. 



HE surrender of Coniwallis did not end the troubles 
of this country-. The people were neither at war 
nor at peace. They were very poor, terribly in 
debt, with a standing army which the}- dare not 
dissolve still on their hands, and no government 
except that of the Continental Congress. Com- 
merce could not be conducted upon the seas without 
danger. The fisheries were not yet open to Americans, 
and the English still held some of the military' posts. 
To remedy these troubles and bring about a condition 
of greater order and prosperity, was the ambition of 
every man in America; but from the outset, they were 
divided as to the means. One party desired that the 
country might have a general government. The other 
preferred that each State should have a government of its 
own, but that for safety, all should be united in a confederation. Thus, 
for several years after the war, the country was in a state of half peace, 
which was most unhappy in its eflfects. Meanwhile the political 
disagreements of the people strengthened and multiplied. The weak- 
ness of the confederation was becoming apparent. Congress had only 
an advisory power. It could compel no measures and had always to 
wait for the sanction of the people in ever^-thing. It was remarked at 
the time that it could not even command the money to buy the quills 
with which the pens for writing the laws were made. It had been 
necessary for years to run the goveniment and the army upon loans. 
Franklin, John Adams and the other commissoners in Europe had 




11 



41 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

talked constantly abont the great value of American lands, and thus 
money was easily secvired from European financiers. But the money 
borrowed was insufficient to meet the demands of the people, and paper 
currency had been issued. In course of time two hundred million 
dollars of Continental currency was sent afloat. Congress seemed to 
think for a time that to make money it needed only to have a printing 
press which could send out crisp sheets of paper. But this currency 
fell steadily in value until, in 1779, one hundred paper dollars were 
worth only two and a half dollars in silver. The last issue of the 
Continental currency still exist in the large sheets in which they were 
printed. The man who received the sheet from the public treasury did 
not think it worth while to cut it into separate bills. The country now 
needed specie, and this began to be furnished in small quantities by the 
payment of gold, which the French commissaries paid for the supplies 
they required for their men. Trade was slowly opening up with 
Europe again, and ever}- shipment brought a little valuable coin to the 
impoverished commerce of America. The right to the fisheries of 
eastern waters and the right to dry fish on the uninhabited lands of the 
coast were secured to the Americans by John Adams, who obtained it 
with great persistence. 

Scarcely had the war tenninated, when each country' charged the 
other with the violation of the treaty of peace. The disputes were so 
hot that it was decided to hasten the appointment of a minister 
plenipotentiary to the court of Great Britain. In February, 1785, 
John Adams was made Ambassador to represent the United States at 
that court. Meantime, civil war on the northern American frontier had 
more than once seemed certain. Vermont was determined to preserve 
her independence, in spite of the claims of New York on the one side, 
and New Hampshire on the other. She had asked again and again for 
admission to the Union, but this had been denied her, partly because of 
the jealousy of her neighbors, and partly for the reason that the 
Southern States were unwilling to have a Northern State entered with- 
out a Southern one to counterbalance it. Vermont had no political 
existence as a distinct colony of the Crown, at the time that the thirteen 
other States were created into a confederacy by the agreement of the 
representatives, and it was now claimed that this was one reason why 
her prayer should not be granted. The "Green Mountain Boys" felt 
that if the Union owed nothing to them, they, in turn, owed nothing 
to the Union. They therefore threatened to offer Great Britain terms 
of peace and allegiance. Only then did Congress awaken to the danger 



THE PLOWSHARE VERSUS THE SWORD. 411 

which threatened. In the spring of 1781 a force of ten thousand men 
from Canada threatened an invasion across the northern border. 
Washington dared not spare a man from his arm}-. The panic every- 
where was intense. Letters were written by certain English generals 
to Ethan Allen, begging the people of Vermont to return to their 
allegiance to the King, and promising, in the case of her revolt against 
the United States, she would be made an independent British province. 
Perhaps the people of Vermont never had any intention of accepting 
this invitation, and that they only endeavored to mislead their country- 
men for the purpose of making them do as they wished, but it is certain 
that for a time they were considered as very dangerous and treacherous 
neighbors by the inhabitants of the States. Concessions were made by 
New York and New Hampshire, and Vermont was given the boundarj- 
lines which she herself had drawn, so that when peace was declared 
Vermont was not a British province. She was not, however, admitted 
as a State to the Union till 1791. 

In these years of turmoil and perplexity one of the things which 
distressed Washington, and the people in general, was that the English 
continued to hold New York, Charleston and Savannah. While the 
enemy was still in the countn,' it was impossible for Washington to dis- 
band his army, and the men, without pay and with little to eat or wea-r, 
became exceedingly discontented and mischievous. They now knew by 
experience what they could do by force of arms, and it is little wonder 
that they plotted among themselves to bring about a -state of affairs 
which would give them increased importance and comfort. Letters 
were circulated in camp, setting forth the injustice with which the army 
had been treated, and suggesting that it refuse to disband unless its 
rightful dues were paid, and that Congress be told that this army 
continue to exist and would keep its anns. A meeting was called on 
the nth of March. The writers and instigators of the letters had an idea 
that the army would take the position for America which Cromwell's 
army took for England. The leader of this army might, as Cromwell 
had done, place himself at the head of the nation. When news of 
these letters reached Washington, he asked the representatives of the 
army to meet him for the purpose of talking the matter over. In the 
meantime, a second letter was written which was even more outspoken 
than the first. When Washington met the representatives the)' had 
profited by reflection, and were prepared to receive in a humble spirit 
the stern rebuke which Washington gave them. After setting forth 
the true nature of these letters, exposing all the sophistr}' in them, and 



412 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

calling their treasonable intentions by their right names, he begged the 
army to have confidence in Congress, and promised to do all that he 
could himself in their behalf. Resolutions were passed which declared 
that the army viewed with abhorrence and rejected with disdain the 
suggestions of the letters. Washington's common sense alone saved 
the country', if not from overthrow, at least from terrible disaster. The 
many weary months that followed before the soldiers were allowed to 
return to their homes, were endured with comparative patience. At 
one time a company of eighty recruits mutinied and took possession of 
the State House in Philadelphia, but in a short time this insurrection 
died from its own feebleness. 

On November 25, 1782, New York was evacuated by the British, 
and Washington marched in with his army to take possession. A little 
less than a month afterwards the Commander-in-chief met his compan- 
ions in arms at Fraunces Tavern to take leave of them. It would be 
difficult to imagine a scene of more dignified pathos. For years. 
Washington and many of hisofiicers had been in the closest association. 
They were more than comrades — they were friends — and the terrible 
trials which they had undergone together, the great risks which they 
had run, the difficulties which they had overcome, bound them as no 
prosperous acquaintanceship could have done. Washington spoke a 
few broken words of farewell, and the officers dispersed. On the 29th 
of December he returned his commission to Congress, which was then 
at Annapolis in public session. 

On September 3, 1783, the final treaty of peace was signed at Paris, 
by which Great Britain acknowledged the United States to be free, 
sovereign, and independent. At this time Philadelphia was the chief 
city in the country, having a population of forty thousand. This was 
three times greater than that of New York and twice as large as that of 
Boston. New York was still suffering from the effects of the devasta- 
tion caused by the war. In New England the people were busy with 
ship-building and coast trading. Throughout the Middle States 
manufacturing was rapidly increasing. The Southern States were 
made up of plantations worked by slaves. 

Between England and America the balance of trade against this 
country' was greatly increasing. Within two years after peace was 
declared the value of goods imported from England into the United 
States was nearly thirty million dollars, while the exports for the same 
time were only between eight and nine millions. What little good 
money there was in the United States was thus drawn off" to England, for 



THE PLOWSHARE VERSUS THE SWORD. 413 

the young manufactures of America could not, it goes without saying, 
compete with those of England. In 1783 the debt of the United States 
was forty-two millions, and that of the separate States, twenty millions. 
There was no mint, and both Congress and States continued to issue 
currency. It was in vain that Congress implored the States to provide 
means for paying their debts. England, with difficulty, collected the 
debts due her by the Americans, and it looked as if the States, for com- 
mercial reasons alone, might be forced to yield their independence and 
return to a country which would at least provide them with a government 
and an exchecquer. The Congress of Delegates, which had been formed 
with such haste at the breaking out of the Revolution, and which was 
composed of men from all parts of the country, was not equal to meeting 
the present emergencies. Washington himself, who never made a 
written statement without deep thought and reflection, admitted that 
Congress was not able to execute the functions of government. John 
Adams wrote from England that so contemptible was America in the eyes 
of Great Britain that she was not considered at all in state matters. 
Thomas Jefferson was Minister to France, and was obliged to exercise 
all of his ingenuity to keep America and American commerce 
rightly before the French court. Since the disregard of government 
was so great in the old States, it is not surprising that on the frontier 
this was carried to still greater lengths. In the Wyoming country of 
Pennsylvania there had long been a dispute concerning boundaries and 
rights which reached a crisis in 1786. The settlers took up arms and 
declared their intention to form a new State, but they were suppressed 
as rioters. In the western part of North Carolina a number of counties 
set up an independent government, calling themselves the State of 
Franklin, but this soon came to an end through internal troubles. In 
several different places efforts were made by armed mobs to prevent the 
sitting of courts and legislatures, but like most mobs, these were 
dissolved with comparatively little trouble. About this time Alexander 
Hamilton proposed that a national convention meet at Philadelphia in 
May, 1787, for the purpose of providing a new constitution which 
should give strength to the Federal Government. Addresses were sent 
to the legislatures asking them to send delegates to this convention. In 
Congress, the party which objected to the consolidation of power was the 
stronger, and this only consented to the convention on the conditioa 
that it confine itself to revising the articles of confederation. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction— J. E. Cooke's "The Youth of Jefferson." "Rose Hill," 
J. P. Kennedy's "Swallow Barn." 



CHAI'TKR L.W'II. 

"lirsl in l[ar. ^irsl in finn." 

THE FORMIXG OF THE CONSTITUTION — WASHINGTON ELECTED 
PRESIDENT. 




HK convention met at the time appointed, 
with George Washington in the chair. The 
legislative chambei was the same in which the 
Declaration of Independence had been signed, 
and many of the signers were then present. 
The most influential men of the States were 
there, many of them differing bitterly in opinion, but 
all agreeing in their desire to give to the United States 
a constitution which should add to its dignity and 
power. The greatest cause of dispute was about the 
preponderance of power. The question was: Should 
power rest in the people, or in Congress? In other 
words, should the general government coerce the States, 
or should the States be sovereign to themselves? The 
promise that the convention was only to revise the 
articles of confederation as Congress desired was, of course, brought to 
notice. Various plans were laid before the House by Alexander 
Hamilton, and other leaders of public thought. All of these were 
considered in turn. Randolph, of Virginia, and Patterson, of New 
Jersey, had plans of government which were long debated upon. But 
so angry and hopeless did the debates become, that even the calmest 
and most judicious despaired of reaching any results. Benjamin 
Franklin, an old man now, was present, and in the midst of these diffi- 
culties and misunderstandings he arose and made this speech: "It is to 
be feared that the members of this convention are not in temper, at 
this moment, to approach the subject on which we differ, in a candid 
spirit. I would, therefore, propose, Mr. President, that, without pro- 
ceeding further in this business at this time, the convention shall 



"first IX WAR, FIRST IX PEACE.'' 417 

adjourn for three days, in order to let the present ferment pass off, 
and to afford time for a more full, free and dispassionate investi- 
s:ation of the subject; and I would earnestly recommend to the members 
of this convention that they spend the time of this recess, not in asso- 
ciating with their own party and devising new arguments to fortify 
themselves in their old opinions, but that they mix with members of 
opposite sentiments, lend a patient ear to their reasonings, and candidly 
allow them all the weight to which they may be entitled; and when 
we assemble again I hope it will be with a determination to form a 
Constitution, if not such a one as we can individually and in all respects 
approve, yet the best which, under existing circumstances, can be 
obtained. Before I sit down, Mr. President, I will suggest another 
matter, and I am really surprised that it has not been proposed by some 
other member at an earlier period of our deliberations. I will suggest, 
Mr. President, the propriety of nominating and appointing, before we 
separate, a chaplain to this convention, whose duty it shall be 
unifonnly to assemble with us and introduce the business of each day 
by imploring the assistance of Heaven, and asking Its blessing upon 
our deliberations." The three days were spent in the manner which 
Dr. Franklin advised, and, on reassembling, the chaplain who had been 
appointed appeared and led the devotions of the assembly. Dr. 
Franklin addressed the house first, as everyone expected and desired 
that he should do. His wisdom, experience, common sense and deep- 
seated calmness gave a placidity to the convention whjch it had not had 
before. With more earnest intentions the convention renewed its work. 
The Constitution was finally amended. It prescribed that the laws of 
the United States were, thenceforth, to be administered, not by a 
confederacy or mere league of friendship between the sovereign States, 
but by a government distributed into three great departments — legisla- 
tive, judicial and executive; that the powers of government should be 
limited to concerns pertaining to the whole people, leaving the internal 
administration of each State in time of peace to its own constitutional 
laws, provided, that they should be republican, and interfering with 
them as little as possible in case of war; that the legislative 
power of this government should be divided between the two 
assemblies, one representing directly the people of the separate States, 
and the other their legislatures; that the executive power of this 
government should be vested in one person, chosen for four years, with 
certain qualifications of age and nativity, and invested with a qualified 
negative upon the enactments of the laws; and that the judicial power 



^iS THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

should consist of tribunals, inferior and supreme, to be instituted and 
organized by Congress, the judges removable only by impeachment. 
Washington signed the Constitution first, remarking solemnly as he did 
so: "Should the States reject this excellent Constitution, the probability 
is that an opportunity will ne\'er again be offered to cancel another in 
peace; the next will be drawn in blood." With three exceptions the 
Constitution was signed by all the delegates present. The convention, 
however, which framed the Constitution, was not clothed with legisla- 
tive power, and the Constitution was, therefore, referred to the several 
States. In the summer of 1788, nine of the States ratified it. Rhode 
Island was the last of the thirteen original States to accept the Constitu- 
tion, which .she did in May, 1790. The year of suspense was full of 
internal troubles. In New York, the brilliant young Alexander 
Hamilton led the Federal party with dramatic fervor, and when his 
triumph was made apparent by the ratification of the Constitution, a 
great festival was held in New York City. There was a procession of 
traders, merchants, artisans and professional men, who bore aloft on 
their banners the names of Washington and Hamilton, and a frigate 
fully manned, called the Federal ship "Hamilton," was borne on wheels 
through the streets, her cannons replying to the salutes with which she 
was greeted. 

The first Congress met in New York on March 4, 1789. When the 
votes of the Presidential electors were counted, the first choice was 
unanimous for Washington. John Adams received the largest number 
of votes for Vice-President. A special messenger was sent by the 
president of the Senate to notify Washington of his election. This 
great man was living quietly at his princely home of Mount Vernon. 
His home life was very dear to him, and it was with the most painful 
reluctance that he took upon himself once more the burdens of the 
nation. As Washington traveled from his home in Virginia to New 
York, which was now the seat of government, he received enthusiastic 
greetings everywhere. At Trenton, where he had fought with such 
brilliancy, a triumphal arch was thrown across the bridge which he was 
to cross. The arch was supported on thirteen pillars, which were 
wreathed with flowers and bore inscriptions which must have been 
deeply gratifying to him. Beneath this arch stood a party of young 
girls with baskets of flowers in their hands, and the}' greeted Washington 
with a song which had been composed for the occasion, strewing flowers 
before him as they sang. As he neared New York a delegation was 
sent to meet him. A barge, with a crew of thirteen to represent the 



"FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE." 419 

colonies, was for his special use, and following this, with flying flags, 
came many other boats. The Governor of the State and many other 
distinguished persons awaited Washington at the wharf and escorted 
him to his quarters, Washington preferring to walk up the crowded 
streets that he might seem to enter the city in humbleness and good 
fellowship. A few days later the ceremony of inauguration took place 
in the balcony of what was then the Senate chamber. This was called 
Federal Hall, and it stood at the meeting of four streets, which were 
crowded to suSbcation with people. Washington came on the balcony, 
and the Chancellor of New York read the inaugural oath to him. After 
the oath was administered, the people cried, "Long live George 
Washington, President of the United States!" But this was a reminder 
of kingly customs which was never repeated for any other President. 
Flags were raised, cannons were fired and bells were rung, launching 
in with joyful burst of song the new Republic, with a magistrate at its 
head who, for wisdom, disinterestedness and pure patriotism, has never 
been equaled by any following President save one. This was April 
30, 1789. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 

History— Curtis' "Flistory of the Constitution." 

Frothingham's "Rise of the Republic." 
Fiction— N. M. Curtis' "Doom of the Tot^ Guard.'' 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 



HAMILTON'S POLICY AS THE FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE — INCREASE 

OF AMERICAN COMMERCE — THE QUESTION OF SLAVERY 

— FRONTIER TROUBLES AT THE WEST. 




-e^ 



Alexander Hamilton was made Secretary 
of the Treasury, an office hardly second in 
importance to that of the President itself at this 
time. If the nation was to be restored to pros- 
perity, it rested upon him to devise efficient 
measures. Hamilton's policy from the first was 
to give notice to the Old World that the new Federal 
government assumed all the obligations of the old 
confederation, and provided, as that enfeebled body 
had not been able to do, for their discharge. Ham- 
ilton succeeded in getting the government to assume 
the State debts. One of the first acts of Congress was 
to pass a tariff bill, for Hamilton and many others 
believed that protection was the only system possible 
in that stage of national life and in the condition of 
the civilized world. A national bank was started which was under 
private direction, and yet served the government by making it owner 
of one-fifth of the capital stock of ten million dollars and the preferred 
borrower to the same amount. A hundred minor matters were attended 
to by the Secretary with equal care. The sale of public lands increased, 
regulations were made for the coast trade, navigation laws enacted, 
revenue cutters established, light-houses built, and numerous plans 
were formed for the sustaining of law and good order. A bill was passed 
imposing a duty on imported domestic spirits, for the purpose of swelling 
the revenue. American enterprise soon felt the benefit of these 
measures. In 1787 the French government issued a decree placing 
American citizens on the same commercial footing as Frenchmen, and 



SIARTTXG THE WHEELS OF PROGRESS. 42I 

admitting American produce free of duty. As France had a free trade 
treaty with England, this act had much to do with the ceasing of com- 
mercial hostilities between America and England. When war broke 
out between France and England, the carrying trade of the world fell 
into the hands of the United States. The trade with the West Indies 
became almost wholly American, for French ships could not go there. 
Spanish trade was carried on under a neutral flag and English merchants 
found it safer to use American vessels. Great commercial houses came 
into existence. The trade with China and East India became a source 
of wealth, and the seamen of America were counted remarkable for their 
enterprise and courage. 

The question of slavery was one of the most iuiportant with which 
the Federal Congress interested itself It was held that Congress had no 
power over slavery in the States, but that it had power in the terri- 
tories. By the ordinance of 1787, all the territor>' northwest of the 
Ohio then belonging to the United States, and comprising what is now 
the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, was to 
be the home of free labor forever. Slaves had become especially valu- 
able in the South by the growth of the cotton industry-. In 1793, 
Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. America has been the home of 
many great inventions, but none of them have been of greater import- 
ance than this to the Republic. It was the first key which was applied 
to the unlocking of the natural capabilities of this land. Whitne\- was 
the son of a Massachusetts farmer. He chanced to visit Georgia and 
saw there the great difficulty with which the seed was separated from 
the cotton. After a few months of hard study he invented a successful 
machine which in one day, by the labor of a single hand, could do 
more than was usually performed in many months by the old method. 
Whitney afterward made a fortune by the invention of fire-arras. The 
slave was thought to be a necessary part of the cotton trade, and there- 
fore assumed an importance in American aSairs which it had never 
before held. It is very interesting to note how good and bad tendencies 
seemed to conflict with each other at this period of national history. 
At this very time an impetus was given to public educational matters 
which they had never received before. Education for all was a part of 
the free government. Noah Webster began the publication of his 
school books and gave his life up to the establishment of a national 
literature. In these matters the young States led, rather than followed, 
the older onei.. Civilization spread westward and marked its progress by 
a series of triumphs over the savages and the soil. John C. Symmes 



422 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

obtained a grant of one million acres, bounded on the south by the Ohio, 
and on the west by the Miami, and here, in 1788-9, South Bend and 
Cincinnati were settled. 

The English still retained some of the frontier posts, and about 
these the Indians continually flocked. They were persuaded by the 
English that the Americans had no claim to any territory' beyond the 
Ohio, and in truth ever)' State westward had been an encroachment 
upon Indian territory. Indian warfare upon the settlers, therefore, 
took on its worst form here. At no time were the settlers safe. The 
man who left his home in the morning never knew whether he should 




return alive to it or not, and would have felt no surprise if on returning 
he should find his wife and children dead in his cabin. Several villages 
were plundered and burned, and every train of emigrants was sure to 
encounter danger, if not death. On the Ohio and other rivers many 
tragic scenes were enacted. The Indians would watch for a passing 
boat, murder the passengers, and let the boat-load of corpses drift with 
the flow of the stream to the settlements below. In seven years fifteen 
hundred persons were killed or captured by the Indians on the Ohio, 
and twenty thousand horses were stolen. It was in vain that the 
Americans sued for a treaty of peace. War was forced upon them — a 



STARTING THE WHEELS Of PROGRESS. 423 

war which ended in disaster the most serious ever sustained by an 
American army in its battles with the Indians. 

In the month of September, 1790^ General Harmar was intrusted 
with the dut)- of subduing the fierce tribes on the Miami and Wabash. 
The general had with him a body of three hundred and twenty regulars, 
who, being reinforced by the militia of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, 
formed a corps of four hundred and fifty-three men. Upon his approach 
the Indians set fire to their villages, but they could not be brought to 
an engagement. At length the Americans were unexpectedly attacked 
and severely disabled. After this humiliation to the United States, 
Congress, in the following year, 1791, strengthened the national 
military force and placed in the hands of President Washington larger 
means for the protection of the frontier. General St. Clair, then 
Governor of the territory west of the Ohio, was appointed commander 
of a large force. When Washington parted from, him he impressed 
upon him again and again the danger of a surprise "You know how 
Indians fight," said he; "I repeat it, beware of a surprise." St. Clair 
went out into the wilderness with these words ringing in his ears, but 
on the 4th of November, while the regulars were encamped on one of 
the tributaries of the Wabash and the militia were resting upon a high 
flat on the other side of the stream, they met with that disaster which 
Washington had especially warned them against. The Indians rushed 
upon them at a most unexpected moment, taking advantage of a 
division of the ami)-. Nearly half of St. Clair's force were slaughtered 
and he beat a headlong retreat. His militia had proved useless, and 
even his regulars had been panic-stricken. The Indians, as usual, fought 
from cover, and against them the fire of the Americans, aimed at random 
into a dusky forest, could have little effect. The pursuit was kept up 
about four miles, when, fortunately for the Americans who still 
survived, their foes could no longer restrain their eagerness for plunder, 
and returned to rifle the bodies of the dead soldiers. For thirty miles 
the terrified Americans continued their panic-stricken flight, throwing 
away their anns as they went. They left their wounded at Fort Jeffer- 
son and retreated to Fort Washington, at Cincinnati. Washington 
learned of the disaster with rage and agony. Never since the interview 
at the battle of Monmouth did he so give way to that terrible wrath of 
which he was capable. Thirty-eight ofliicers and six himdred privates 
were killed or missing, and twenty-one officers and two hundred and forty- 
two privates wounded. Among the camp-followers were two hundred 
and fifty women, most of whom were killed or captured. 



424 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

No time was lost m sending out another expedition. The iudig- 
nation of the people had been roused to the highest pitch. It was 
said that during the fight several British ofiicers were seen upon the 
field with the Indians, who had come down from Detroit to urge on 
their savage allies. The man sent out to take St. Clair's place was 
General Anthony Wayne. His courage was reckless, and gained for 
Irim the name of "Mad Anthony," which he was called by his soldiers 
more in love than criticism. Washington himself carefully instructed 
Wayne in his mode of warfare. Nearly two years passed before Wayne 
had gathered his four thousand men and built the line of forts necessary 
to success. He followed Washington's directions implicity during all 
this time. He never permitted his army to be divided, and marched 
with open files that a line might be quickly formed in the thick woods. 
It was his habit to halt early in the afternoon, that the camp might be 
surrounded by a rampart of logs before nightfall. His cavalry laid 
waste the country for many miles on each side of the line of march. 
When he had four good forts behind him to offer protection in case of 
retreat, he decided to» attack. The Indians had consented to an 
engagement, and on the morning of August 20th the two forces met on 
the banks of the Maumee river. The action was short and decisive. 
The cavalry attacked the flanks of the Indian line and the infantry 
charged with the bayonet upon the centre, and as soon as they caused 
a retreat, poured a volley of musket balls into their foes. Tlie Indians 
were pursued until within reach of the guns of the British fort. Here 
the Americans encamped for a few days, destroying all the property in 
the neighborhood. Wayne's loss was comparatively small, and for a 
time the Indians were effectually subdued. A treaty was made with 
them in 1795, by which they ceded a large tract of land to the United 
States, and from that time the more rapid settlement of the West 
began. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Flint's "Indian Wars of the West.*' 
Fiction— Gait's "Lawrie Todd." 

Bird's "Nick of the Woods." 



CHAPTER LXIX. 



DEATH OF FRANKLIN — THE HUMOR OF WASHINGTON'S TIME — THB 
J^ Oj ^ POUCY OF HAMILTON — THE PENNSYLVANIA 




^ WHISKY 



RIOTS. 



OT long after Washington became President, one 
of the greatest of Americans died — the first 
scientist, perhaps, which this country had ever 
produced. This was Dr. Benjamin Franklin, 
-iy\>,«Y]Xfr^ ''iy^ whose early life has been told of in another part 
•*\a!^\v(,/«V^ V^ of |-i^ig histor}-. In the courts of England and of 
France he won a consideration which was not paid 
to any other envoy from the young nation. Had he 
been known for no other reason, he would have been 
celebrated as the discoverer of the electric fluid in light- 
ning. He had long been a student of electricity, and 
fonned a theor\' that lightning and the electric fluid 
were the same thing. He was vers- much laughed at 
when he circulated this idea, in a little pamphlet, and 
he made up his mind to prove it to the satisfaction of everyone. He 
and his young son together made a great kite of a silk handkerchief, 
and fastening a piece of sharpened wire to the stick, went out to fly the 
kite in a thunder-storm. As a low thunder-cloud passed, the electric 
fluid went down the string of the kite and when Franklin touched the 
key that he had fastened to the string, his knuckles drew sparks from it, 
showing that the electricity was there. In a short time he invented the 
lightning rod. 

In all public matters he had great influence, and he founded more 
good institutions and benevolent enterprises than any American of his 
time. The last public act which he performed was to sign a memorial 
to Congress, in behalf of the Philadelphia Anti-Slaven.- Society, asking 
the abolition of slaver}'. He lived to be eighty-four, and died on April 
17, 1790. Throughout the States the mourning was universal, and 



426 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

in France the Assembly went into mourning for him three days. 
At this time the customs and habits of the people of this republic 
were very different from those of the present day. It was a ceremonious 
age — an age of display — and the traditions of royal splendor still 
clung, in a degree, about the capital of the republic. President Wash- 
ington was a man of great wealth, and one who believed that there 
should be distinctions in men, and that honor should be paid to those 
who deserved it. He desired, for instance, that the official name of the 
President should be "High Mightiness," which were the words 
employed in describing the Stadtholder of Holland, which at that time 
was a republic. But this title was objected to, and Excellency was 
substituted. Washington's levees were very stately entertainments, 
and differed exceedingly from the free and easy receptions which are 
at present held at the White House. Once in two weeks at precisely 
three in the afternoon, the doors of the great dining-room were thrown 
open. By the fire-place stood President Washington, with members of 
his Cabinet and other distinguished gentlemen about him. His usual 
dress was a black velvet coat, with white or pearl-colored waistcoat, 
yellow gloves, and silver knee buckles and shoe buckles. His hair was 
powdered and gathered in a silk bag behind. In his hand he carried a 
cocked hat, and wore a long sword, with a scabbard of polished white 
leather. The habit of shaking hands would have been considered too 
familiar at that time, and Washington greeted each of his guests with 
a courteous bow. Mrs. Washington gave brilliant evening levees, 
which it was considered a great privilege to attend. Dinners and 
public meetings were held in all the large towns of the nation on the 
birthday of the President, and the local poets were expected to address 
odes to Washington. When Washington drove to the sessions of Con- 
gress, he went in a state coach, the body of which was in the shape of a 
hemisphere, cream-colored, bordered with flowers around the panels, 
which were ornamented with figures representing cupids, and support- 
ing festoons. On great occasions the coach was drawn by six horses, 
on ordinary occasions by four, and on Sundays by two only. The 
driver and postillions wore liveries of white and scarlet. This display 
and formality upon the part of the President influenced the whole 
nation. It was, indeed, but the continuation of the state in which the 
Governors had lived. The forms of politeness were very elaborate, and 
the people devoted much attention and money to their dress. In 
Connecticut and Massachusetts there were still sumptuary laws against 
extravagance, but at this time they were not enforced. E\'«.n the 



THE COURTLY TIMES OF WASHINGTON. 



427 



clergymen wore wigs, with gowns and bands, in the pulpit, and cocked 
hats on the streets. The Judges of the Supreme Court, in winter, wore 
robes of scarlet faced with velvet, and in summer, very full black silk 
robes. It is still their practice to wear the latter sort. The ladies 
dressed their hair with powder and pomatum, and built it to such a 
great height above the head that it became necessary to have carriages 
of greater height made than those which had previously been used. 
At this time Sedan chairs were used as well as carriages, and in these 



r^'T^^" 




> GRAVE PHILADELPHIA 



the grand dames were carried from place to place by two servants in 
dashing liveries. The ladies themselves were gorgeous in rustling 
brocades, powder, patches and jewels. These patches, which were of 
black silk, were pasted upon the face, and were cut in a great variety 
of fantastic shapes. There were crescents, stars, anchors and even 
elephants, and a belle would sometimes decorate herself with at least 
twenty of these. Gentlemen dressed as brilliantly as the ladies, and in 



428 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the same sort of fabrics. If a gentleman went abroad, he appeared in 
his wig, white stock, white satin embroidered vest, black satin small 
clothes with white silk stockings and fine broadcloth or velvet coat. 
If at home, a velvet cap, sometimes with a fine linen one under it, took 
the place of a wig, while a gown, frequently a colored damask lined 
with silk, was subsituted for the coat, and the feet were covered with 
leather slippers of some fancy color. No gentleman's costume was 
complete without a snuff-box, and on these little trifles the greatest art 
was expended. A salutation between friends was immediately followed 
by an offer of snuff, and a man who did not take it laid himself open to 
the charge of being discourteous. 

The nation still felt the influence of Puritan prejudices, and was 
only beginning to tolerate the theatre, which at one time had been 
considered by the stern citizens of Massachusetts as one of the worst 
beguilements of Satan. Massachusetts is spoken of, because in religious 
and philosophic matters she was the leader. Private theatricals, which 
Washington and other fashionable people occasionally had at their 
hoiises, gradually pav-ed the way for public entertainments. Musical 
concerts were allowed at this time, which, in itself, marked quite a 
growth in public taste and liberality, for at one time they would have 
been considered the height of frivolity. Balls were popular, and some 
of them were given on a very large scale. The French Ambassador 
gave one in Philadelphia which was so large that a building was erected 
on purpose for the entertainment. It is said that on fete days the hair- 
dressers were kept so busy that ladies had to employ their services at 4 
or 5 o'clock in the morning, and to sit upright all day to keep from 
disturbing the head-dress. 

It was thought that when the army was disbanded the country 
would be filled with beggars, for it could hardly be expected that men 
who had been kept without other occupation than that of arms for 
eight years, would easily adapt themselves to ways of industry' again. 
But they went back to their workshojDS and farms, and places were 
found for them by a people who, although they were capricious, were 
certainly not ungrateful. At that time the working people did not, as 
now, depend upon great monopolies for support. Cloth was spun in 
almost every house; tallow candles made in every kitchen. Wood 
was to be had almost for the chopping, and neighbors exchanged the 
produce of their farms and gardens. 

Secretar>' Hamilton was doing all in his power to restore the 
commercial confidence of the people and place the government on a 



THE COURTLY TIMES OF WASHINGTON. 429 

sure financial basis. In tn-ing to do this, he took some measures 
which were very distasteful to the people. A bill drawn up by him 
was passed in Congress in March, 1791, which increased the duty on 
imported spirits, making it from twenty to forty cents a gallon, and 
what was still more offensive to the people, laid a tax on distillation. 
The people of various States, held meetings, appointed committees, and 
adopted resolutions asking for an unconditional repeal. Those who 
accepted the offices of collectors were treated with ever>' sort of indig- 
nity. Some of them were tarred and feathered, their houses were 
burned, and they were ostracized, although many of them were men of 
high business and social standing. The insurrection gathered rapidly 
and finally organized for resistance to the law. Under the leadership 
of John Holcraft, known more widely as "Tom the Tinker," the mob 
attacked several houses in Pennsylvania. The handful of militia was 
forced to surrender to them, and the mob burned several houses 
belonging to the law-and-order party. A few days later the mail to 
Philadelphia was stopped and the insurgents took from it several letters 
which gave accounts of the riot. The writers of these letters were 
severely persecuted. The insurgents next summoned the militia to 
meet on Braddock's Field, August i, 1794. Seven thousand came 
armed and provisioned for four days, but when they were told to capture 
Fort Pitt, they dispersed. 

President Washington was alarmed, and fearing that the rebellion 
might spread through the country-, called on New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Marj'land and Virginia for fifteen thousand men, and sent commissioners 
to the scene of the disturbance, with power to arrange for peaceful 
submission any time before September 14th. As these commissioners 
soon returned without having come to any satisfactorj- arrangement, the 
troops were put in motion with the Governors of New Jersey, Pennsyl- 
vania, and \'irginia at the heads of their men, under the leadership of 
General Henr>' Lee. Most of the disturbances were in the counties 
west of the Alleghanies, and the soldiers were obliged to cross these 
motmtains, suffering not a little from disease and exposure as they did 
so. The insurrection died quickly upon the appearance of the troops. 
Some of the leaders left the country- and some were arrested and 
brought to trial. Only two were convicted of treason, and these were 
pardoned bv the President. 

FOR FURTHER RE.^DING: 
Fiction— Charlotte Walsinghain's "Annette." 

H. H. Brackenridge's "Jlodem Chivalrj'-" 



CHAPTER LXX. 



jl Jsmntrat,. 



THE POLITICAL PARTIES OF THE YOUXG NATION — THE JAY TREATY- 
ELECTION OF JOHN ADAMS TO THE PRESIDENCY — 
ALIEN AND SEDITION LAWS — 
TROUBLE WITH 
■^^ FRANCE. 



HE influence of the French rebellion was strongly 
felt in America, and the discontented among the 
people showed a willingness to imitate, upon the 
slightest provocation, the example of the French 
people. The old French monarchy had been over- 
thrown, and an attempt made to establish a republic 
in its place — an attempt which had led to violence 
and bloodshed which had never been equaled in the 
history of civilized nations. This struggle Americans 
watched with much interest. They were not free from a 
disinterested desire to see their great ally firmly estab- 
lished in a republic such as they themselves were found- 
ing. Jefferson had long been in Paris, and was among 
the company of brilliant fanatics whose heads were after- 
wards sacrificed to the relentless commune. Of all of 
them, he was the only one whose dream of power was finally realized, 
and who, in later years, stood at the head of a nation. The party in 
.America which sympathized with the French and had democratic sim- 
plicity for their watchword, were inclined to quarrel with what was. 
considered the ostentation of President Washington, as well as with the 
vigorous legislative measures of Secretar)- Hamilton. The men of this 
party first called themselves Republicans, and afterwards Democrats. 
Samuel Adams, as well as Jefferson, belonged to this party. The party 
on the other side were known as Federalists, and desired that the States 
should all be governed by one central government, and that to an extent 
the judicial and executive laws of England should be imitated. Wash- 




A DEMOCRACY. 431 

ington, Hamilton ' and John Adams were among the foremost Feder- 
alists. Questions of international commerce were of the greatest polit- 
ical interest at the time, and the Federalists associated themselves with 
protection, while Jefferson and his friends headed the free trade move- 
ment. From time to time different influences were brought to bear 
upon each of these parties, and cliques or bands of partisans came up 
which held individual views of some of the questions of the day. The 
Democrats were especially fearful that the national governmetit would 
become too powerful and destroy the rights of the States. They feared 
that it might grow aristocratic and exclusive, as in European natious. 

As early as 1791 a minister had been sent from England. He made 
laws concerning the capture of French merchant vessels, which created 
the strongest indignation among the Democrats. No minister arrived 
in America from France until 1793, and the man sent was Edmund 
Charles Genet, who was received with great enthusiasm by the French 
party in the United States, because he was one of the "Liberators" who 
had beheaded Louis XVI. He was intoxicated with the wild notions 
of the French revolution, and had not the common sense to perceive 
how different was the government which he was now sent to confer 
with. He quarreled with the laws, threatened to head an uprising of 
the people, and at last became so intolerable that the Americans were 
obliged to request that he should be recalled. 

The British continued to wage war upon the French vessels, and 
issued an order directing cruisers to make a prize of any vessel carrj-ing 
the produce of a French colony or transporting supplies to such colony. 
This, of course, was a serious interference with America as well as 
France, and Congress decided to stop all commercial intercourse with 
Great Britain till the western posts still held by the British were sur- 
rendered. Washington was anxious to avert war and in 1794 sent an 
envoy extraordinary to London to negotiate a treaty of amity and com- 
merce. Chief Justice John Jay was the man selected for this enterprise. 
The minister for foreign affairs in England met Jay half way, and 
in a short time a treaty was agreed upon, which went into operation in 
February, 1796. The withdrawal of British troops and garrisons from 
the western posts was agreed upon, as well as free inland navigation and 
trade to both nations upon lakes and rivers, except that the United 
States were excluded from the domain of the Hudson Bay Company. 
There were many other particulars relating to trade by water which 
need not be mentioned. Great Britain was to pay for losses by her 
irregular captures by British cruisers. Citizens of either countr}- were 



432 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

pennitted to hold landed property in the territory of the other, and no 
private propert)' was to be confiscated in case of war. Ships of wai 
were to be received in each other's ports. Citizens of either in the 
other's territory were not to be molested, and criminals escaping from 
one country to the other were to be delivered up. When this treaty 
and all of its particulars were known about in America, it aroused the 
warmest controversy. The President and most of his Cabinet were 
fairly well pleased with it, but the Democrats were so incensed against 
it that they proposed to nullify the law by withholding the necessary 
appropriations to carry out the terms of the treaty. Their particular 
argument was that it benefited England at the expense of France, and 
that it was for the benefit of northern trade, and failed to provide for 
the loss of slaves who fled with the British armies at the close of the 
Revolution. The needed appropriations were obtained only after fierce 
debates, only four votes from States south of the Potomac being given 
in its favor. The South was ambitious for ascendancy, and already the 
breach between the two sections became noticeable. 

Washington's second administration was coming to an end. During 
the eight j^ears of his government the nation had gained more confi- 
dence in herself and had increased greatly in size. In 1792, Kentucky 
had come into the union. This region was at first, as has been said 
before, considered a part of Virginia. The Spanish government had, 
at one time, endeavored to induce the Kentuckians to declare themselves 
independent of tne Union, and to join Louisiana, which still belonged 
to Spain, but these efforts failed. In 1796, Tennessee became a State. 
This part of the country had been explored much earlier than Ken- 
tucky, and, indeed, may have been visited by De Soto, long before the 
settlement of the Eastern States. It was, however, settled much more 
slowly than Kentucky, and the settlers came chiefly from North Caro- 
lina. It was here that the attempt to establish the State of Franklin 
was tried. This failed, after two or three years of unhealthy existence. 
Being so near North Carolina, Kentucky could hardly fail to be a slave 
State. 

At the end of Washington's Administration there were si.xteen States 
in the Union. The first census of the nation, which was taken in 1790, 
showed a population of about four millions. Washington refused a third 
election to the presidency. John Adams, of Massachusetts, who had been 
Vice-President, was chosen by a small majority over Thomas Jefferson, 
who, as it will be remembered, belonged to the Democratic party. In 
those days the candidate who received the second number of votes in 



A DEMOCRACY. 433 

the presidential election was made \'ice-President, and thus Thomas 
Jefferson was given that position, although he and the chief executive 
differed so widely in politics. From the breaking out of the Revolu- 
tion, President Adams had been one of the most unselfish of the patriots. 
He had assisted in framing the Declaration of Independence, and had 
been one of the Ambassadors to make the treaty with France at the 
close of the war. But notwithstanding these services he was elected 
against the protest of a large part of the nation. Never since has any 
election been conducted with such bitterness of spirit and such public 
revilement. The volcanic government of France had thrown into this 
countrj- many burning brands. The young "philosophers," as they 
termed themselves, could not, and would not, understand the principles 
of this government. They were accomplished in vituperative rhetoric, 
and astonished the moderate-speaking Americans with all sorts of wild 
speeches, which were mistaken for eloquence. So troublesome did chey 
become that on June i8, 1798, were passed what were known as the 
alien and sedition laws. By these, naturalization was restricted and the 
President was permitted to send out of the country^ such aliens as he 
thought dangerous to the United States. He was permitted to give 
license to aliens to remain during his pleasure, and, if he wished, to 
e.xact bonds for their good behavior. Aliens who had no license might 
be imprisoned, and masters of vessels who brought them might be fined 
for not reporting their arrival. The sedition law made five offences 
penal. These were: "Defaming Congress or the President;" "excit- 
ing the hatred of the people against them;" "stirring up sedition in 
the United States;" "raising unlawful combinations for resisting laws," 
and "aiding foreign nations against the United States." A wild storm 
of dissent greeted these acts, which, indeed, were hardly in keeping 
with the sentiments which America had always voiced, calling herself 
the asylum for the oppressed of all nations. In the legislatures of 
Virginia and Kentucky it was declared that Congress had acted be\ond 
its constitutional powers; that the States were not bound to obe)-, and 
that each State had the right to determine the question of constitu- 
tionality. With these resolutions, which Vice-President Jefferson 
sanctioned, the Democratic party strengthened its power. The 
Democratic party urged that these laws were such an insult to France, 
which had many distinguished citizens in America, that she could well 
be excused for the diplomatic measures which she took to annoy 
America. At one time nearly one thousand American vessels were 
detained or captured by the French government, and when the American 



434 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

government sent an envoy to France, the Director)' ordered him to 
qnit the county. The Englisa cruisers were also exceedingly annoying, 
and the commanders had no hesitancy in searching for English seamen 
on board of American vessels, under which pretext they frequently 
kidnaped American seamen. 

Adams was constantly hampered b\ the peace policy of Jefferson, 
who did not believe that war was right in the new brotherhood which 
had grown out of the French commune. But Adams had determination 
■enough to insist that another commission should be sent to France. 
When this commission reached that country they were told that they 
would be received by the Directory if they chose to make a handsome 
loan to the French Republic. When the envoys refused to accept such 
humiliating terms, they were ordered out of the country. Congress 
determined to take a hostile attitude, and ordered the standing army to 
be enlarged by twelve regiments. A navy of twenty-four vessels was 
ordered, and merchantmen were allowed to ann themselves against the 
French vessels of war. In theorj-, the two nations were at war, but 
there were no engagements between them except among the cruisers. 
Two serious conflicts took place in the West Indies. A heavy French 
privateer and a French frigate were captured and sent into port as prizes. 
But at this time Napoleon came into power, and everj'thing was changed. 
He received a new embassy sent out by Adams with great cordiality. 
The French cruisers were told to leave American vessels alone, and 
America changed her aspect to one of friendship. The Federalists, 
who were for war, were thoroughly dissatisfied with peaceable measures. 
The President tried in vain to take a middle course which should please 
both parties, and succeeded in pleasing neither of them. The unpopular 
sedition law was one of the things most talked of in the election of 
1800, by which the administration of the government fell into the hands 
of the Democrats, to remain there for a quarter of a centur}-. But in 
the meantime, there had been several occurrences of national interest 
outside of this. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Biography — "Life of John Jay." 

History— Carlyle's "French Revolution." 



CHAPTER LXXI. 



iloitarn Jfutife 



things which awakened national 
was the Fries insurrection of 1799. 



THE FRIES INSURRECTION — SELECTION OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL — 
'ij^j DEATH OF WASHINGTON — LOUISIANA — 

,)/ y'l , I AARON BURR. 

■^ 

?|MONG the 
anxiety 

Discontent with the window tax began to show 

itself in 1798, and, in the spring of the following 

year, a rebellion against it broke out in North- 

ampton county, Pennsylvania. It spread rapidly, 

especially among the Germans. The militia was 

called out, the insurgents soon subdued, and their 

leaders arrested. John Fries was tried for high 

treason and found guilty after two trials, but the 

President pardoned him. Fries afterwards became a 

rich and respectable citizen of Philadelphia. 

In the same 3'ear, 1799, the site of the national 
capital was decided upon. Some of the members of 
Congress were verj' anxious that the place should be New York. This 
the southern members fiercely opposed, and threatened, as they always 
did when in any way annoyed, to secede from the Union. There was 
some thought of placing the national government at Philadelphia for 
ten years, but a desire among many of the members that a permanent 
site should be selected, hindered the carr>'ing out of this plan. At 
last it was agreed, "that a district of territory on the river Potomac, at 
some place between the mouths of the eastern branch and Connogoche- 
ague, be, and at the same time is, hereby accej)ted for the permanent 
site of the government of the United States." To this city was given 
the name of Washington. The plan of the city was laid out by 
Washington himself, and the present stately city shows how excellent 
these plans were. But it was desolate enough when John Adams took 
his wife to the White House, and placed her in charge of that mansion, 




436 THE, STORY O? AMERICA. 

which in those days was considered by many as far too elaborate an 
edifice for a republican president to live in. The long, unimproved 
avenues, up which few people went, the deep morasses and thick 
groves, were dreary surroundings for the nation's capital and the 
residence of its President. Mrs. Adams complained that so few people 
lived round about that they could not even get fire-wood drawn for 
their comfort. The malaria which arose from the swamps was 
dangerous indeed, and the expense of keeping up such a huge building 
was entirely out of proportion to the President's salary. But these 
inconveniences were, of course, soon remedied. There is no question 
but that the site is a beautiful one for a large city. A level plain, 
three miles in length and two miles wide, extended from the banks of 
the Potomac to a range of hills bounding the plain on the east. The 
hill on which the Capitol stands has a noble view. This is the centre 
of the city, and the avenues radiate from it, thus making the city the 
shape of an amphitheatre. The institutions of government, art, 
science and education stand at great distances from each other, and 
have given to the city its name of "The City of Magnificent Distances." 

Before the year 1799 had closed, George Washington was dead. 
The party bitterness which had called down so many criticisms upon 
him vanished suddenly out of sight. The nation recognized how much 
it owed to his wisdom, tiprightness, unselfishness and honest pride. 
Congress declared what has since passed into a proverb, that he was 
"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen," 
and Europe recognized the fact that one of the three great men of the 
age had died. These three were Napoleon, Wellington and Washington, 
and of them, Washington can safely be said to be the most disinterested. 

When Thomas Jefferson followed Adams as President of the United 
States, in 1801, his way was made comparatively easy for him, by the 
fact that Napoleon was now at the head of the French nation. The 
confused and complicated foreign conditions were altered. Especially 
did this affect the West, where there had been a continual distrust 
between the Americans and the Spaniards in Louisiana. Upon three 
different occasions the western men had been upon the point of war, by 
the authority and with the sanction of the President. One of the chief 
causes of the quarrels was, that the Spanish commanders at New 
Orleans refused to let the men from the territories unload any of their 
exports at the New Orleans wharves. To end these troubles, Jefferson 
sent Robert Livingstone to Paris, with a proposal to purchase the 
island on which New Orleans stands, and the right of passage to the 



A MODIiRN LUCIFKR. 



437 



sea. The original territory of Louisiana, be it understood, as a French 
province, comprised the valleys of the Mississippi, the Ohio, the 
Missouri and the Illinois. At the close of the French war, in 1763, 
France ceded to Great Britain all that portion of Louisiana lying east 
of the Mississippi and north of the Iberville, about a hundred miles 




above Orleans; at the same time France transferred to Spain all the 
rest of her territory' on the western side of the Mississippi. In 1800, the 
province was returned to France by Spain. This will account for the 
fact that the officers at Orleans, civil and military, were sometimes 
French and sometimes Spanish. At the time referred to the Intendant 



43<'^ THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

of Orleaus was a Spaniard, although France was the possessor of the 
province. Robert Livingstone agreed, for the United States, to pay 
sixty million francs to the French nation for the province of Louisiana. 
When Napoleon heard that the negotiation had been completed, he 
said, with great satisfaction, "I have given England a rival." In 
America there was comparative indifference in regard to the purchase. 
The western men were glad to be protected from the petty authority of 
the foreign officers at Orleans. But Robert Livingstone said — and no 
one contradicted him — that the United States had no wish to extend 
their boundaries across the Mississippi. The government took posses- 
sion of the new territory by a public act on the 20th of December, 1803. 
The Vice-President at this time was Aaron Burr, one of the most 
hrilliant of American statesmen. When he had held the position of 
Vice-President for three years, he committed the great crime which 
began his downfall. He challenged Secretary Hamilton to a duel and 
killed him, as both Burr and Hamilton and everyone else knew that he 
would. In the election of 1804, when Jefferson was returned to office, 
Burr was not re-elected, and George Clinton became Vice-President in 
his stead. Burr was as restless and ambitious as ever. He had lost his 
friends, but his thirst for power had only increased. It is hard to tell 
just what motive actuated him when he drew about him a company of 
adventurers, and sailed down the Mississippi river with all the theatrical 
display and assurance of a conqueror. He and his followers were in 
search of fortune, authority, and empire. No crusade of the middle 
ages could have been more romantic or vaguely ambitious in its 
purpose. Many people thought, and still think, that his intention was 
to take Orleans and establish a western empire. Burr was a man of 
verj^ rare magnetism. The man who wished to disbelieve in him must 
first avoid him. He was courtly, elegant, and accomplished, haughty 
with men, and suave with women. He had offended Washington by 
his profligacy, and on that account had been removed from Wash- 
ington's militar}' family at the time of the Revolution. As he went 
through the West, he took care to arouse in the pioneers of that country 
the hatred which they had so long felt against the Spaniards of Orleans. 
He begged them to remember Philip Nolan, a young agent of the 
American government, who had gone to Texas to collect horses for the 
Spanish post at Orleans, under a pass from the Governor of Texas. 
Through the treachery of the Spanish government he had been killed 
and all of his companions sent to the mines — mines in which so many 
unfortunates met with a mvsterious end. 



A MODERN LUCIFER. 



439 



Burr visited Bleunerhassett' s Island, in the Ohio, not far from 
Marietta. Harmon Blennerhassett and his beautiful wife were emi- 
grants from Ireland. They had purchased this exquisite island, built a 
fine house upon it, and lived there in state which was little less than 
princel}-. Even at that time of open and prodigal hospitality, they 
were celebrated for the splendor of their entertainments, and their large 
circle of distinguished friends. Mrs. Blennerhassett was a woman of 




queenly manners and of keen intellect, and the cleverest men and women 
in the nation were glad to know her and to have the entree of her 
house. Through her influence Burr won the co-operation of hex 
husband, and Harmon Blennerhassett imited himself to the adventurer 
and placed a large part of his fortune at his disposal. In the summer 
of iSo6 Burr made the attempt which he had so long threatened. On 
Blennerhassett' s Island he collected boats, provisions, arms and ammu- 



440 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

nition. Here a goodly luimber of recruits joined him, and as the boats 
sailed down the Ohio and the Mississippi, other confederates were 
picked up by the way. 

Jefferson, for many reasons, had shut his eyes to Burr's actions as 
long as possible, but was now forced into publishing a proclamation 
which denounced the whole scheme, and the United States Marshals of 
Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky made attempts to arrest the expedition, 
which, however, were not successful. As Burr neai'ed Natchez, he had 
thirteen boats and sixty men in arms. Here the adventurer's party 
found the militia of the territory in arms to oppose them, and the)' were 
all taken to Natchez as prisoners. Burr was tried, but pronounced 
guilty of no crime, which showed how thoroughly the western people 
sympathized with him. Disguised as a boatman, he disappeared into 
the wilderness. In the middle of January he was discovered and 
arrested, and conducted to Richmond, Virginia, to be tried by the 
United States on a charge of high treason. Such, however, were his 
personal attractions still, that when he was placed under guard, it was 
thought necessary that every man in the squad should be taken apart 
and compelled to swear that no interviews should be held with Burr 
upon the road, and that he should not be permitted to escape. His 
trial lasted three or four weeks, and ended in a verdict of not guilty. 

Burr became an exile in Europe, where he lived in great poverty 
and was shunned as a felon and an outlaw. He was ordered to quit 
England and while in France was kept constantly under the eyes of the 
police. Weary of such existence, he returned to America and resumed 
his profession of the law, but he never won the confidence or the 
friendship of any of his countrymen. His daughter Theodosia alone 
remained loyal to him. She was the wife of Governor Allston, of South 
Carolina. When she heard that Burr was returning from France, she 
set out from Charleston to meet him at New York, but the boat in 
which she sailed was never heard of again. This blow was the bitterest 
which Burr had endured, and the rest of his miserable life was spent 
sorrowfully alone. Blennerhassett died bankrupt and broken-hearted 
on the Isle of Guernsey. A few years later the beautiful Mrs. Blenner- 
hassett died in New York, in the most abject poverty, and was buried 
by some lowly Irish women. 

A fall more profound than that of Burr's has seldom been known. 
He came within one vote of being President of the United States; he 
died almost, if not literally, a beggar, with whom other beggars might 
have been ashamed to associate. 



CHAPTER LXXII. 



J)$talur $ "Sritona. 



THE PIRACY OF THE BARBARY STATES — WAR WITH TRIPOLI — 
A ~A EXPLOITS OF OUR NAVAL HEROES — THE 
^^ i%-'4 TRIUMPH OF AMERICA. 




ONSIDERING the comparative weakness and the 
insignificance of the Barbarj- States, it seems 
strange that for twenty years they should have 
forced the United States to submit to the depreda- 
tions of their corsairs. From its earliest years 
the American government made a mistake in its 
treatment of the semi-barbarous States of northern 
Africa. As early as 1787 a treaty was ratified with 
Morocco, for which Congress paid eighty thousand dol- 
lars. In 1796 another was made with Algiers, by 
which it was agreed to pay forty thousand dollars 
for the release of thirteen Americans held as slaves 
in that State, a large amount of cash besides, and 
an annual tribute of twenty-five thousand dollars as 
the price of exemption from further aggressions. When there chanced 
to be a delay in the first remittance the Dey exacted still further tribute, 
and a ship of war costing about one hundred thousand dollars, was 
sent to him as a present for his daughter. 

The Barbary States subsisted almost entirely by piracy, and it 
was not upon the United States alone that they levied such tribute, 
but upon European nations also, though, of course, England or France 
at any time could easil)- have humiliated them had they taken the 
trouble to do so. Thousands of Americans were taken captive and 
millions of dollars were spent for ransom. It was a common thing for 
notices to be read in American churches of the captivity of members of the 
church in Tripoli or Algiers, and a sum of money was usually raised for 
the ransom of each. It required four thousand dollars to rescue a captain 
or a passenger. The Dey said that if the people of the United States 



442 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

paid him tribute, they were his slaves, and acting upon this principle, 
he force the frigate George Washington to carrj- his own tribute to the 
Sultan. This tribute consisted partly of slaves and wild animals, and 
was carried to Constantinople under the flag of the Barbary States. 
This insult was more than even Jefferson, with his dislike for war, could 
endure without a protest. 

In 1801 Tripoli herself took the initiative and declared war before 
America did so. Jefferson sent four of the six American vessels to the 
Mediterranean. It was his policy to economize in every direction, and 
he believed that a navy was an unnecessary expense. He thought all 
that was necessary- to protect the country was a few gunboats, capable 
of bearing but one gun each, which were to be kept under shelter 
where they could be easily launched in case of necessity. Many small 
engagements were fought in the Mediterranean which brought no notable 
results. In August, Lieutenant Sterrett, in the Enterprise^ of twelve 
guns and ninety men, fought with a Tripolitan vessel of fourteen guns, 
off Malta The Tripolitan vessel struck after a two-hours' fight, and 
then discharged another broadside when the Americans had left their 
guns and were cheering for their victory. Sterrett ordered his men back 
to the guns and raked the treacherous ship from end to end, not stop- 
ping till the mizzen mast was shot away, the hull riddled, fifty men 
killed and wounded and the colors thrown into the sea by the frantic 
commander. Sterrett then ordered that the enemy should throw all 
their arms and ammunition overboard. The remaining masts were cut 
away, the ship completely dismantled and then left to make its way 
home with a single sail. The Americans did not lose a man. As a 
matter of fact the Tripolitans were not good fighters, and they relied 
upon surprising their victims for their piratical successes. Their 
triumphs had usually been over peaceful merchantmen, whom they ter- 
rorized by their wild manner and show of blood-thirstiness. It became 
frequent for the Americans to destroy their vessels and crews without 
lo.ss to themselves. In July, 1802, the frigate Conste/iation bought nine 
gunboats off Tripoli, and drove five of them ashore while the others 
escaped into the harbor. In June of the next year there was a battle 
of still greater odds. A cruiser from Tripoli, carrying twenty-two 
guns, was driven into a bay seven leagues east of Tripoli. Here, with 
nine gunboats about her and a body of cavalry on the beach, the /okn 
Adams and the Enterprise fought at close range for three-quarters of au 
hour, till the enemy's guns were silenced and her crew leaped over- 
board. The Americans were about to take possession of the boat, 



DECATUR'S TRIBUNE. 443 

when a boat-load of Tripolitans returned to her and re-opened fire. 
'Thejofni Adams replied, and the colors on the Tripolitan vessel were 
taken down. A moment later all her guns were discharged at once and 
she blew up with an explosion which tore her to pieces. 

In 1803, the squadron on the Mediterranean had increased to nine 
ships, which carried in all two hundred and fourteen guns. The 
Philadelphia captured a Moorish cruiser which the Governor of Tangiers 
had authorized to prey upon American commerce. Commodore Preble 
entered the harbor of Tangiers with four of his fleet and asked an 
explanation of the Emperor, who claimed that he was not responsible 
for the act of the Governor, and renewed the treaty with the United 
States. 

.The PJiiladclphia struck upon a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and 
while she was in this helpless state, was attacked by gunboats, and her 
commander. Captain Bainbridge, was compelled to surrender. The 
Tripolitans took advantage of an unusually high tide to haul her off 
and refit her. The American commodore was, of course, anxious 
to repossess this valuable vessel, or, failing in that, to unfit her for 
service by the Tripolitans, and Stephen Decatur successfully carried 
out a strategy by which this end was reached. He ran into the harbor 
one night in February, 1804, in a small prize vessel, the Intrepid. He 
pretended that the ship was a merchantman which had lost its anchor, 
and gained consent to make fast to the Philadelphia. At a signal his 
men arose from the decks, and poured through the ports and over the 
decks of the frigate. The barbarians ran shrieking to hide in the hold 
or dash into the sea, and in less than half an hour Decatur had cleared 
the decks, put combustibles in every part of the ship and set fire to 
them. B\- the time the Philadelphia was in flames the little vessel of 
Decatur was sailing away out of the harbor without the loss of a man. 

On August 3d Preble entered the harbor of Tripoli with his fleet 
and bombarded the town from his mortar boats. His frigates and 
schooners were out where they could fire upon the batteries. Of the 
gimboats, three, for different reasons, were thrown out of the combat 
and the other three closed with the enemy. One of these, commanded 
by Lieutenant James Decatur, a brother of Stephen, forced a Tripolitan 
gunboat to yield, but as he was stepping upon deck, was treacherously 
shot through the head by the Tripolitan commander. The boats drifted 
apart and the enemy escaped. Stephen Decatur, in command of 
another boat, was fighting with might and main. He boarded one of 
the enemy's boats, and dividing his men into two parties, charged 



444 '^m- STORY OK AMERICA. 

around each side of the open hatcliway, calling for surrender and bayo- 
neting all who resisted. When he had done his work here thoroughly, 
he closed with the boat where he knew his brother had just been mur- 
dered. He boarded this recklessly, and after a fierce fight, singled out 
the captain who had shot his brother. He was an immense barbarian, 
armed with a sharp pike. He and Decatur closed in a hand-to-hand 
fight. Decatur's sword broke at the hilt, and he parried the thrust of the 
pike with his naked arm. It entered his breast, but he wrenched it out, 
tore the staS" away from his enemy, grappled him and rolled him upon 
the deck. The savage Turk struggled to draw his poniard, but Decatur 
grasped his pistol and shot his antagonist, who fell back d)'ing upon the 
deck. In the midst of this, a blow was aimed at Decatur from behind 
by a Tripolitan officer. This would doubtless have killed the distin- 
guished commander had not a young sailor named Reuben James 
stretched out his arm to receive the blow. The life of Decatur was 
saved, but it was at the expense of the right arm of the young sailor. 
There were eighty men in the two boats captured by Decatur, and of 
these fifty-two were killed or wounded. The third boat engaged in the 
struggle was commanded by Lieutenant Tripp, who boarded one of the 
enemy's gunboats and by a rebound of his own boat, was left with only 
ten men on the deck of the enemy. The two commanders fought each 
other — the Tripolitan with a sword, Tripp with a pike. The Ameri- 
can, covered with wounds, was forced to the deck, but with a sudden 
renewal of strength, succeeded in piercing the Turk with his pike. 
The rest of the crew surrendered. At the close of the engagement it 
was found that three of the enemy's boats were sunk and three others 
captured. The Americans had but fourteen killed and wounded. 

A little later than this, Commodore Preble engaged in a conflict 
with some of the enemy's vessels, in which he lost eighteen men. 
Most of these were injured by the explosion of the magazines of one of 
his gunboats. A few days later the bomb ketch Inti-epid was fitted up 
as an "infernal," and one hundred barrels of powder and missiles were 
put in her hold in tightly planked rooms. In the deck, immediately 
above, were piled one hundred and fifty shells and a great quantity of 
shot and fragments of iron. The plan was for her to be taken by a 
crew of men in among the Tripolitan fleet. The combustibles were to 
be fired and the men make their escape in two boats. There was a thick 
haze over the water and her movements could not be seen by the 
enemy. She had neared the enemy's batteries before they saw her and 
opened fire. Exactly what happened has never been known, but a 



DECATUR S TRIBUNE. 445 

light was seen to move horizontally along her deck, then to drop out of 
sight, and the next minute there was a frightful explosion, a great 
shaft of fire darting up from the vessel and the blazing rigging and 
canvas were lifted high into the air. The thirteen bodies of the crew 
were found two days later mangled be}ond recognition. Lrittle or no 
harm had been done to the enemy by the explosion of the boat. 

In November, 1S04, Samuel Barron was made Commodore of the 
Mediterranean squadron, which then consisted of ten vessels, carr>'ing 
two himdred and sixty-four guns. The United States had never before 
assembled so large a squadron. At this time America took advantage 
of a national dispute among the Tripolitans to strengthen herself there. 
The reigning Bashaw of Tripoli had gained the throne by deposing his 
elder brother, and the United States agreed to reinstate the exiled 
prince. They got together a force of adventurers from various nations 
and the American flag was raised upon Derne — the first time that it ever 
floated over any fortification on that side of the Atlantic. The town 
surrendered, and the reigning Bashaw was frightened into making 
peace. The United States no longer paid tribute, the prisoners in the 
hands of the Tripolitans were ransomed, and for some time Barbary 
States ceased to trouble America. But they dealt most unfairly by the 
exiled prince, whom they had promised to return to his throne. Again 
he was exiled, and this time without his wife and children, who were 
kept as hostages by his brother for his peaceful behavior in the future. 
He complained to the United States that they had left him in poverty 
and wretchedness, but they paid no attention to his appeal. They were 
learning lessons in statesmanship ! 

FOR FURTHER READING: 

Biography— McKenzie's "Life of Stephen Decatur." 

Poetry— C. H. Calvert's "Reuben James." 



2T 



CHAPTER LXXIII. 



"Pfrsnnian limplitH^.' 



BXPLORATION OF THE NORTHWEST — INTRODUCTION OF THE ST«AM« 
BOAT — PASSAGE OF A LAW FORBIDDING THE AFRICAN 
SLAVE TRADE — THE JEFFERSONIAN POLICY — 
) MARITIME TROUBLES. 



WO great enterprises marked Jefferson's adminis- 
tration. One of these was the invention of the 
steamboat; the other was the exploration of the 
Northwest by Meriwether Lewis and William 
Clarke, whom the President sent out for that 
purpose. The first person to propose the steam- 
boat was Thomas Paine, in 1778, during the Revolu- 
tion; and in 1784, James Ramsey built a vessel, which 
reached a speed of three or foiir miles an hour against 
the stream, on the Potomac. James Fitch built one, 
which was used on the Delaware, and predicted, to the 
great amusement of everyone who heard of it, that 
steamboats would one day cross the Atlantic. But 
^ these boats were constructed upon a principle which 

made them impracticable, and the first one built upon the present plan 
was launched on the Hudson, by Robert Fulton, in 1807. Three 
years before, Fulton had urged upon Napoleon, in Paris, his plans for 
the steamboat. Napoleon, always progressive, was willing to witness 
the trial of a boat and adopt it for the use of his nation, should it prove 
successful. But the experimental vessel was built too slightly, and the 
boiler and engine proved a greater weight than it could bear. They 
broke through it, and sank to the bottom of the Seine. Fulton was 
dismissed in disgrace, and returned to his own countr)'. The Clc-- 
niont, which he launched upon the Hudson, made the trip from New- 
York to Albany in thirty-two hours, and back again in thirty, Fulton 
said that the morning he left New York, there were not more than 




"JEFPERSOMAN SIMI'I.ICITV." 



447 



thirty persons in the city who beheved that the boat would ever move 
one mile an hour. Indeed, he was laughed at very heartily, and the 
vessel was called "Fulton's Folly." But as it went up the river 
against wind and tide, at the rate of five miles an hour, throwing showers 
of sparks into the air and making a great roar of machinery and paddles, 
the people gave a shout of applause, the first sign of encouragement 
which the devoted inventor had ever received. After this, steamboats 
increased rapidly, and, by the suggestion of many thoughtful men, were 
greatly improved and soon in general use, although it was a long time 
before an ocean steamer was ever biiilt, and it was not until 1812 that 
a steamboat navigated the waters of the Ohio. 

It was in 1804 that Lewis and Clarke were given their commissions 
by the President, and started out with a large party to explore the 




HOUSE, WASHINGTON. 



waters of the Missouri river, cross the mountain range and descend to 
the Pacific. For twenty-six hundred miles they pushed their flotilla 
against the current of the Missouri; then, leaving a considerable por- 
tion of the party to guard the boats, they crossed the mountains, 
mounted on horses which they had captured, aud discovered the two 
streams which are known as the Lewis and Clarke rivers. The>' 
followed up these rivers to where they joined with the Columbia, and 
then went on to the sea. Robert Grey, of Salem, Massachusetts, had 
discovered the river Columbia in IMay, 1792, he being the first man to 
carry the American flag around Cape Horn and up the Pacific ocean. 



44S THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

He had named the river after his ship, the Columbia Rcdiviva. Lewis 
and Clarke met upon their journey with numerous Indian tribes who 
had never before seen white men — many, indeed, who had never heard 
of them. This journey was the first ever made by any white man to 
the Pacific, north of the line of Mexico. 

One important event that happened during Jefferson's administra- 
tion was the passage of a law forbidding the African slave trade. It 
will be remembered that this trade had existed ever since 1619, and it 
was agreed when the constitution was formed that there should be no 
interference with the slave trade until January i, 1808. More than a 
year before that time President Jefferson called the attention of Congress 
to the subject, and congratulated the members upon the fact that they 
would soon be able to forbid the barbarous traffic. The debate which 
followed in Congress was very long and bitter. Although no one was 
in favor of continiiing the slave trade, there were wonderfully wide 
differences of opinion as to the best way of putting it down. It was 
argued, too, that if it was right to hold slaves at all, it could not be 
wrong to import them. At length, under the lead of Joshua Quincy, 
of Massachusetts, and others, a law was passed forbidding the importa- 
tion of slaves from any foreign country into the United States after the 
year 1807. But in spite of the law, slaves were secretly imported for 
many years, until treaties were made with other maritime countries by 
which the slave trade was declared to be piracy. But it must be 
understood that the slave trade between the different States of the 
American Union was not abolished. The only States free from it were 
those which had incorporated in their charter an act forbidding slaverj^ 
forever within their borders. 

The population of the country had nearly doubled in twenty years. 
At the end of the first ten years of the century the census showed a 
population of seven million two hundred and forty thousand. Wealth 
was increasing in a much greater proportion. After the invention of 
Whitney's cotton gin the exportation of cotton had increased from one 
hundred and eighty-nine thousand pounds exported in 1791, to sixty- 
two million pounds exported in 181 1. Not alone in this, but in every 
direction, increase of prosperity v.'as visible. Ship-building and fisheries 
were sources of great wealth. The State of Ohio was organized and 
admitted into the Union in 1802, making the seventeenth State of the 
Union. When its people adopted a constitution, they incorporated i'j 
it some principles which were new to the world, and which were much 
considered in the formation of other States. To encourage settlement. 



JEFFERSONIAX SIMPLICITY. 449 

they provided that for four years after any settler purchased land of the 
United States no local taxes should be laid upon it, and Congress uiet 
this generosity of the people with another gift, which has been made a 
precedent in all similar legislation since that time. This law granted 
to the State one township in each section of their survey for the estab- 
lishment of its schools. This gave to the new States of America 
opportunities for public education which are unequaled in the world. 
Thus it came about that for that State and all which followed it, every 
man who desired could lay claim to a generous portion of land, and 
could have, without expense to himself, a liberal education for all of 
his children. 

Emigration to the Ohio valley became rapid. It no longer seemed 
as far west as it had previously, though people still thought that any 
man who had looked upon Lake Michigan was a very great traveler 
indeed. There had been but comparatively little interest felt in that 
vast stretch of western territory, but the purchase of Louisiana, which 
more than doubled the area of the national territory, and the tales which 
Lewis and Clarke brought back of the richness of the mysterious north- 
west country, aroused an interest which had never been felt before. In 
the narrative, which the explorers published, they told of finding the 
buffalo so numerous that in one case a herd occupied the whole breadth 
of the river a mile wide, and the party had to stop for an hour to see 
the animals pass by. Trade with the Indians was another spur to 
western excursions, and a New York merchant, John Jacob Astor, 
started a trading post called Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia river. 
But this post was afterwards sold to one of the British fur companies. 

Jefferson's administration was very different in all social respects 
from that of Washington and Adams. From the severity of his life 
and habits we have gained the expression, "Jeffersonian simplicity." 
Washington, upon his inauguration, had driven in a coach and six to 
the capital, dressed in velvet and wearing costly jewels. Jefferson, on a 
like occasion, rode on horseback in a dress which, though careful, was 
certainly not ceremonious. When he dismounted he tied his own horse 
to a post, walked unattended into the Capitol building, and read his 
address. Upon his second election he did not go to the capital at all, 
but set the example of sending a "message" to Congress by a secretary. 
This has been the practice ever since. He did not believe in those 
stately ceremonies which had graced Washington's time, and he 
abolished the weekly levees, only opening his doors on New Year's day 
and tlie 4th of July, at which time he welcomed any one who cared to see 



45° THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

hiiu. He was a strong believer in universal suffrage, and thought that 
all men had a right to vote for their own rulers. The Democratic 
party sustained him in this, but the Federal doubted whether it would 
be safe to place the ballot in the hands of the people and leave govern- 
ment to popular vote. At that time republican government, even to 
the most patriotic, was a thing looked on with distrust. Jefferson was 
very anxious to pay off the indebtedness of the government, and he 
succeeded iti paying thirty-three millions of debt. This was largely 
done by reducing the expense of government, and to this day it is a 
mooted question as to whether this economy was wise or not. 

A great carrying trade had fallen to America because of the European 
war, which placed an embargo upon European courts. Holland, Italy 
and France were largely dependent upon America for sugar, as well as 
coffee. Tobacco and cotton were also largely exported. The extensive 
trade of the West Indies was transacted for the most part through the 
United States. So profitable did the carrying trade become that 
building and maritime commerce increased in a ratio larger than that 
of the population. In commercial rivalry with Great Britain, the new 
nation almost equaled the old in her shipping on the seas. It was not 
strange that the older nation should look on this with jealousy, and out 
of this jealousy there grew a rancour which caused the seizure of many 
an American merchantman. When it was proved that the ship was 
neutral in the court of inquiry, it would be released, but if by chance 
the cargo had been perishable, the ship owner had suffered a severe 
damage for which he could obtain no reprisal. 

Thus it happened that American merchantmen were constantly 
obliged to submit to indignities of one sort and another. Chiefest 
among these was the impressment of her seamen into the English 
service, for it was quite common for English officers, seeking deserters 
from the King's service, to overhaul American ves.sels and look for the 
deserters, very frequently taking off with them an American-born man. 
This trouble culminated in the proclamations known as the Decrees of 
Berlin and Milan and the Orders in Council. By the Berlin and Milan 
decrees. Napoleon declared the English Islands to be in a state of 
blockade, and claimed the right to seize all vessels trading with England 
or her dependencies. The English Government replied to these decrees 
by the "Orders in Council" prohibiting all commerce with those parts 
ot the continent of Europe which were under the dominion of France 
or her allies. Practically, this meant all of Europe except Russia, and 
laid American vessels open to seizure wherever they might go. The 



JEFFERSOXIAX SIMPLICITY. 45I 

United States protested against these blockades, and maintained that the 
blockade of a port mnst be maintained by a competent force upon the 
spot. This, of course, was the right and dignified position to take, but 
the country' had no navy to sustain its policy, and this is where 
Jefferson's econoni)- showed itself to be poor and false. He did not 
even believe in fortifications for harbors, but thought they should be 
protected by cannons on wheels, which could be dragged from place to 
place as they were needed. Thus it was that America was obliged to 
submit to these insults when native pride prompted every man in the 
country to resent them. At length, however, the United States frigate 
Chesapeake was overhauled at sea by an English vessel, which fired 
several broadsides into the American ship. As the Chesapeake had 
gone to sea without any expectation of war, the men were not able to 
fire a gun, and the English officers carried off four deserters which had 
belonged to their crew, but had been previously impressed from an 
American ship. Jefferson forbade American harbors and waters to all 
vessels of the English navy, and sent a vessel of war with a special 
minister to London to demand satisfaction. The English offered 
reparation, but at the same time issued a proclamation, directing 
commanders to make a demand for all English seamen serving on all 
foreign ships of war, and to report refusal should they meet with it. 
There would doubtless have been war as a result of this, had the 
Americans possessed a navy to fight with. When Congress met in 
1807, it prohibited the departure from American ports of all American 
vessels. No merchandise of any kind was to be exported. The people 
of the United States, and particularly of the South, were foolish enough 
to believe that Europe would suffer severely if it did not receive her 
products, and that they were practically making war against England 
without expense to themselves or danger to their fellow-citizens. But 
at the North, where men were engaged in commerce, shijD-masters and 
seamen were naturally dissatisfied with a measure which kept them 
shut in port. It was actualh- a fact that the grass grew in the streets 
and on the piers of the sea-board cities, and as week after week passed, 
the depression of trade grew deeper, until the fallacy of the measure 
became apparent to all, and Jefferson awoke to the realization that the 
States which had been his warmest friends, rebelled against his policy. 
At this time a presidential election came on. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Travels— Lewis' and Clarke's "Expedition to the Rocky Mountains." 
Fiction — Mrs. Stowe's "Minister's Wooing." 
J. C. Hart's ■Mariam Coffin." 



CHAl'THR LXXIV. 



iar 



ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MADISON — THE SOUTHERN WAR PARTY 
— DECLARATION OF WAR AND POPULAR PROTEST — 
THE TROUBLES ON THE WESTERN FRON- 
TIER THE CHICAGO MASSACRE 

— SURRENDER OF 
HULL. 



MADISON, of Virginia, was the next 
President. He had been a member of the conven- 
tion that had framed the Constitution, and had 
been Jefferson's friend upon all occasions. Indeed 
Jefferson may be said to have been his political 
master, and he was anxious that when he left the presiden- 
tial chair, the mantle should fall upon Madison. Madison 
came into power at a troublous time. The foreign rela- 
tions were especially unfortunate, and in the West there 
was danger on the frontier. The Indian chief Tecumseh 
and his brother the "Prophet" had for a long time been 
tr}'ing to persuade the western tribes to give up drinking 
whisky and return to the customs of their fathers. 
Tecumseh held also that the treaty made in 1809, by 
William Henrv Harrison, Governor of the Indiana territory, with several 
of the tribes, ceded to the government lands which belonged to the 
Indians. Harrison invited Tecumseh and his brother to a conference, 
which barely escaped ending in a massacre. The attitude of the 
Indians was so threatening after this that Harrison, with two thousand 
men, ascended the Wabash and built a military post at Terre Haute. 
This was in 181 1. Harrison tried in vain to open friendly relations 
with the "Prophet," but when he found that he could not hope to 
succeed in doing this, he marched against the Indian village and 
encamped within ten miles of it, on the Tippecanoe. On the morning 




WAR AGAIN. 



453 



of September jtli his camp was surprised by the savages. The soldiers 
had the presence of mind to put out their camp-fires, that they might 
not furnish so ready a target for the arrows of the enemy, and forming 
in a square, fought the Indians with courage. When the sun arose the 
men who were mounted made a charge which dispersed the enemy. 
Harrison found the Prophet's town deserted the next day and burnt it. 

At this time Henr>- Clay, of Kentucky, and John Calhoun, of South 
Carolina, both young and ambitious men, stood at the head of the 
southern party who desired to have war with England. New England 
was anxious for a fleet, if such a war was to be undertaken, but the 
southern faction consisted of the slave-holding element, and were not 
willing to unite with New England in any measure, or even to accept 
her advice. The plan was to invade Canada by the enlargement of the 
regular army and the help of the militia. Madison desired peace, but 
as another election day rapidly neared, he was informed that unless he 
declared for war he would not be renominated as a candidate for the 
presidency. He was a man who had long been overshadowed by others, 
and his ambition now was supreme. He declared war against England 
June i8, 1812. 

A protest against the war was drawn up by Joshua Ouincy, of Mas- 
sachusetts, and signed by thirty-eight members of the House. They 
denoimced the war as a pretext to give aid to Napoleon against Eng- 
land, and showed how unprepared the nation was, without either anny 
or navy, to begin a contest with the strongest nation in the world, and 
they pointed out to their constituents the fact that the declaration of 
war was a party measure and that it was dangerous to the Union in the 
extreme. The people also expressed extreme disapprobation; ministers 
made it the subject of sermons; it occupied the pens of the pamphlet- 
eers and was the subject most discussed in newspapers. Against the 
Federalists, who took this view of the matter, the Democrats, who 
constituted the war party, were greatly incensed. On June 22, 1812, 
a mob sacked the oflfice of the Federal Republican^ in Baltimore, and 
followed it up by doing great damage to several houses belonging to 
Federalists and to vessels in the harbor. Within a month the editor 
of the Federal Republican^ Alexander Hanson, once more issued his 
sheet. The office was again attacked, but Hanson had taken means 
for defending his property and fired upon the mob, killing one and 
wounding several. When the militia was called out, instead of arrest- 
ing the rioters, they arrested Hanson and his party and lodged them in 
jail, where they were again attacked by the mob, who killed, in the 



454 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

most wanton manner, General Lingen, and lamed General Henry Lee 
for life. The ringleaders of the mob were tried, but acquitted. The 
regular army at this time numbered six thousand men. To these were 
added fifty thousand volunteers and one hundred thousand militiamen, 
and Henr\- Dearborn, of Massachusetts, was given the command. 
General William Hull, the Governor of Michigan, was appointed com- 
mander in the West and was ordered to be in readiness to invade Canada 
in the event of war. His intimate acquaintance with the country- made 
him well aware of the danger which was run by taking a warlike atti- 
tude in a territor}- where there were so many Indians. But he was not 
able to impress upon the government all of the needs and conditions, 
and marched from Ohio with about two thousand men, chiefly militia, 
who were especially uncontrollable and insubordinate. When the 
declaration of war reached him, he promptly crossed the Detroit river, a 
few miles below Detroit, for the purpose of taking Fort IMalden. He 
issued a proclamation promising protection to the inhabitants, but 
stating that no quarter would be given to those who were fighting in 
company with the Indians. The news of the declaration of war reached 
the Canadian commanders before it did Hull, and the first movement 
was upon the part of the English who took the fort at Michelimackinac 
by surprise and compelled its surrender. The Indians, who were 
always ambitious to be on the strongest side, immediately joined the 
English. This filled Hull with great apprehensions, and he sent to 
Captain Nathan Heald, who was in command of Fort Dearborn, where 
Chicago now stands, to hasten and join him at Detroit. The Indians 
about Chicago were supposed to be friendly, but their actions were per- 
plexing, and Heald was anxious about the outcome. He promised the 
Indians the property in the fort which he could not take away, and in 
the night he destroyed the fireanns, gunpowder and liquor, which was 
the articles for which they were most eager. On the morning of August 
15th, he set out with fifty soldiers and the families of the village. The 
party followed the road by the shore of the lake which was guarded by 
a low range of sand hills, behind which the disappointed Indians were 
crouched. At a point near the southern extremity of what is now the 
Lake Front Park, the Indians rushed upon them with their war crj-. 
In the conflict which followed, the women fought with the men, but they 
were no match for the savages, and such as sur\'ived after a short but 
deadly struggle surrendered. Of these, all the wounded were scalped, 
for it was known that the British Colonel Proctor, at Maiden, had 
offered a high price for American scalps. The children, twelve of 



WAR AGAIN'. 455 

them in all, had been put together in one wagon, in the futile hope that 
the Indians might spare them, but the little ones were all tomahawked 
by one Indian. The massacre was attended by peculiar horrors, which 
are too terrible to bear description. 

At about the same time Hull sent out Thomas B. Van Home to 
guard a supply train. Home's detachment met a force of English and 
Indians at Brownstown, and were defeated with dreadful slaughter. 
Another expedition, under Lieutenant-Colonel James Miller, was sent to 
open communication with the base of supplies at Racine river. These 
were caught in an Indian ambuscade, but after a valiant fight for two 
hours succeeded in routing the savages and returned to their boats. 
They left fifty of their comrades dead behind them, but had the satis- 
faction of knowing that twice that number of Indians had been killed. 
Hull retreated to Detroit, where, with the eight hundred and fifty men 
still left him, he made arrangements for defense. The rest of his men 
had been sent on distant expeditions. On the i6th of August General 
Isaac Brock, the English commander, crossed the Detroit river with over 
two thousand regulars and Indians, and demanded the surrender of the 
city. When Brock demanded surrender he had said that he could not 
restrain his allies, the Indians, from rapine and murder, in case the 
place should be carried by assault. Hull dared not rely upon his 
insubordinate militia for any desperate fighting, and as he had learned 
that the officers had formed a conspiracy to take away his command 
from him, he decided to surrender. He knew that if he defended the 
place and his enemies succeeded in defeating him, the fate of the 
women and children would be terrible. Among them was a part of his 
own family, and he had not the courage to ran the risk. He 
surrendered without making an effort to fight, and for this was counted 
a traitor, tried by court-martial and condenmed to be shot. But 
Madison, remembering that he had served through the Revolution with 
devotion, and feeling that the neglect of the government had much to 
do with the case, pardoned him. 

FOR FCRTHER READING: 
History— Drake's Life of Tecumseh and the Prophet." 
FiCTlos — Richardson's "Hardscrabble." 
Richartifion's "Waumaugee." 



CHAPTER LXXV. 



WAR OF l8l2 — THE NIAGARA CAMPAIGN — THE BATTLE OF QUEENS- 
TOWN — NAVAL OPERATIONS — THE SIX TRIUMPHS OF THE 

AMERICANS — AFFAIRS IN THE WEST — THE 
5^ r^c^ CONFLICT ON THE LAKES — 
/-perry's VICTORY. 



.ENERAL STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER 
had been given command on the Niagara 
frontier, with orders to capture the heights of 
Queenstown. On the morning of October 13, 
1 81 2, he sent two small columns across the river. 
Some of the men succeeded in landing, but 
several of the boats lost their way. The regulars 
charged up a hill and took position on a plateau, wait- 
ing here for the attack of the enemy. The American 
force was worsted and obliged to retreat to the beach. 
They were here reinforced, and ordered to scale the 
heights, which they did, capturing a battery at the top 
of the slope. General Brock had heard of the conflict, 
and had ridden at full speed from Fort Dodge. Upon 
his appearance on the field the English regained courage, and made an 
effort to recover their batten,-. They drove the Americans to the very 
verge of the precipice. The American commander realized that a 
desperate defence must be made, and he cheered on his men to such a 
fierce assault that the English broke and fled down the slope. General 
Brock made a brave effort to reorganize the English, but fell, mortally 
wounded. Three other officers in turn took up his command, but all 
fell, and a retreat was ordered. Lieutenant-colonel Winfield Scott now 
reinforced the Americans, and assumed command on the heights. He 
had expected that the militia would follow him, but the militia refused 
to be taken out of their State, and cautiously remained where they were. 
The British were quick to take advantage of Scott's unprotected 




NEVER GIVE UP THE SHIP." 



457 



position, and charged upon liim with a heavy force. He repelled thejn 
twice with the bayonet, and npon the third charge, in which the 
English were reinforced, the Americans were driven to the precipice, 
and let themselves down from ledge to ledge, hanging by bushes and 
roots till they reached the water. The boats were not here to receive 
them, and they were forced to surrender, making the entire American 

loss in this action about one 
thousand. 

The war party were much 
opposed to the use of the 
navy — if the few gunboats 
possessed by the Americans 
could be distinguished by 
that name — but, at length, 
Madison was persuaded to 
order out the vessels, such 
as they were. The 
British navy at this 
time had more than 
one thousand vessels, 
manned by one hun- 
dred and forty-four 
thousand sailors. The 
[United States had 
twenty large war 
vessels and a few 
gunboats, together 
carrying about three 
hundred guns. The 
nav}' itself was anx- 
ious to take part in the war, 
and one hour after consent 
was given Commodore John 
Rogers put to sea in the 
President, and gave chase 
to the English frigate Belvi- 
dere, which escaped with a 
loss of seven men. The Presi- 
dent lost sixteen men by the 
bursting of a gun, and six 







45^> THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

from the fire of the enemy. Rogers went on across the Atlantic, 
capturing an English privateer and seven merchantmen, and retaking an 
American prize. At the same time an English squadron off New 
York captured several merchantmen and the man-of-war Nautilus. 

Thus began the wars upon the seas. After this there were 
numerous engagements, one of the most notable of which was the 
victor}' of the frigate Constitution., under Captain Isaac Hull. He fought 
the British frigate Gucrricre. The vessels opened broadsides upon 
each other at close range, and finally grappled, both parties trjing to 
board. But the sea was rough and the musketry fire unceasing, and 
they were obliged to give this up. The Guerriere lost her mainmast 
and foremast, and the Constitution freed herself, and got into a position 
where she could take her antagonist fore and aft. The Guci-riere, 
therefore, struck. The ' Americans lost but fourteen men and the 
British seventy-nine, losing their ship into the bargain, for in the 
morning it was found necessary to blow her up, as she was sinking. It 
was said that the victory to the Americans came through superior gun 
practice, which was not a little astonishing to the English, who 
had especially prided themselves upon proficiency in that direction. 
The Americans had placed sights upon their guns and could, therefore, 
fire with great accuracy. The English, as yet, had not adopted this 
plan. When Captain Hull landed in Boston he was met with a public 
welcome. Triumphal arches had been raised, the streets decorated, 
and he and his officers were entertained at a public dinner. In New 
York and Philadelphia he met with a like recognition of his services, 
and Congress voted him a gold medal, and his crew fifty thousand 
dollars. At the beginning of autumn, in the conflict between the 
Wasp., of America, and the Frolic, of England, the vessels grappled and 
the Americans sprang on the deck of the Frolic and compelled surrender. 
The Frolic carried a large crew, of which only twenty were unhurt. A 
few weeks later. Commodore Stephen Decatur captured a packet with 
a large amount of specie, and afterwards fell in with the frigate Mace- 
donia with which he fought two hours. The Macedonia struck, and 
owned to a loss of one hundred and four men. Decatur lost but twelve. 
Captain Bainbridge fell in with the British frigate yia'Z'rt, off the coast of 
South America, and after a fight of two hours the Java struck, having 
lost every spar and one hundred and twenty men. Bainbridge' s frigate, 
the Constitution, lost but thirty-four men. It was this engagement 
which gave to the Constitution the title of "Old Ironsides." England 
was amazed, that in the six encounters at sea the enemy should have 



"never give up the ship." 459 

been successful in everv- one. The war party of America was almost 
amazed at the sticcess of the navy, since it had steadily objected to its 
use. But the capture of three hundred British merchantmen which 
were now kept in American ports, and the presence of the three 
thousand prisoners belonging to them, was a matter which could not be 
belittled. 

Early in the winter of 181 2, a new army, numbering about ten 
thousand, drawn from the Western States, was put under command of 
William Henr}' Harrison, for the purpose of recovering the territory' 
lost by Hull's surrender of Detroit. An advance detachment at that 
time occupying Monroe, Michigan, was attacked on Januar.^ 2 2d by 
fifteen hundred British and Indians, under Colonel Henrj- Proctor. The 
Americans fought behind fences, but these were poor shields against the 
British artiller>'. General Winchester was captured, and from what he 
saw in the enemy's lines, feared that wholesale slaughter would ensue 
unless the Americans surrendered. He found means to send word to 
that effect, and the Americans surrendered, under Proctor's promise of 
protection against the Indians. This promise was broken, and the Indians 
not only killed all the prisoners, but tortured them cruelly. Harrison 
now hastened to build Fort Meigs, at the rapids of the Maumee river, 
and Proctor besieged this work in April, threatening, as usual, that if 
the place was carried by assault the men would be massacred. The 
Americans succeeded in spiking the enemy's batteries, and Proctor was 
forced to raise the siege. A little later, Tecumseh, the Indian chief, 
joined Proctor, and their force, five thousand strong, attacked Fort 
Stevenson, on the Sandusky, where Fremont now stands. The garrison 
numbered but one hundred and sixty men and possessed but one gun. 
When Major George Croghan received the summons to surrender or be 
massacred, he replied that when the fort was taken there w^ould be no 
men left to kill. After bombarding the fort without eflfect for a long 
time from their gunboats and with the field artillery-, the British 
advanced to the attack on two sides at the same moment. Croghan placed 
his single gun where it would sweep the ditch. He loaded it to the 
muzzle, and waited till the attacking party leaped over the ditch. In 
the discharge it swept down nearly ever)- man. A second column met 
with a like fate and the party retreated. 

The attention of the nation was turned more particularly for a time 
to the lakes, where both parties were struggling hard for ascendancy. 
Isaac Chauncey was the American commodore, and Sir James Yeo the 
British admiral. Both countries had expended much money and pains 



460 THH STORY OF AMERICA. 

upon the fitting out of fleets, and here it was felt the war would be 
largely decided. In April, 1813, Commodore Chauncey's fleet carried 
General Dearborn and fifteen hundred men from Sackett's Harbor, and 
landed them two miles west of what 'is now Toronto. At that time it 
was called, York, and was the capital of Upper Canada. The expedi- 
tion had for its purpose the capture of a large ship then building 
at the docks, the capture of which Chauncey thought necessary' 
to his success. But the ship was afloat before Chauncey and 
and his fleet reached York, and nothing came of the movement. When 
the Americans had landed, under protection of a well-armed schooner, 
the body of English and Indians, who had withstood them, fell back 
behind some fortifications. They were closely followed by the Amer- 
icans, who ordered that a halt should be made till the artillery had time 
to come up. While they were waiting, a magazine near the works, 
containing one hundred barrels of powder, exploded, killing or wound- 
ing two hundred Americans. But they rallied and pressed forward into 
the town, and during the four days which they remained, fired the 
government buildings. In the legislative chamber they found a human 
scalp hanging as a trophy, or a reminder of their Indian allies, and this 
was sent, with the speaker's mace and a British standard, to Washing- 
ton. Chauncey now returned to Sackett's Harbor, landing Dearborn 
and his force near the mouth of the Niagara river. Here, a month 
later, Chauncey rejoined them and Fort George was taken. At this time 
Yeo, the English admiral, with General Prevost, was on his way to 
Sackett's Harbor, which had been left almost without defense at the 
time that Dearborn was in York. The English attacked the town in 
-front, while their Indian allies fought at the rear. The American 
militia fled after the first fire, but the regulars and volunteers fought 
until they were forced to take refuge in the log barracks. Their com- 
mander ordered them to pretend to march for the boats, and General 
Prevost, fearing that his escape would be cut ofi", ordered a retreat 
leaving two hundred and sixty dead and wounded behind him. The 
loss among the Americans was as severe in proportion to their numbers, 
and their stores, which were worth half a million dollars, were unfortu- 
nately burned. Several other mishaps overtook the Americans on the 
Niagara frontier, and closed the campaign for the summer with as 
melancholy a record of defeat as could well be imagined. 

On Lake Erie, however, there was an exploit which was most 
successful for the Americans. Here a squadron was commanded by 
CajDtain Oliver Hazard Perry. By Avigust he was afloat with ten vessels, 



"never give up the ship." 461 

carrying fifty-five guns, in vigorous search of the British squadron 
of six vessels, which bore sixty-five guns and was commanded 
by Captain Barclay. These forces did not meet till the 
middle of September. The English squadron drew up in line of 
battle, but the American line was straggling, and one of the American 
vessels was soon reduced to a wreck and obliged to drop out of action. 
Perry left her, took a small boat, and in the midst of a fierce storm of 
bullets reached the Niagara. He sailed this vessel straight through 
the British lines, delivering broadsides on both sides as he went. Then 
getting across the bows of the English vessels he raked two or three of 
them while his smaller craft poured in grape and canister. Perry told 
the outcome of the day's work in his brief despatch to General 
Harrison: "We have met the enemy and they are ours — two ships, 
two brigs, one schooner and one sloop." 

Harrison was transported by Perry's fleet to the Canadian shore of 
the Detroit river and besieged Fort Maiden. The English general set 
fire to the place and retreated, and Harrison pursued him by land while 
Perry carried his baggage and supplies by water. On the 5th of 
October Proctor turned about and faced his pursuers, choosing a posi- 
tion where he could plant his guns in a highway, and be protected on 
each side by marshes. Tecumseh was with Proctor, and the Indians 
and British were arrayed for the defence of the highway. Harrison 
placed his mounted infantry in the front of the ranks, and faced the 
Indians who were in the marsh. The horsemen moved slowly when the 
bugle gave them the signal, but increased their pace till they dashed 
with terrible force through the enemy, killing, capturing or scattering 
the English regulars. Proctor was pursued by a dozen well-mounted 
men, but escaped. Tecumseh was killed and the Indians fled. The 
Americans had regained the territory of Michigan, and Harrison and 
his troops returned to Buffalo. This decisive conflict was known as the 
battle of the Thames. Hull, and then Dearborn, had then been retired 
with their military reputations shattered, and General Wilkinson was 
now put in charge of the northern forces, which consisted of Harrison's 
force at Buffalo, the force at Fort George, that at Sackett's Harbor, and 
the right wing of the Vermont frontier, under Wade Hampton, these 
numbering altogether about twelve thousand men. Wilkinson was in 
poor health, and was much more interested in a whisky bottle than in a 
campaign, and therefore left his command largely to inferior officers. 
It was the plan for him to move down the St. Lawrence with a part of 
the men, while Hampton was to advance overland, make a junction 



462 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

with liini and the whole army was to move upon ^Montreal. To make 
the road easy, Chauncey drove Yeo into port and kept him there. But 
notwithstanding this, the Americans met with many disasters. The 
weather was bad, the boats poor, and some were driven ashore, while 
others went to the bottom, causing the delay of the whole flotilla until 
they could be replaced. At Williamsburg, they encountered troops to the 
number of seventeen hundred. A sharp battle followed, from which 
both parties retired in good order with a loss which was similar upon 
both sides. The other general. Wade Hampton, was as inefficient as 
Wilkinson, and he sent word that he could not make the junction 
agreed upon. Upon receiving this news Wilkinson willingly went 
into winter quarters. Hampton, with five thousand men, had been 
successfully checked by the English Lieutenant-Colonel de Dalaberry, 
who had a force of four or five hundred. In December General Drum- 
mond appeared between Lakes Ontario and Erie, and the Americans 
holding Fort George, which had been so expensivel}' gained the summer 
before, fled at his approach, taking refuge in Fort Niagara and burning 
Newark as they went. The enemy followed them and captured Fort 
Niagara without meeting with any respectable resistance. They killed 
eighty of the garrison, including the men in the hospital. A number 
of towns were destroyed, and all the farming region laid waste, many 
of the inhabitants being put to death. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction — Kirkland's "Zur>'." 

W. C. Iron's 'The Double Hero." 
Poetry — J. G. PercivaVs "Perry's Victory on Lake Erie." 

Oliver W. Holmes' "Old Ironsides." 

Levi Bishop's "Battle of the River Raisiu." 



CHAPTER LXXVI. 

"|lus Jtigljls." 

THE WAR WITH THE CREEKS — JACKSON'S CAMPAIGN — AFFAIRS ON 
I THE SEA-BOARD — "YANKEE" STRATEGY — 

lA the treaty of PEACE. 

EFORE Wilkinson had been removed from the 
southern to the northern departments, he had taken 
Mobile away from the Spaniards. This he did 
without resistance. It was done in accordance with 
the claim that the eastern boundar)- of Louisiana 
was the Perdido river. Spain denied this, and 
resented the seizure of Mobile. The powerful tribe 
of Creek Indians were given supplies of arms and am- 
munition at Pensacola and incited against the Americans. 
Tecumseh, who had since met with a warrior's death, 
had been sent south to lash the Creeks by his resentful 
eloquence into a still more warlike frame of mind. 
Both the English and the Spaniards urged them on, 
and early in 1813 they began their hostilities. In the 
first encounter they were defeated, but in the second one, at Fort 
Mimms, a thousand of them, under the command of a noted half-breed, 
William Weathersford, besieged a stockade in which the inhabitants of 
the neighborhood had taken refuge. The men and women fought 
together here for many hours, and large numbers of the Indians were 
killed, but the buildings were finally set on fire, and the Indians 
massacred the people as usual, not even sparing the children. Only 
twelve of the garrison escaped. The rest were murdered with horrible 
tortures. 

The Southwestern States were prompt to punish these atrocities. 
The legislature of Tennessee appropriated three hundred thousand 
dollars for the campaign, and placed Andrew Jackson at the head of 
five thousand men. These men were composed largely of Western 




464 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

pioneers, well mounted, used to forest fighting, and capable of great 
endurance. Among them were Sam Houston and Davy Crockett, men 
which every American schoolboy counts among his heroes. Jackson 
"built Fort Deposit, on the Tennessee, as a depot for supplies, and 
foraged the country thoroughly, burning every Indian village in his 
way. The Indians were first met at the little village which occupied 
the site of the present Jacksonville. The American detachment con- 
sisted of one thousand mounted men, who gave the Indians no quarter, 
killing every one of them, and taking the squaws and children 
prisoners. In a later encounter they killed three hundred out of one 
thousand of the eneni}-. At this time a force of about fifteen hundred 
came from Georgia, while from the West came another force, so that 
the Creeks had enemies upon three sides of them. The Western men, 
under General F. S. Claiborne, discovered a town of refuge on the 
Alabama. This was built on holy ground, and no path led to it. In it 
were the women, children and the prophets. When Claiborne broke in 
upon their religious rites, he found captives bound to stakes ready to be 
burned. Claiborne sacked and burned the town. By this time winter 
liad closed in, and the short enlistments of the men were expiring, and 
therefore the operations for the year were closed. 

Along the sea-board, America had met with continued disasters 
through the year of 1813. Early in the spring a blockade had been 
declared from Montauk Point, on the eastern extremity of Long Island, 
to the mouth of the Mississippi. It was true that the British squadron 
was not sufficient to guard such a vast extent of coast, but it was well 
able to seriously interfere with commerce, and harass the people of the 
towns. Admiral Cockburn was especially dreaded for his cruelties. 
Along the shores of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, 
he waged an unsoldierly warfare upon the quiet people of the villages 
and farms. His brutal sailors, half intoxicated, were allowed to over- 
run the countr}', robbing, burning, and committing every outrage which 
their ungoverned viciousness prompted. Cockbum's men enticed awa\- 
slaves and sold them in the West Indies. But their destruction and 
appropriation of property were the least of their offences. 

In the course of the year Congress authorized the building of four 
ships of the line, six frigates, six sloops of war, and as many vessels as 
might be necessary for operation on the lakes. Besides these, a large 
number of privateers were commissioned, and did some excellent 
service. One of the most notable of the engagements between privateers 
was between the Shannon and the Chesapeake. This happened before 



'blue lights." 465 

Perry's victor>' on Lake Erie, and, indeed, the vessel which Perry 
fought in was the Lawrence, named after the gallant commander of the 
Chesapeake, and on Perry's flag were the last words of Captain 
Lawrence, "Don't give up the ship." The fight between the Shannon 
and the Chesapeake took place in Boston Bay, and the American 
vessel was so injured that she became unmanageable. The enemy 
swarmed upon the decks and poured a terrible fire down the hatchways, 
and after an engagement of fifteen minutes the ship was theirs, and 
though the fight had been so brief, the Chesapeake had forty-eight 
killed and nearly one hundred wounded, and the Shannon twenty-three 
killed and over fifty wounded. Another naval engagement with a 
pathetic ending was that of the brig En/erprise, and the English brig 
Boxer. The Boxer surrendered after a fight of three-quarters of an 
hour, oflF the coast of Maine. Both captains were killed and buried side 
by side in Portland. There is an exciting little story told of the fishing 
smack Yankee, which had forty well-armed men concealed below, but 
showed on deck only three men, a calf, a sheep, and a goose. After 
sailing out of New York she met with a British sloop of war, the Eagle, 
which was in want of provisions, and as the Yankees drew along side, 
her forty men sprang on board the sloop of war, killed a number of the 
crew, drove the rest below, and took possession, sailing up the bay with 
their prize. Thousands cheered them from the batter}', where they 
were celebrating the anniversary of American independence. Perhaps 
it is better to leave untold histories like that of the American brig 
Argus, which captured an English merchantman laden with wine, to 
which the crew were allowed to help themselves till they were all 
drunk. They then set the prize on fire, and by this brilliant light 
they were seen by the English brig Palatine, which bore down upon 
the Argus and captured her. One disaster which greatly disheartened 
the people was the defeat of Decatur, whose squadron was driven into 
New London and kept there by the larger force of the blockaders, so 
that none of these ships got to sea again while the war lasted. The 
Connecticut militia gathered upon the shores in such numbers that it 
was impossible for the English to capture them. But Decatur and his 
officers fretted under the idleness and made more than one attempt to 
break through the line of the enemy's ships. When they failed in 
these attempts they complained that there were traitors on shore, who 
warned the ships outside of their movements by burning blue lights. 
This the people of Connecticut stoutly denied, but as they belonged to 
the party which was oppo.sed to the war, they were not believed, 



466 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

although their militia stood staunchly by Decatur's fleet week in and 
week out. It is possible, and even probable, that upon occasions these 
blue lights were burned by some traitor on shore, but it was the grossest 
injustice to accuse the loyal people of Connecticut of this. It was a 
time, however, of great political hatred, and the Federalists were always 
afterward called the "Blue Lights." 

As the year 181 4 opened, the outlook for American success was 
dark. Napoleon's power had been broken, and an act was passed to 
increase the regular army to sixty-six thousand men. It was evident 
that if England chose, she could overrun the country with veteran 
troops. But negotiations for peace now began. It was decided that 
these should be conducted at Gottenburg. John Quincy Adams, James 
A. Bayard, Henry Clay, Jonathan Russell and Albert Gallatin were 
appointed commissioners and instructed to insist that in the future 
there should be no search or impressment by English naval commanders 
upon American vessels, but to offer to exclude British seamen from 
American vessels and to surrender deserters. This was practically 
yielding up the cause for which the war had been fought, for had this 
arrangement been made at the outset there could have been little excuse 
for war. While these matters were under slow consideration, prepara- 
tions for the campaign of the coming year, 1814, were continued. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 



CHAPTER LXXVII. 



JACKSON'S CAMPAIGN AMONG THE CREEKS — DISCOURAGEMENTS ON 
THE NORTHERN FRONTIER — THE BATTLE OF LUNDY'S 
LANE — THE WAR ON THE SEA-COAST FOR 1814 — 
THE CAPTURE AND DESTRUCTION OF THE 
CITY OF WASHINGTON — VICISSITUDES 
AT THE SOUTH — THE BAT- 
TLE OF NEW OR- 




4>^ 



LEANS. 



p^NDREW JACKSON had been made Major-Gen, 
eral, and commanded nine hundred raw recruits. 
His late army had gone home at the end of their 
time of service, in spite of his prayers. With 
these inexperienced men he marched into the 
country of the Creeks, fought two battles, and 
lost a hundred soldiers. Shortly after this, his army 
was increased to five thousand men, and he renewed 
hostilities. At Horseshoe Bend, in the Tallapoosa, 
there is a peninsula of one hundred acres, with a neck 
not more than five hundred feet wide. Upon this 
peninsula one thousand Creek warriors encamped, and 
threw up a rude breastwork across the neck. Jackson 
marched with nearly three thousand men against this 
defence, sending a detachment of mounted men and 
friendly Indians to the enemy's rear. After cannonading without 
effect upon the breastwork for two hours, Jackson saw smoke arising in 
the rear and knew that his detachment had reached the Indian village 
and fired it. He then ordered his men to storm the works, and the\- 
fought hand-to-hand with their enemies through the loop-holes for a 
while, then leaped the defence, and charged with the bayonet. It was 
seldom that an Indian asked for quarter. His idea of warfare was to 



4d8 the story ok AMERICA. 

kill or be killed, and he did not complain when luck was against him. 
The Americans shot down the Indians as they ran to hide themselves 
in the thickets, or to swim the stream, and thus for a time the Creeks 
were checked. 

Not so encouraging was the reopening of affairs in the North. 
Wilkinson's militaiy career was ended in the beginning of the year by 
two military' disasters. The Secretary of War still wished to invade 
Canada by the river St. L,awrence, and to do this, proposed to take 
Kingston. To conceal this movement and to make sure that no enemy 
was left in the rear, Major-General Brown was ordered to commence 
operations on the peninsula between Erie and Ontario. On July 2d 
he compelled the surrender of Fort Erie. On the 5th he was unex- 
pectedly forced into a battle, in which the British retreated, and the 
Indians, disgusted at their defeat, all deserted them. Brown felt it to 
be safe, after this success, to move upon Kingston along the lake shore, 
and asked for the co-operation of Chauncey's fleet, assuring that admiral 
that Canada could now be taken without difficulty. But this co-opera- 
tion Chauncey did not give him, and Brown was forced to turn back, 
upon learning that the English general; Riall, with large reinforce- 
ments, was at Queenstown. Winfield Scott, now a brigadier-general, 
was sent forward with a corps of observation, and as his troops came 
into an open space looking upon Lundy's Lane, nearly opposite Niagara 
Falls, they were met by the entire British force drawn up in line of 
battle. Scott at once sent detachments to turn the wing of the enemj' 
and succeeded in capturing a large number of prisoners. General 
Brown was soon on the ground with reinforcements, and he saw that 
the great strength of the British lay in their centers, where they had 
seven guns planted upon a low hill. Colonel James Miller was ordered 
to take this batter}-, and modestly answering, "I will trj-, sir," he put 
his men in motion and ordered them to move cautiously through the 
dusk — for it was after sunset. The men crept along the ground up to 
a fence, and when their commander whispered the order, they shot 
every man at the guns, and rushed forward in the face of a sharp fire 
and captured them. The British made two determined efforts to retake 
the battery but failed, and as the darkness deepened they retired. The 
battle of Lundy's Lane was not a decisive one, but it was one of the 
hardest ever fought. Of the two thousand Americans engaged, seven 
hundred and forty-three were killed or wounded, and of the four thou- 
sand British, eight hundred and seventy-eight. General Winfield Scott 
was so severely wounded that he could not serve during the rest of the 



A COUNTRY WITHOUT A CAPITAL. 



469 




war, and General Brown for some time was obliged to leave the com- 
mand in other hands. In the meantime General Edward Gaines was 
given command of the American troops, and conducted a defense 



47° THE STORY OF AMERICA, 

against a midnight assault, on August loth, with great success, the 
English losing nearly a thousand men.- 

The Americans were besieged in Fort Erie and the English brought 
their parallels so close that showers of hot shot were thrown into the 
fort. One of these disabled General Gaines, and Brown, though still 
far from well, assumed command. On December 17th, a sudden sortie 
with two thousand men was made by the Americans, overwhelming the 
besiegers, dismounting the guns and destroying the works. In this the 
Americans lost five hundred men and the British nine hundred. The 
siege was then abandoned, and in October the Americans destroyed 
Fort Erie and returned to their own shore. 

In spite of these successes the Americans had gained but little. Two 
thousand of their men had been buried on Canadian soil. It had been 
proved that the Americans had not quite forgotten how to fight, but 
nothing had been gained which was of permanent value to the country. 
As the summer closed, both parties stood on the defensive on their own 
side of the border. Sir George Prevost made an attempt to invade 
New York as far as Crown Point, on the old path over which so many 
warlike expeditions had moved, but this attempt was unsuccessful, and 
Prevost abandoned his plan. 

On the sea-coast the war had been one signal disaster. The block- 
ading squadron was increased and the American vessels kept well in 
shore, while depredations upon the coast were frequent and vicious. 
The valley of the Penobscot was seized as a conquered province, being 
invaded by General Pilkington, who met with no defense except that 
which a half-armed and thoroughly frightened militia could give. 

In August, the English fleet appeared oif Stonington, Connecticut, 
and gave the inhabitants one hour to remove the women and children. 
The little village was then bombarded steadily for three days, and into 
it was thrown fifty tons of iron and solid shot, bombshells, etc. There 
were only about a score of men to defend the town, and these mounted 
three old guns and handled them so well that they kept the enemy from 
landing, and inflicted a loss upon them of seventy men killed or 
wounded. Seven of the defendants were wounded, but none killed. 

Shortly after this, occurred that epi.sode of which the Americans are 
perhaps more ashamed than of anything else in their national histor>'. 
In August of 1 814 General Ross, with thirty-five hundred men, the 
finest regiments of Wellington's army, appeared in the Chesapeake and 
was here reinforced by one thousand marines from Cockbum's block- 
ading squadron. The whole force was landed about forty miles below 



A COUNTRY WITHOUT A CAPITAL. 47 1 

Washington. President Madison and the Senate had been warned again 
and again of the purpose of Ross' expedition, but the war party refused 
to believe or listen, and when the English appeared upon the coast, but 
slight defense was possible. Brigadier-General William Winder had 
been placed in command of five hundred regulars, a few weeks before, 
with the assurance that two thousand militia would respond to his 
orders. But no effort was made to put this little force in condition to 
take the field. When Ross made his undisputed arrival, he could hardly 
believe that the way had thus been left open to him. He moved on 
cautiously, and at length met Winder, whose militia, at the firing of 
the first English rockets, fled to Washington. The President and his 
Cabinet had their personal safety more at heart than any other matter, 
and set the example by getting away with as much haste as possible. 
The only honest defense which the British met with was from a small 
band of seamen and marines, commanded by Commodore Barney and 
Captain Miller. When these men, six hundred in number, were 
obliged to retreat, they left six hundred dead Englishmen behind them 
to show that every man had done his duty. As the British entered 
Washington the Americans set fire to their own navy yard, forgetting 
that the English could do no worse should they take it. The invaders 
burned ever>' public ofl5ce in Washington except the patent office, 
which was spared because of the assurance that it contained nothing 
but private property and models of the arts, which were of general use to 
the world. Admiral Cockburn, leaping into the speaker's chair as his 
followers entered the halls of Congress, cried out: "Shall this harbor 
of Yankee democracy be burned? All for it say, aye." The public 
libraries were also burned, and the next night the invaders crept quietly 
away, expecting to be severely punished for their depredations — a sus- 
picion which was a compliment to the Americans not deserved by them. 
The British were almost as bewildered as gratified by a success so 
extraordinary, and they hastened to send an expedition against Balti- 
more. The citizens of that city were warned in time, and put up 
fortifications, calling out all of the available troops to repel the invasion. 
When Ross landed at the head of his advance, he was picked off by a 
sharpshooter and carried to his boat, where he died in a few minutes. 
The three thousand volunteers, under General John Sticker, withstood 
the enemy for three hours, and then fell back upon the intrenchments. 
The following day they were reinforced, and the British quietly retreated 
in the night. In the meanwhile, sixteen vessels moved up the bay and 
opened fire upon the defences of Baltimore. For twenty-four hours 



4/2 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



they poured a continuous stream of rockets and shells into the forts, 
and at night sent a strong force to attack them in the rear. But this 
was discovered and dispersed by a fire of red-hot shot, and the fleet 
retired. There were four notable battles on the ocean during the 
year, in three of which the Americans were successful. These only 
showed, by contrast, how disgraceful was the fight upon shore. The 
efibrt to make a conquest of Canada was as far from accomplishment as 
at the beginning. The Federalists were not slow to point oiit the weak- 






ness of the Administration, and to dilate upon the great injury which 
it was doing to the country, and to the commercial States in j^articular. 
The cost of the war was but a small item compared with the loss which 
the people of New England sustained from the crushing of their trade. 
There were serious thoughts of forming a Northern Confederacy, not 
for the purpose of disbanding the Union, but that it might not be 
tyrannized over by a faction whose policy was so disastrous. It was 
questioned by great statesmen whether the Union had not been a failure, 



A COUNTRY WITHOUT A CAPITAL. 473 

and a coiu'ention, having representatives from all the Northern States, 
met at Hartford, for the purpose of considering the new Constitution, 
or of making ameudments to the old one which should prevent such 
evils as they were then suffering from. Massachusetts was particularly 
anxious that the legislati\-e powers of the people should rest upon a 
different basis, and that the number of representatives should depend 
upon the population, but nothing definite was done at the convention. 

In the meantime, the British force had taken possession of the Span- 
ish town of Pensacola, in Florida, and used it as a station to fit out 
expeditions against Mobile and New Orleans. Here they equipped the 
Indians for war, and attempted to drill them. Jackson received fresh 
troops from Tennessee and Kentucky, and marched southward to meet 
this new invasion. The British attacked Fort Bowyer, at Mobile, in 
September, but were repulsed. They blew up the fort at Pensacola in 
November, when they heard that Jackson was approaching, and left 
him to take undisputed possession of the town. 

Jackson now hastened to New Orleans and made preparations to 
defend that port, the loss of which would give the English the com- 
mand of the Alississippi. Jackson was in his element, for he was never 
better pleased than when encountering difl&culties. He made up his 
lack of men b}- enrolling convicts, appealing to the free negroes and 
calling out the militia. He proclaimed martial law through the city, 
built intrenchments, and considered ever>' possibility and exigency 
which might arise. The British landed twenty-four hundred men nine 
miles below the cit}-, and Jackson went down to meet them with about 
two thousand men. It was on the 23d of December, when the days 
were short, and night was closing before he reached the enemj', so that 
the attack had to be made after dark. The armies became intermingled 
and the fights were largely hand-to-hand. When the Americans with- 
drew to their fortifications, after two hours of fighting, each side had 
lost more than two hundred men. Almost immediately after the action 
the British troops received large reinforcements, and among them was 
General Sir Edward Pakenham, brother-in-law to the Duke of Well- 
ington, who was to take the chief command. The situation of his 
armies seemed to him unfortunate. They were on a narrow strip of 
low land, bounded on one side b}- a broad river and on the other by a 
morass. The enemy in front, of unknown numbers, were behind forti- 
fications. Two American vessels in the river harassed the camp day 
and night, and the weather was causing sickness among the men. 
Pakenham brought some guns across the peninsula, destroyed one 



474 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

American vessel with hot-shot and drove the other up stream. He then 
erected bastions of hogsheads of sugar, behind which he mounted thirty 
guns, and opened the year 1815 with this warlike action. Jackson, on 
his part, used cotton bales for his bastion, and before these were knocked 
out of place and set on fire, had constructed good earthworks a mile and 
a half in the rear. Both sides were reinforced during the week that 
followed, and both generals laid excellent plans of procedure. 

On the 8th of Januar)' the English opened an attack, advancing in 
two columns, and preceded by regiments bearing ladders and fascines. 
Between them marched a thousand Highlanders, to support an attack 
on both wings. But Jackson' s men were those of the West and South, 
who, as riflemen, have never been excelled, and their aim was unerring. 
The artillery- was handled with precision, and in the first discharge from 
the thirty-two-pounder, the entire van of one of the British columns 
was swept away. In attempting to reform his men, Pakenham was 
killed, two other generals were seriously wounded, and the commander 
of the Highland regiment was shot dead. In twenty -five minutes the 
action was over, and the British found that they had lost seven hundred 
killed, fourteen hundred wounded and five hundred prisoners, while the 
American loss was but seventeen. Such a brilliant success as this might 
well have raised the confidence of the American people, but at this 
time news was received that peace had been concluded at Ghent, on the 
24th of December, two weeks before the battle of New Orleans. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Biography— Parton's "Life of Jackson." 
f iCTIo;.-— Glerg's "The Subaltern." 

J. H. Ingraham's "Lafitte." 
O. W. Cable's "Grandissimes." 
G. W. Cable's "Old Creole Dajjs." 
G. C. Eggleston's "Captain Dain." 
PoETKY— Francis Scott Key's 'The Star-Spangled Banner." 



CHAPTER LXXVIII. 



jl Sransiani J[miatilil^. 

THE ERA OF GOOD FEELING — WAR WITH ALGIERS — FINANCIAL CON- 
DITION OF THE COUNTRY — THE FIRST SEMI- 
NOLE WAR — THE MISSOURI 
COMPROMISE. 



^HEN the Treaty of Peace was at last ratified, there 
came what is known as ' 'the era of good feeling. ' ' 
For a time the political parties were glad to»forget 
their quarrels and rejoice together over the restora- 
tion of peace. Everj'where there were celebra- 
tions, public dinners, congratulatory speeches and 
wine-drinking. In the general rejoicing, the 
people did not much concern themselves that the treaty 
was not a good one, and that it left matters practically 
where they were before the war. Those who thought 
about the matter doubtless consoled themselves that, 
however weak the treaty was, England would not soon 
again impose upon American vessels as she had done 
previously, and that she would stand in wholesome fear 
of the resistance with which an}' presumptuous step on 
her part would be met. 

There was one other question of foreign difficulty to be settled, and 
that was with Algiers. The Dey of Algiers was dissatisfied with the 
measure of the usual tribute. He declared war against the United 
States and renewed his depredations upon American commerce. Early 
in the spring of 1815, Decatur, his old enemy, was sent with a squadron 
of nine vessels to the Mediterranean. In June, he captured an Algerian 
frigate and a brig of twenty-two guns. He then anchored his whole 
squadron in the harbor of Algiers and demanded immediate negotiations 
for a treaty. To conduct these negotiations the Dey came on board 
Decatur's ship and begged that there might be a continuation of tribute, 
if only of a little powder, for fonn's sake. The Dey knew that should 




47^ THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the United States refuse to pa}- tribute, all of the nations would follow 
the example, and the Barbary States would no longer receive a large por- 
tion of their wealth from these sources. "If you insist on receiving 
powder as tribute," said Decatur, "you must expect to receive balls- 
with it. ' ' The Dey yielded, and a treaty was concluded with Algiers, 
followed by others with Tunis and Tripoli. Thus the United States, 
the youngest of all the nations, was the first to put an end to that sur- 
prising submission to the piratical Barbary States. 

As might be expected, the country' was in the worst of financial 
conditions, and the immediate measures of the Secretary of the Treasurj' 
and of Congress were for the purpose of bettering commercial affairs. 
A new national bank was chartered, with a capital of thirty-five million 
dollars, and duties were raised on imports to such an extent that they 
amounted almost to prohibition. The Democrats, or the Southern 
element, were in favor of this policy which protected their great staple, 
cottoo, but the men of New England opposed it, since it ruined the 
carrying trade, which was their great source of profit, and which the 
war had deprived them of for the last four years. The free-trade party 
was led by Daniel Webster, of Massachusetts, and the tariff party by 
John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina. All the flourishing sea-ports of 
New England, from Portsmouth to Long Island Sound, received at this 
time a blow from which they never recovered. 

As another presidential election neared, the power of the Federal 
party continued to wane until it was quite annihilated. James ]\Ionroe, 
of Mrginia, was made President in 1817. He had fought in the Revo- 
lutionary War, and had been Secretary of State under Madison. 
Though an amiable man, he had but little strength of character, and 
was not well calculated to manage the affairs of State. He was not 
well established, when he was called upon to consider some serious 
matters on the southern frontier. For a short time it looked as if 
America might once more be plunged in war, end this time with Spain, 
as well as England. Florida, which was still a Spanish province, was 
the home of the Seminole Indians, and these savages had for many 
years offered protection to the slaves who sought it. It will be remem- 
bered that many years before there had been an insurrection among the 
slaves of South Carolina and Georgia, and that they had fled into 
Florida. There had been three generations of people since that time, 
but the slave-holders of the States mentioned could never forget that 
within a short distance of them were hundreds of people who were 
their property. When, therefore, there was any war with the Indians 



A TRANSIENT AMIABILITY. 477 

of Florida, it was always practically a slave hunt, and both the Span- 
iards and Seminoles were quick to aid in repulsing such movement. 

When the British army left Florida, in 1814, a colonel by the name 
of Nichols remained in Florida, and having much sympathy for the 
Indians, he built a fort for them on the Appalachicola, near its mouth. 
This he supplied with large quantities of arms and ammunition, and 
returned to England, leaving the fort in the hands of the Seminoles. 
It soon passed from theii hands into those of the negro refugees. Gen- 
eral Edmund P. Gaines, who had charge of the southern frontier, con- 
tinually complai-ned of this "negro fort," and united with Georgia in 
urging the Federal government to war. There was no question but 
that the fort was an excellent place of refuge for any overburdened 
slaves who found a chance to escape from the lash of the overseer, and 
as the slave-holders believed that the Federal government was framed 
for the purpose of protecting their interests, and that their chief duties 
lay in that direction, it is not strange that the Southern States should 
assume the government to be willing to take up arms for the purpose 
of recovering these unfortunates. 

In July, 1816, a detachment of Americans was sent to attack this 
fort, and some red-hot shot entered the magazine, where nearly eight 
hundred barrels of gunpowder were stored. The fort was laid in ruins 
instantly, and two hundred and seventy of the three hundred and thirty- 
four inmates killed outright, most of the others djing from their 
wounds soon after. The inmates were negroes and Indians, of both 
sexes and all ages. An Indian chief and the negro commander were 
among those who were not killed by the explosion, and these were 
tortured to death after the Indian manner. It is not surprising that in 
the year that followed, the settlers were murdered, and the settlements 
robbed. The wonder is rather that the retaliations were not more 
numerous. The Seminole chiefs warned the American soldiers not to 
cross the Flint river, saying that the land beyond was theirs, and that 
they should protect it by every means in their power. General Gaines 
did not regard this warning, and marched upon the Seminole village, 
burning it to the ground. The Seminoles took to the forest and 
waited. A few days later a boat passed down the river carrying forty 
soldiers, with some women and children. The Indians, concealed upon 
the bank, killed everj' one of these except four men, who swam to the 
shore, and one woman, who was kept in captivity by a chief 

The command in this border war was now given to Andrew Jack- 
son. Jackson paid no attention to the orders given him to call upon 
29 



478 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the militia of the border States through their governments, but raised a 
volunteer force among his old companions-in-arms in Tennessee — all of 
them magnificent fighters, and men who worshiped Andrew Jackson as 
the hero of his country. On the site of the negro fort he built and gar- 
risoned another, which he called Fort Gadsden. From here he advanced 
toward the Bay of St. Marks, driving away without difiiculty the few Sem- 
inoles who tried to intercept him. The Spanish Governor of the fort at 
St. Marks could not make a defense, and Jackson marched in on the 7th 
of April, hauled down the Spanish flag and raised the American in its 
place. A few days before, an American armed vessel had sailed up the 
bay, ran up English colors, and thus enticed on board two well-known 
Seminole chiefs who were suppo.sed to have been the leaders in the 
recent massacre. They were brought on shore and hung by Jackson's 
orders. A strong garrison was left at St. Marks and the march was 
resumed. Jackson wished to march upon and surprise the Indian 
town Suwannee, which was said to be a place of resort for negro 
refugees. Jackson was too late, however, for when he reached the vil- 
lage he found it deserted. 

At about this time occurred one of those incidents which showed 
Andrew Jackson's inflexible and iron nature. At St. Marks he had 
taken prisoner a Scotchman named Alexander Arbuthnot, who was a 
trader with the Indians. He had a depot of goods near Suwannee, and 
from his writing to his son to remove the goods to a place of safety, the 
Indians were warned of the advance of the Americans. On this account 
Jackson chose to look upon him as a spy. At Suwannee, Robert C. 
Ambrister, an ofl&cer of the English army, who had been suspended 
from duty for a year on account of fighting a duel, got into the Ameri- 
can camp by mistake. It had been his intention to join the Indians. 
He was therefore kept as a prisoner of war. Both these men were sen- 
tenced to death. Arbuthnot was hanged and Ambrister shot. These 
excutions were against all law and entirely without justification. Upon 
Jackson's previous campaign he had caused six militiamen to be shot, 
because they claimed that their terms of enlistment had expired, and 
that they should return to their homes. The men were honest in their 
claim, and were entirely innocent of any intention to offend. 

When Jackson reached Fort Gadsden upon his return, he was met 
■with a protest against this invasion of Spanish territory from the Gov- 
ernment of Pensacola. He promptly turned back, reoccupied Pensa- 
cola and took the fort to which the Governor had fled. It is said that 
he afterwards regretted that he did not hang the Governor. Jackson 



THE SECOND ADAMS. 479 

tried afterwards to shift the responsibility of all these aggressions upon 
the shoulders of Monroe, but it is not rightly known where the greater 
part of the blame should be put. It was not Andrew Jackson's habit 
to ask permission of any one to do what he considered his duty. Nego- 
tiations for a treaty with Spain were being conducted in Washington, 
and in February, 1819, they were concluded. The Floridas were ceded 
to the United States for the sum of five million dollars. 

The breach between the Southern and the Northern States was 
widening. The value of slave labor rose as the new lands on the lower 
Mississippi opened fresh fields for cultivation. Slave-raising had 
become a science, and it was concluded by the economists that it was 
better to use up a gang of negroes in seven years and supply their 
places by new purchases, than to attempt to prolong the lives of the 
gang in hand by moderate labor. The invention of the cotton gin had 
also greatly increased the value of slaves, for two hundred pounds of 
fibre could be freed of seeds in a single day by the gin. As it was dif- 
ficult to overstock the market with this produce, thus it became almost 
impossible to overstock the plantations with slaves. There was nothing 
the slave-holders so much dreaded as legislative interference, and it was 
their constant ambition to keep a man in the presidential chair who 
should look after the interests of this wicked traflSc, and see to it that 
the Northern States did not get in the ascendancy. To do this it was 
necessary that they should insist that as many slave States were included 
in the Union as free States. Thus, after Indiana, came Mississippi, in 
1817, a free State and a slave State. After Illinois, 1818, came Ala- 
bama, 1819, a free State and a slave State. In March, 1818, the citizens 
of Missouri asked permission of Congress to form a State constitution, 
and to be admitted into the Union. Missouri lay beyond that district 
where slaver}' had existed up to this time, and Congress, and indeed 
the whole country-, was divided upon the question as to whether Mis- 
souri should be a slave State or not. In admitting the other slave States 
to the Union, Congress had not instituted slaver}', but only allowed it to 
exist. Should the government conclude to permit slaver}' in Missouri, 
it would be giving official encouragement to it. When a formal bill 
was entered in February, 1819, for the admission of Missouri, a New 
York Congressman proposed, as a condition of admission, that from that 
moment there should be no personal servitude within the State except 
of those already held as slaves, and that these should be freed within a 
short time. The South met this proposition with defiance and the 
haughtiest indignation. The North was threatened with terrible pun- 



4So THE STORY OF AxMERICA. 

ishmcnt for her interference with the States of the Sonth. Even as the 
question was being discussed a slave-coflle passed the Capitol, the men 
being bound together with chains and the women and children walking 
behind under the lash of a slave-driver. But this degrading sight served 
no otner purpose than to point the paragraph of an eloquent Senator. 
For many weeks the debate went on passionately, and finally, when 
Maine asked for admission into the Union, the Southern men protested 
that she could only be admitted on the condition that Missouri was 
allowed to come in as a slave State. Had not some of the Northern 
men gone over to the side of the South, slavery might have been kept 
out of Missouri, but at last the Southern faction grew so strong that it 
became necessary' to accept a compromise, which is known as the Mis- 
souri Compromise, in which slavery was prohibited in. all that portion 
■of the Louisiana purchase lying north of 35°, 30', excepting Missouri. 
This compromise was only carried by much trickery, and what little 
good there was in the compromise was taken out of it by the President 
and the Cabinet. When the bill was brought to the President he asked 
two questions. First, whether Congress had a constitutional right to 
prohibit slavery in a territory. The Cabinet were all agreed that Con- 
gress had such a right. Second, he wished to know if the section 
prohibiting slavery "forever," referred only to the territorial condition 
or whether it also applied when the Territory became a State. With 
the exception of John Quincy Adams, the Cabinet claimed that this 
referred only to the Territory, and that when any of these Territories 
became States, they could admit slaves, should they choose to do so. 
In the next session of Congress a bill was passed preventing free negroes 
and mulattoes from settling in Missouri under any pretext whatever. 
In short, negroes in Missouri were to have no rights — they were not 
under any circumstances citizens. Thus did the Federal government 
make itself responsible for slaverj', and aided in its establishment where 
it had not previously existed. From this time forward the fight between 
slavery and freedom was an open one. 

FOR FURTHER READIn6: 
Fiction — Leba Smith's "P.Iajor Jack Downing.'* 
Hall's "Legends of the West." 
W. G. Simms' "Guv Rivers." 
W. G. Simms' "Richard Hurdis." 




FALL OF TABLE ROCK. 



CHAPTER LXXIX. 



ant5* 



MONHOE'S administration — ELECTION TO THE PRESIDENCY OF JOHN 
QUINCY ADAMS — THE ASSERTION OF STATE SUPREMACY IN 

GEORGIA — TARIFF DISPUTES ANDREW JACKSON 

ELECTED PRESIDENT THE FINANCIAL 

,^^ CRISIS OF 1837. 



HE history of a nation is not confined to its wars 
and its disasters. These, though thej' may seri- 
ously disturb, cannot uproot the home life in 
which the seed of the growth and evolution lies. 
During IMonroe's administration the civilization 
of America was becoming more profound. Educa- 
tion, particularly in the Northern and Western States, 
was spreading rapidly. The power of church doctrine 
was decreasing and in its place was springing up a 
Christianity in which there was more kindliness than 
dogma. Already that private enterprise, which at a 
later day made America the most convenient country in 
the world, began to show itself. DeWitt Clinton dug 
the Erie canal, three hundred and sixtj'-three miles long, 
connecting Lake Erie and all the upper lakes with the 
tide-waters of the Atlantic. Noah himself, when he built his ark, could 
hardly have met with more ridicule than did Clinton when he began 
this great task. The first spadeful of earth was turned on the 4th of 
July, 1817, and in October, 1825, the largest canal in the world was 
opened for trafiic. It ran through a rich and fertile wilderness — a 
wilderness soon broken by the building up of many towns upon the 
banks of the canal. Its original cost was seven million six hundred 
thousand dollars. 

Steamboats were gradually coming into favor. In 1818 the steamer 
Walk-in-ihe-zvatcr ran regularly to Detroit from the eastern extremity 
of Lake Erie. In 1819 the first passage on a steamboat was made across 




484 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the Atlantic. This was by the ship Savannah^ owned and commanded 
by Moses Rogers, of New London, Connecticut. He went from New 
York to Savannali, from Savannah to Liverpool, and then up the 
Baltic to St. Petersburg. He used both sails and wheels, depending 
on his sails when the wind was favorable. When the ship appeared off 
the coast of Ireland, she was supposed to be on fire, and a cruiser was 
sent out from Cork to offer her relief Congress was too busy atttending 
to political affairs to give any recognition to enterprise so remarkable, 
and the attempt was not repeated for twenty years. 

At the close of Monroe's second term of office, many candidates 
for the presidential chair were before the people. The Federal party 
had been crushed out and the Democratic party was in power. New 
ideas were giving birth to new parties, but at this time it was hardly 
apparent what form they wottld take. Throughout the North and the 
West, however, there was a firm determination to put an end to 
Virginia supremacy. For twenty-four years the office of President had 
been held by men from Virginia, and the affairs of the entire nation had 
been made subservient to those of the South. Monroe was almost lost 
sight of in the midst of the controversies and agitations of the time. 
His long and honorable service for his country had not won for him the 
consideration and deference which it should. His yielding disposition 
had made him seem contemptible, although he was a man of calm 
judgment and undeniable patriotism. In his last message to Congress 
he fortunately gave voice to what is known as the Monroe Doctrine, 
and to this, more than anything else, is he indebted for the preservation 
of his name from oblivion. This message expressed great interest in 
the young South American States, some of which the King of Spain 
was attempting to force into a colonial condition. President Monroe 
declared that should any European power attempt to interfere in 
American affairs or to deprive any country on the Western continent of 
its liberty, it would be considered as a manifestation of an unfriendl}' 
disposition towards the United States. Monroe also said that hence- 
forth the American continents were not to be considered as subjects for 
colonization in the future by any European power, meaning that 
hereafter no nation of the Eastern continent should have a right to 
usurp any territory upon either of the Americas, and that hereafter the 
unsettled country within the acknowledged boundaries of American 
States was exclusively their own, and not subject to foreign occupation. 

In the presidential election which followed, John Quincy Adams, 
of Massachusetts, was elected. All the previous Presidents had taken 



THK SECOND ADAMS. 485 

part in the revolutionary war or in the founding of the governnieut, 
but John Ouinc}' Adams belonged to the generation of younger men, 
and was but nine years old when his father had signed the Declaration 
of Independence. The opposition to Adams drew together the party 
composed mainly of Southern slave-holders with a considerable Northern 
alliance. To the support of the Administration rallied all those who 
were opposed to a slave-holding Democratic party, and which became 
known as National Republicans, although they did not assume this 
name definitely until near the close of Adams' administration. So 
intensely did the Southerners fear that slavery might be interfered with, 
that the Senators from the slave-holding States would not even allow 
Congress to send representatives to a Congress of the South American 
States, which was to meet at Panama with the purpose of defining their 
relations to each other and to foreign States, political and commercial, 
and the expediency of a league among themselves. They objected to 
this for the reason that the emancipation of slaves might be, and 
probably would be, one of the subjects discussed, and they all agreed 
that it was a subject which could not with safety be talked about. 
They constanth- preached the doctrine of State rights, and .seized every 
opportvmit}- to uphold that theory- in the Senate. Georgia was the first 
of the States to give a practical illustration of what the South meant by 
vState rights. When she became a State, one condition of the cession of 
her western territory to the Federal Government was, that the title to 
the Indian lands should be acquired by the United States and transferred 
to her. The Government had been unable to redeem this promise, 
because the Creeks and the Cherokees would not part with their lands, 
and had sworn to put to death any chief who should prove such a 
renegade to his race as to make a treaty with the United States of 
which they should be a part. However, in 1825, certain chiefs 
concluded a treaty conveying these lands to the United States, and the 
Creeks kept their word and put them to death. The State of Georgia 
then ordered a survey of the territory occupied by the Indians, but it 
was found that should they do this, it would involve the country in an 
Indian war. Besides, the treaty which had been ratified by the Senate 
and the President did not put the Creeks out of possession until Septem- 
ber I, 1826, and it still lacked over a )ear of the time of its fulfillment. 
The President, therefore, refused to consent to the survey, but the 
Governor of Georgia insisted upon the right of the State to do as it saw 
fit in such matters, and pretended to see in the decision of the President 
a secret hostility 10 slavery. The Indians appealed to Adams and the 



486 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

whole case was presented to Congress, but nothing was done. The 
Administration consented to be quiet, and Georgia was allowed to do 
as she pleased. Encouraged by her success at this time, Georgia sooti 
asserted her power in other matters and the States of the South rejoiced 
in her success. 

There had been a time when the protective policy was identified 
with the Southern States, but as they saw the North constantly 
increasing in riches and prosperity, they concluded that the North must 
be reaping more than her share of the benefits which arose from the 
protection of commercial industries, and they therefore decided to 
advocate free trade measures. The North had been forced to take up 
industries by the ver}- protective policy which the South had advocated, 
and now wished to abide by the principles of protection. Hereafter, 
the question of tariff became a sectional one, the North advocating 
protection and the South free trade. As a matter of fact, the North, 
with its free labor, would have succeeded under any international 
arrangement, while the South, with its reluctant and groveling slave 
labor, could hope for nothing but a succession of economical problems. 

In 1828 a comprehensive tariff bill was passed, in which the 
protection on wool, iron, lead, hemp, distilled spirits and various other 
articles of general importance was increased. This was made the chief 
opposition to the Northern Administration. 

During the closing years of Adams' administration occurred the 
Black Hawk War. In 1 830 a treaty was made with the tribes of Sacs 
and Foxes by which their lands in Illinois was ceded to the United 
States. But they were unwilling to leave their land, and the Governor 
of Illinois called out a militia force to compel them to cross the Missis- 
sippi. Black Hawk, a proud and patriotic chief of the Sacs, then about 
sixty years old, gathered a small force of warriors and returned in 
March, 1832. In a short time the pioneers were harassed by having 
their farms laid waste and their houses burned. Not infrequently the 
massacre of the fanners followed. The Governor of Illinois called for 
volunteers, and a force of about twenty-four hundred men was soon 
marching after Black Hawk's band of one thousand. The chief fled, 
but was overtaken and defeated on the Wisconsin river. The sur\'ivoi's 
retreated northward and were again overtaken near Bad-axe river, on the 
left bank of the Mississippi. Here many of the Indians were shot in 
the water while trying to swim the stream, and others were killed on a 
little island where they sought refuge. Fift}' prisoners were taken, 
most of whom were squaws and children. Black Hawk, Keokuk and 



THE SECOND ADAMS. 487 

several other chiefs surrendered, and were taken to Washington to make 
a sad acknowledgment of their subjection. 

In the presidential election of 1828 Andrew Jackson was elected by 
a ver}- large majority, and when the inaugural ceremonies were 
performed in the following March, a larger crowd gathered in Wash- 
ington from all parts of the country than had ever been seen there on a 
like occasion. Calhoun, who had been Vice-President under Adams, 
had been again chosen to act with Jackson. Jackson began his adminis- 
tration by removing from office all who had not been his partisans — an 
example which has been followed by ever}' President since, except 
Cleveland. Washington made nine removals from office, John Adams 
nine, JeflPerson thirty-nine, Madison five, Monroe nine, John Quincy 
Adams two, and Jackson not less than two thousand. In one week he 
vetoed more bills sent him by Congress than all his predecessors in office 
had vetoed in forty years. He was a man of such peculiar and inflexible 
character that his administration was invested with great interest. No 
one could be indifferent to him or to what he ad\ised. No public man 
in America had warmer friends or more bitter enemies, and if one class 
exaggerated his virtues, the other doubtless exaggerated his faults. He 
allowed his Cabinet to disperse and Washington to divide itself into 
social cliques, because of his staunch defence of the wife of the Secretary' 
of War, about whom imfortunate reports were circulated. He insisted 
that this woman should be recognized in society, and forced the ladies 
of Washington to open their doors to her. He defended her with that 
zeal which distinguished him in everything that he took up; not alone 
because her husband was a personal friend, nor entirely because it was 
his natural instinct to defend a woman, however undeser\-ing, but because 
his own wife had been especially unfortunate, and had met with 
criticisms which saddened her life. If he could keep another from 
suffering in a similar manner what his wife had, he wished to do so. 
He had been married to his own wife nearly forty years, when the 
discovery was made that the divorce which she had obtained from a 
former husband was not legal. As soon as this was discovered, proper 
legal steps were taken and Jackson and his wife were married again. 
This was tortured by Jackson's enemies into a scandal, by which 
Jackson, one of the purest of men, suffered no less than his wife. After 
that wife was dead, it was not strange that Jackson should tn,' to vindicate 
her case by defending that of another woman. He did this in his usual 
imperious and overbearing way. Washington was filled with scandals; 
the Cabinet was broken up; his niece, who presided over the White 



488 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

House, was sent away because she would not receive the woman he was 
defending, and he made himself absurd with wild fits of rage in public 
when he saw some slight put upon her. These matters, small as they 
were in themselves, came to have a strong political bearing, and for the 
first time American politics were smirched with personal scandals. 

One of the political measures which distinguished Jackson's 
administration was his hostility to the United States Bank. He 
suggested that a national bank, founded upon the credit and 
revenues of the government, might be devised, which would be 
constitutional and beneficial to the finances of the country-. The 
United States Bank made a stubborn resistance, and gave all the reasons 
for its existence which its advocates could invent for it. The charter 
had yet five years to run, but application was made for a new one. The 
President's adherents in the House demanded an investigation, and a 
committee was appointed in which the majority approved its manage- 
ment. After a long discussion, a bill to renew the charter passed both 
Houses, but was vetoed by the President. As the two-thirds majority 
necessary to pass it over his veto was lacking, the measure fell through. 
Meanwhile, the time arrived for a new election. Clay was Jackson's 
competitor, and was supported by the high tariff party. The anti- 
Masons came into existence at this period, and they also supported Cla)-. 
This party originated in 1826. William Morgan, a Mason, had written 
a book which pretended to expose the secrets of the order. He was 
supposed to have been killed by the direction of his official superiors, 
and a party was formed which opposed the Masonic and all other secret 
orders. 

Jackson had a growing popularity. The revenue during his admin- 
istration had far exceeded the expenditure, and the national debt was 
being rapidly paid off. One reason for this was that the Democrats at 
that time were opposed to the expenditure of government money for 
internal improvements, and that Jackson had vetoed many bills favor- 
ing such measures. The West India trade had long been a matter of 
dispute between England and the United States. This was brought to 
a rather unsatisfactory adjustment before the close of Jackson's first 
administration and the trade was opened to Americans, but the condi- 
tions were not dignified. About this time the countr}- was called upon 
to consider a peculiar problem. Its revenue was much larger than it 
could find any use for, and the. question was, How should it be re- 
duced? The first answer which would occur to any one was that the 
tariff should be reduced, but protection was a pet which could not be 



THE SECOND ADAMS. 489 

dnven from the arms of the American people. Mr. Clay provided ? 
bill for the reduction of duties upon foreign products, except where 
they came in conflict with articles of domestic manufacture. This 
caused much discontent. In South Carolina, especially, it was thought 
that the duties imposed were altogether too favorable to Northern 
manufactures, and a convention was finally held in that State to plan 
secession from the Union. It was decided that no duty should be paid 
in South Carolina after a certain day, and that if the United States 
attempted to force such payment, then South Carolina should organize 
a separate government. Mr. Calhoun, the Vice-President of the United 
States, was to be placed at the head, and medals were made with the 
inscription, "John C. Calhoun, first President of the Southern Con- 
federacy, ' ' and circulated among the people. The men devoted them- 
selves everj-where to military' drilling, and the women made palmetto 
cockades and prepared ensigns of State sovereignty. The palmetto 
was the symbol chosen for the new nation. This was called "nullifica- 
tion," a word which had been invented many years before by some 
ingenious Southern Senators. 

But though President Jackson was the hero of the Southern States, 
he was too good a patriot to encourage them in such measures as these. 
He issued a proclamation announcing that "to say any State may at 
pleasure secede from the Union, is to say that the United States are not 
a nation." He denied the right of either nullification or secession, 
pointed out the absurdity of State sovereignty, and told the people of 
South Carolina that if they resisted the law, they would be put down 
by force of arms. He hastened to send troops to the forts of South 
Carolina, as well as vessels of war, placing all under the command of 
General Winfield Scott. But as usual, compromises were proposed in 
the Senate and accepted which arranged matters as South Carolina 
desired, and the North meekly did as she was bidden. 

Another matter ^hich caused much debate in Congress was the 
public lands. The sale of these was a great source of revenue, and as 
the price upon them was higher than that which most emigrants were 
willing to pay, emigration tended toward the extreme West, beyond the 
surveyed frontier, to settle where no immediate payment was required. 
The emigration from Europe straight to the Western States was very 
large. In 1837, it was nearly eight>' thousand, but the next year it 
was lower. This was on account of the great financial crisis of 1837, 
caused largely by the existence of State banks which put afloat a larger 
amount of paper currency than they could carry. The only banks in 



490 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the country- which did not suspend at this time were those few in which 
the government deposited its specie, and, indeed, some of these were 
involved in the ruin. Though the people were in this weakened finan- 
cial condition, the treasury of the government continued to have a sur- 
plus, and it was decided that all surplus over five million dollars should 
be divided among the States as a loan only to be recalled at the discre- 
tion of Congress. Such a thing had never been heard of before, and it 
was difficult to tell how to conduct it. The manner in which it was 
distributed added to the irritation which already existed in the govern- 
ment, for the people of the North felt that far more than their rightful 
share had been given to the people of the South. Twenty-eight million 
dollars was thus given to the States, part of which spent it in public 
improvements, the rest dividing it among private citizens. But all of 
the financial affairs of the nation were conducted in a slipshod way, 
and the close of the year 1837 found States, as well as people, burdened 
with debt beyond their ability to pay. It was a period, however, when 
recuperation was easy. Steam was coming into general use. The first 
railway in America for passengers was chartered by the Mary-land legisla- 
ture in March, 1827. This was the Baltimore and Ohio. Not until 1829, 
however, did Peter Cooper, of New York, build a locomotive. By 1840, 
there were nearly three thousand miles of railway in the United States. 
Manufactories were rapidly increasing, and the woolen and cotton goods 
made were improving in quality. It was in 1840 that Sidney Morse, 
of New York, obtained a patent for his electric telegraph. The census 
taken in 1830, under Jackson's administration, showed a population 01 
nearly thirteen millions. Two new States were added to the Union. 
Arkansas, in 1836, and Michigan, in 1837. Michigan came in as a 
free Sta'tC, but Arkansas was dedicated to slavery. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— 'Black Hawk's Life of Himself." 

Moncrieff's "Men of the Backwoods." 
Fiction— G. C. Eggleston's "The Big Broihe:.' 
POETRV— H. R. Schoolcraft's "Talladega ." 



CHAPTER LXXX. 



%\t\m anb Mvn\\. 



THE LITERARY HISTORY OF THE LAST FIFTY YEARS — THE 
ABOLITIONISTS. 




^T may be wise at this period to renew the literaty 
history- of the country. Philip Freneau, a Hugue- 
not by descent and a New Yorker by birth, was 
the first American poet to attain eminence, 
although the Revolution started into life a multi- 
of ballad-writers. Philip Freneau graduated at 
the college of New Jersey in 1771, where he was a class- 
mate of James Madison. He published four volumes, 
which were read in England as well as America. 
His political burlesques were popular, but are not so well 
remembered as his more serious poems. Joel Barlow 
was the first American to make an attempt at a national 
epic. This he termed "Columbiad. " It is stately, but 
without grace. Dr. James McClurg, of Virginia, wrote 
man}- romantic verses of the sort usually penned in ladies' albums at 
that time. 

Charles Brockden Brown was the first American novelist. The 
history- of this country- had been too severe to encourage fiction. In the 
South, there was a comparative indifierence to letters, and in the 
North, literature took, for the most part, the form of a religious 
controversy. Brown's novels were gloomy, and it is for this reason 
that they are not better known. David Ramsay prepared some valuable 
books, and Jeremy Belknap wrote a histor>- of New Hampshire, and a 
series of biographies. The first standard book written by a New 
England woman is the "Historj- of New England," by Hannah Adams. 
Dr. Abel Holmes' "Annals of America" is a ver^- valuable book. 
Chief Justice Marshall wrote a "Life of Washington," and William 
Wirt a biography of Patrick Henr}-. John Ledyard was the first 



492 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

American traveler to write a histor)- of his exploits. Dr. Benjamin 
Rush wrote voluminously about medicine. Alexander Wilson was the 
author of some works on ornithology; Samuel Mitchell was the first 
man in this country' to write on chemistry; Benjamin Barton was the 
earliest American authority on botany, and Benjamin Thompson wrote 
on physics. 

The theological writers of the last part of the eighteenth centur\' 
and the first part of the nineteenth were very numerous. Among them 
were William Ellery Channing, Henry Ware, Andrew Norton, Noah 
Worcester, Moses Stuart and Leonard Woods. In later years came 
Lyman Beecher, the Alexanders, President Hopkins, Professor Edward 
A. Park, and many others too numerous to mention. Dr. Charles 
Dodge, a Philadelphian and a graduate of Princeton College, is one ot 
the most dignified of our Calvanistic philosophers, but William Ellerj^ 
Channing is undoubtedly at the head of the earlier schools of theological 
and metaphysical writers. Later, came a more brilliant school of 
theological writers. Among these were Orville Dewey, William H. 
Furness, John Freeman Clark, Henry W. Bellows, Andrew Peabody 
and William R. Alger. These were Unitarian writers. Theodore 
Parker, Cyrus A. Bartol, Moncure D. Conway and Octavius P. 
Frothingham were among the writers who started in religious work and 
gradually employed their pens in secular writings. Mark Hopkins, of 
Williams College, and Noah Porter, of Yale, are among the most 
distinguished of our mental scientists. Thomas C. Upham, a professor 
in Bowdoin, wrote a work in 1831 on the elements of mental philos- 
ophy. James Marsh, president of the University of Vermont, was an 
influential Transcendentalist. Lawrence P. Hiscock was a profound 
writer on metaphysics as a science. Francis Wayland, president of 
Brown University, was an excellent writer on political economy, 
philosophy and ethics. Taylor Lewis, a professor in Union College, 
was a linguist, philosopher and scientist. Each church had its staunch 
denominational writers, some of whom have exerted a strong influence, 
notably John McClintock, of the Methodists. 

The "Knickerbocker writers" is a term applied to Washington 
Irving, James Kirk Paulding, Joseph Rodman Drake and Fitz-Green 
Halleck. Washington Irving was born in New York City in 1783, and 
absorbed there the curious life which he has so delicately and faithfully 
portrayed. At nineteen he wrote for a newspaper edited by his 
brother Peter, taking up theological and social topics, and using the 
name of "Jonathan Old-Style. " In 1 814 he visited Europe, where he 




HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW. 



FICTION AND TRUTH. 



495 



met Washington Allston, the first distinguished American painter. On 
his return to New York he started the Salmagundi, a name still 
preserved in New York to signify what is best in literature and in art. 
In this paper the social foibles and fads were served up in a way which 
was thoroughly original. A few years later, Irving gained the friend- 
ship of some distinguished Englishmen, and from this time his good 
fortune dated. His books sold for excellent sums, and he was the first 
American to make a really excellent living by his pen. Charles Brockden 
Brown was the only man before him to rely entirely upon the proceeds 
brought him by his pen. Irving' s last work was his five-volumed life 
of Washington. James Kirke Paulding, who was five years older than 
Irving, worked upon the Sabnagiindi under Irving' s supervision, 
beginning his career as a poet. In the course of his life he wrote 
novels, humorous sketches and pamphlets as well, his "Dutchman's 
Fireside" being the best known. Joseph Rodman Drake was a writer 
of delicate touch. He was bom in 1795, and lived to be only twenty- 
five years old. Fitz -Green Halleck was bom in Connecticut, in 1790, 
and lived till 1867. He wrote, among many excellent poems, that of 
"Marco Bozarris," known to every schoolboy. Richard Henry Dana 
was a scholarly poet, and Charles Sprague, a Bostonian, wrote verses 
of high quality. Francis Scott Key is especially known for the "Star- 
Spangled Banner," written during the siege of Fort McHenry, in 
Baltimore, during the war of 181 2. There are several other writers 
who are famous for one poem. Samuel Wordsworth wrote "The Old 
Oaken Bucket;" John Howard Payne, "Home Sweet Home," and 
Albert G. Green "Old Grimes is Dead. " William Augustus Muhlen- 
berg is the author of that tender hymn, "I would not live always." 

William Cullen Bryant, the oldest of our great American poets, was 
born in 1794. At ten, he was writing verses for the country papers, 
and by the time he was in college was already famous as a writer. He 
was but twenty-two years old when he ,wrote his celebrated poem, 
"Thanatopsis. " This was published in the North American Review, 
in 1816. Bryant is, as everyone knows, a poet of nature, whose verses 
are as polished, though far less spontaneous, than those of Wordsworth. 
He was over seventy when he added to his extensive writings a 
translation of the ' 'Illiad. ' ' This is very generally accepted as the best 
English Homer. Later, he published a translation of the "Odyssey." 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and John Greenleaf Whittier were 
both born in 1807. Early in his manhood Longfellow took the 
professorship of modern languages at Bowdoin College, spending three 



496 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

yeary in Europe to qualify himself for the position. These three years 
in Europe have given us many of Longfellow's most excellent poems, 
although those which are most valued by Americans are the ones which 
preserve so accurately and tenderly the life of New England and the 
legends of early America. In the list of his works is a most excellent 
translation of the divine comedy of Dante. John Greenleaf Whittier was 
a writer conscientious, true and fearless, but lacked the high art of Long- 
fellow, and the sympathetic quality, although at heart he was most 
sympathetic and humane. That he was a natural philanthropist and a 
writer fearless of consequences, there is no need to say. 

Oliver Wendell Holmes was born in Cambridge, Connecticut, in 
1809. Like Brjant, Longfellow and Lowell, he started out as a lawyer, 
but soon took up medicine, studying in Europe. He is a lyrical writer 
of great facility, but his prose works are more popular than his poetical 
ones. His "Breakfast-table Sketches" are among the American 
classics. Like Holmes, James Russell Lowell has written both in poetry 
and prose. His poems have been published in numerous volumes; 
some of them were elaborate and allegorical, others caustic and 
humorous. At one time he was the leading American critic. 

Edgar Allen Poe is one of the most picturesque figures in our 
national literature. He was a melancholy man, who hated restraint o^ 
every sort, and who was the slave of morbid fancies and of opium 
was not the first man to rise by stress of these misfortunes to a posit-'on 
which more wholesome and temperate men could hardly hope to attain. 

Among the painstaking, though not famous, American poecs are 
James Gates Percival, Nathaniel P. Willis, George JMorris, 'idward 
Pinkney, Charles Fenno HoSinan and George H. Calvert. Dr. Thomas 
Dunn English was made famous by a single song, "Ben Bolt." George 
H. Boker, of Philadelphia, was one of the earliest dramatic writers of 
this country. C. B. Cranch was one of the most scholarly writers of his 
day, and Alfred B. Street is known by his poems of nature. He was 
also a painter. W. W. Storj- has joined poetry and sculpture. John G. 
Saxe was the earliest of our excellent American humorists. Alice and 
Phoebe Car}- were among the first women poets. Among the best 
tnown of the early historians are Richard Hildreth, born in ^Massachu- 
setts, in 1807; George Bancroft, author of the chief history' of the 
United States, also born in Massachusetts; George Gorhani Palfrey, 
author of a history of New England, and William Hickling Prescott, 
the most famous and brilliant of American historians. His "History' 
of Ferdinand and Isabella" was translated immediately upon its 



;:^ 



FICTION AND TRUTH. 497 

publication into five European languages. The "Conquest of Mexico,'* 
"The Conquest of Peru" and "Philip IP' were not less successful. Na 
historian has a higher reputation or a more dignified and eloquent style. 
John IvOthrop Motlc)^ is best known for his "Rise of the Dutch 
Republic," and "The History of the United Netherlands." George 
W. Green's "Historical Review of the American Revolution" is the 
best record of the time. 

A considerable number of travelers have won distinction as writers. 
Among these are Elisha Kane and Isaac Hays. James Fennimore 
Cooper was the first American to write novels which could be considered 
extensively popular. His works are thoroughly national, full of 
romantic interest, and embody, as no other books do, the wild, free life 
of the American frontier. He also wrote an able history of the United 
States, a series of biographies of naval officers, and an attack on the 
system of trial by jury. 

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1804. 
He was a morbid boy with a most studious tendency, and his surround- 
ings were melancholy in the extreme. His mystical, elegant and 
romantic novels are the natural outcome of his refined and morbid 
disposition. He lived upon historic ground, saw the value of his 
associations, and embodied his ideas in tales of unequaled fantas}' and 
power. To mention the good American writers in fiction would be a 
task too extensive to contemplate. Those who exercised a wide 
influence will be mentioned later. 

The early part of the century saw some orators unequaled for their 
powers. The speeches of Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun, Henry 
Clay, Edward Everett, Rufus Choate, William H. Seward, Charles 
Sumner, Robert C. Winthrop, Wendell Philips and William Lloyd 
Garrison are famous. William Lloyd Garrison, in 1831, established a 
weekly paper in Boston called the Liberator. Its purpose was the 
immediate emancipation of the slaves, and it preached, as no other 
paper had ever dared to, the iniquity of slavery and the need for its 
speedy termination. It was not, however, the first paper of the sort 
ever published in the country. During General Jackson's administra- 
tion a Quaker named Benjamin Lundy had begun a newspaper called 
the Gcnuts of Universal Emancipation. This urged that slaves should 
be gradually freed. Garrison had been the assistant editor of the paper, 
but the religion which he preached accepted of no compromises. He 
?aid in the first edition: "I will not equivocate; I will not excuse; I 
•will not retreat a single inch, and I will be heard." In all the perse- 



49^ THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

cutions, revilement and legislative rebuke which followed, he was true 
to his word. People who sympathized with him and upheld his views 
were called Abolitionists — a word which to speak even now arouses 
feelings of enthusiasm and deep hatred. "Fanatic" was the kindest 
and most considerate of all the names which these determined people 
were called by their enemies — and their friends were few. It was 
nothing new to say that slavery was wrong, and that the Republic was 
inconsistent in keeping a constitution which set forth the liberty and 
equality of all persons, and yet permitted three million persons within 
its borders to be deprived of their liberty. 

So vigorous had Southern rule been, and so craftily had its 
supremacy been sustained in Congress, that it was little less than treason 
to speak of the possibility of manumission. The Church, both in the 
North and the South, was prompt to hold up the Divine authority for 
slavery, and to quote the Bible in its defence. As the newer Southern 
States were admitted to the Union and their territory opened up, slaves 
were brought in great numbers from the slave-breeding States of the 
Atlantic and placed here upon great sugar and cotton plantations. 
These plantations had been cultivated and stocked with negroes, on 
borrowed money. This money was borrowed largely from Northern 
capitalists, and this was one of the many reasons why the institution of 
slavery met with such staunch support in the North. 

The Abolitionist were men and women of great independence and 
vigor of thought. Almost without exception they were the leaders in 
the communities in which they lived. Their private lives were 
irreproachable, their standing in all ways honorable — the fact that they 
had the moral courage to stand against the world is guarantee enough 
that they were disinterested and morally brave — but they were ostracized 
by the States, the Church and society as if they had been criminals or 
offenders against decency. They were accused of the most injudicious 
acts, which have never been proven against them. It was said that 
they tried to lash the slaves, by their eloquence, into insurrection, but 
the truth is that their methods were directly opposed to this, and that 
their appeal was made to the conscience of the slave-holder and to the 
legislators of the nation. 

They were held responsible largely for the Southampton massacre, 
although probably not one of the desperate men engaged in that had ever 
heard of abolition, of William Llojd Garrison or of the Liberator. In 
August, 1831, a negro slave named Nat. Turner led a little band of six- 
men in a passionate revolt which has been dignified by the name of 



FICTION AND TRUTH. 4gg 

insurrection. He was a man of much force of character and a natural 
mystic. He heard voices in the air and saw signs in the sky. Roaming 
at night in the forests, he saw visions and portends which pointed out 
his divine mission. The Bible was full of promises which he thought 
pointed especially to him. He believed that he was to lead his suffering 
people to freedom. But he was impractical and lacked executive fore- 
sight. He took but six men in his confidence, and with them started 
out to go from house to house and kill every white person within. 
Beginning at Turner's own house, they killed his master, and going on 
from plantation to plantation were joined by the slaves, and in forty- 
eight hours killed fifty-five white persons without loss to themselves. 
But the band finally became separated, and was attacked by two bodies 
of white men, who succeeded in dispersing them. Thus the insurrec- 
tion was quelled at the outset. The country was searched for the 
offenders. Turner had escaped to the woods and lived under a pile of 
fence rails for si.x weeks, marking the passage of the drearj- days on a 
notched stick. He was discovered and took to the wheat-fields, where 
he lived among the wheat stacks for ten days. Again he was 
discovered, but escaped and kept the whole country searching for him for 
some time. One day he crept from a hole beneath a felled pine tree and 
stood face to face with a man who had a leveled rifle in his hand. He 
surrendered, and one week later was hanged. Of the fifty-three other 
negroes formally tried, seventeen were convicted and hanged, twelve 
were transported and the rest acquitted. 

But the fiercest retribution did not come from the law. Slave- 
holders held that they had a right to do as they chose with their own 
property, and to torture, punish, or execute at their will any negro in 
their possession whom they suspected of offense. The terror which 
spread through the South counterbalanced to a certain extent the suf- 
ferings of these poor blacks. Not a slave-holder slept securely in his 
bed. The consciousness of the iniquity upon which that part of the 
country was built and nourished made the proprietors constantly fearful. 
Every negro was watched with suspicion, and the most innocent actions 
threw the white communit}' into terror. It was hardly believed in the 
South that the negro was a human being, yet it was perceived now that 
he was enough of a man to long for liberty, and take revenge for out- 
rage. The people of the South virtually admitted all that the aboli- 
tionists ever claimed, and that was that the negro was a man. 

In 1832, Garrison founded the New England Anti-Slavery Society. 
This was the parent of many like societies in different parts of the 



500 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

country'. To resist such agitation and to act as a sop to the morbid 
apprehensions of the slave-holders, President Jackson urged Congress to 
pass a law excluding anti-slavery publications from the mails. This 
bill was finally defeated, but not until the mails of the South had been 
examined over and over again in the search for Abolitionist pamphlets 
or anti-slavery expressions. Large rewards were offered in some of the 
slave-holding States for the apprehension of several of the leading Abo- 
litionists. Mobs became frequent wherever the anti-slavery societies 
worked. A madness seemed to possess the people, and the slightest 
sympathy with the blacks was severel}' punished. One man was 
obliged to fly for his life in New Orleans because he offered a Bible to a 
slave. A doctor in Washington was thrown into prison because a 
package he received was accidentally wrapped in an anti-slavery paper. 
It was frequent diversion to burn the houses of Abolitionists, and destroy 
the printing office of any organ of the party. In 1836, a mob attacked 
a warehouse in Alton, Illinois, where a printing press was stored 
belonging to the Rev. E. P. Lovejo}^ This was the fourth time that 
his printing materials had been destroyed and his paper suppressed. 
This time the matter was made certain by the murder of the editor. 
But they also succeeded in making him immortal, and he is known as one 
of the first martyrs of the cause of liberty. As a result of this outrage 
the Abolitionists won a new convert, Wendell Phillips, who, for thirty 
years, exercised a unique influence in the moral history of America. 

Late in the year 1836, Pennsylvania Hall, in Philadelphia, was burned 
because it had been dedicated by an anti-slavery meeting, and the young 
poet Whittier had read one of his unqualified poems on freedom in it. 
In a few cases attempts were made to open schools for colored children 
in the North, but the teachers' were always driven from the town, the 
schools destroyed and the books burned. Such acts were not the work 
of ruffians, but of the most dignified and influential citizens. 

But nothing could stay the storm of discussion that swept over the 
countr}'. Petitions by the thousand were sent to Congress, begging 
that it would exercise its undoubted right of abolishing slavery in the 
national domain which was imder its exclusive control and of stopping 
the domestic slave trade. A handful of men, led by John Quincy 
Adams, fought for these petitions, but against them were all of the 
Southern and most of the Northern representatives. Adams stood to 
his principles in the midst of turmoil and disapprobation which would 
have silenced a weaker man. When, in 1835, William Slade asked 
that a petition for the abolition of slavery and the slave trade in the 



FICTION AND TRVTH. 



5or 



District of Columbia be referred to a committee, the proposal met with 
an uproar in the House. The representatives from the Southern States 
left the House, and this was termed the secession of the Southern mem- 
oers. The word "secession" was cherished afterward. But the North 
was silenced by a compromise the next day and the Southern members 
consented to be appeased. Such compromises were constant, but there 
was a growing determination among the citizens of the North to be 
heard. Neither State nor Federal legislation could altogether quiet 
them. With the exception of a few Philadelphia Quakers, there had 
been, up to this period, but few men or women in the North who did 
not consider it his or her duty to return fugitive slaves to their masters. 
But the growing sympathy with the oppressed race changed this, and 
that curious system known as the "Underground Railway" was formed, 
by which fugitive slaves were helped from house to house, clothed, fed 
and harbored, and sent safely to Canada. 

In 1 841 occurred one of the many incidents relating to this period 
which are of such interest to the student of this question. An Ameri- 
can slave ship, the Creole, sailed from Richmond with a cargo of one 
hundred and thirty-five slaves, gathered on the Virginia plantations. 
Among them was a man named Madison Washington. This man had 
once tasted liberty, for he had escaped to Canada, but had come back 
to release his wife, who was still a slave. He had been retaken and 
sold, and was now to be sent to a far southwest plantation where escape 
would be more difficult. As the Creole neared the Bahama Islands, 
Washington put himself at the head of nineteen of his fellows, whose 
only arms were four knives. These attacked the crew and succeeded 
in confining the captain and the white passengers, among whom were 
their owners. One slave trader was killed and several wounded. They 
forced the captain to take the boat into Nassau, New Providence, where 
all not engaged actively in the revolt were declared to be free. Wash- 
ington and his eighteen companions were detained to be tried in the 
English courts — though practically their freedom was secured as soon 
as they came under the protection of England. There were some 
people in the North who were strong-minded enough to rejoice in the 
restoration to their natural freedom of one hundred and thirty-five 
human beings, but Calhoun, Clay and other Southern Senators 
denounced the English government for protecting acts which they pro- 
nounced piracy and murder. 

A scene of violence took place in the House of Representatives when 
Joshua R. Giddings, of Ohio, offered a series of resolutions in which he 



502 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

claimed that ev-ery man had a natural right in himself, and that once 
beyond the boundaries of the United States every slave was free. A 
vote of censure was passed on these resolutions by an overwhelming 
majority. Giddings resigned his seat, returned to Ohio, and appealed 
to his constituents. It was a marked sign of increasing sympathy with 
the anti-slavery cause that he was returned as quickly as possible by an 
increased majority of thousands, and from a State which a short time 
before had driven the teachers of negro schools beyond their borders in 
contumely. At this very time the Supreme Court of the United States 
was deciding upon the right of the recapture of fugitive slaves. What 
it finally decided, after much discussion, was that the law of slavery was 
supreme in the free, as in the slave States, and that it was the duty of 
every State to aid the slave-holder everywhere in recapturing the slave. 
Nowhere was the agitation upon the question of slavery more profound 
than in the churches. It was certainly a difficult nut for them to 
crack. The question of the marriage relation alone among the slaves 
was one which was quite enoiigh to divide a church. But after all, the 
question was, and remained for many years, whether Africans were men 
and women with instincts of loyalty, purity and affection, or whether 
they were simply brutes, born to servitude, with no rights which the 
white men were bound to respect. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Johnson's "Garrison and the Times." 

Tanner's "Martyrdom of Lovejoy " 
Fiction — L. Ne\nlle's "Edith Allen." 
Mrs. Stowe's "Dred." 
W. D. O'Connor's "Harrington." 
Beverly Tucker's "Partisan Leader.' 
W. Adams' "The Sable Cloud." 

Holt's "Abraham Page." ^ 

Poetry— Whittier's "Voices of Freedom." / ; 

Marion Harland's "Judith." 




INDIANS ATTACKING FORT KING. 



CHAPTER LXXXI. 

SECOND SEMINOLE WAR — ELECTION OF VAN EUREN — FINANC3AI, 
DEPRESSION — ELECTION OF WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON — 

THE DORR REBELLION THE MORMONS 

ANNEXATION OF TEXAS. 

N tlie inidst of Jackson's administration came the 
Seminole war. The Sacs and Foxes, Chickasaws 
and Choctaws had all been removed west of the 
Mississippi, but the Seminoles, in Florida, steadily 
refused to move. President Jackson was equally 
determined that they should leave their eastern 
reservation, and he sent seven chiefs westward to inves- 
tigate the lands designed for them. With them went a 
commission, whose persuasions induced the chiefs to 
sign a treaty, without constilting the rest of the tribe. 
A large part of the Seminoles were determined to stay 
where they were, and a young chief named Osceola, 
the son of a half-breed woman and an Englishman, 
headed the opposition. His wife was a maroon, /. e. , a 
a negro born among the Indians of Florida, and she had been captured 
by the former mistress of her mother and held as a slave. Osceola had 
the natural pride and steadfastness of an Englishman, added to the 
fiercer Indian characteristics. He wished to avenge his wife's captivity 
as well as to maintain the independence of his people. Under his 
leadership the Seminoles declared hostilities in 1835. Major Francis 
L. Dade was sent out with about one hundred and forty men against 
Osceola, but he and his men were fired upon by an unseen foe before 
they reached their destination, and only two of them escaped with their 
lives. The United States sent out General Gaines with seven hundred 
men, in February, from New Orleans. They attempted to march 
across the Florida country-. The expedition was entirely imsuccessful. 




504 THK STORY OF AMERICA. 

and General Scott assumed command. The Indians and negroe^, 
meanwhile, were preying npon wagon trains and farms, and the 
country all about was kept in a state of terror. The summer of 1836 
was very sickly, and the military posts were almost deserted. Not till 
autumn was an)- fighting done, and then the Americans failed to drive 
their enemies from their dark swamps. A change of commanders was 
tried, and Thomas S. Jessup entered upon the winter campaign with 
eight thousand men. The Indians retreated toward the everglades, 
and in February, 1837, they sued for peace. In March, the agreement 
to cease from war was signed at Fort Dade, the Indians stipulating 
that they were to remain in Florida. This the Government refused to 
permit, but seized seven hundred Indians and negroes, before the 
decision was announced to them, and sent them off to Tampa for ship- 
ment. Osceola was sent to Charleston and locked in the prison there, 
where he soon died of grief But there were still many Indians and 
maroons hiding in the swamps and woods of Florida, and in May, 1837, 
General Zachary Taylor was sent out to hunt them from their places of 
refuge. Thirty-three blood-hounds had been imported from Cuba to 
track the fugitives. This plan was approved by both President Jack- 
son and General Taylor; but, fortunately for the reputation of the 
United States, the blood-hounds would not track Indians, as they had 
only been taught to hunt negroes. 

Several other commanders made ineffectual attempts to complete 
the subjection of these hunted creatures, and finally General William 
J. Worth, a man of considerable ability, was sent out in the 
spring of 1841 to conduct a summer campaign. Worth's troops, in 
small parties, went up the river and penetrated the swamps to the 
islands, where they destroyed the crops and the huts of the enemy. In 
a short time peace was secured. General Worth received the surrender 
of all the bands, and sent them to the west. The war had lasted seven 
years. Over five hundred persons had been taken from their wild, free 
life, and reduced to bondage. The fugitive slaves of the South no 
longer found an asylum in the everglades of Florida. This victor}- had 
cost the Americans forty million dollars, which was twice as much as 
was paid for the territories of Louisiana and Florida together. For 
each person rediiced to slaverj-, the lives of three white men had been 
expended. But the slaveholders were satisfied. The great-grandsons 
of the slaves of their great-grandfathers had been returned to them, 
and they no longer made moan over their human property lying waste 
in the southern territors'. 



A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF. 505 

Martin Van Bnren, of New York, was elected President in 1837. 
Like General Jackson, he was the candidate of the Democratic party. 
The opposition was now called the Whig party, and the chief quarrel 
between them was concerning State sovereignt}-. In this same year a 
rebellion broke out in Canada, and many of the people of the States 
bordering on Canada joined the rebellion — for there was a o-eneral 
sympathy in America with the insurgents. The United States made 
great efforts to maintain neutrality, and though it did not entirely suc- 
ceed, the countr}' had the discretion to avoid war. 

The dissatisfaction with the Democratic administration was increas- 
ing. The financial troubles of 1837 spread over the country, and were 
laid generally to the mismanagement of the public funds and the ill- 
advised method of conducting the State banks. In 1840 came a 
political revolution. The Whig members of Congress proposed a 
national convention, at which a candidate for the presidency should be 
nominated. The canvass which followed this nomination began a new 
era in elections. The ratification meetings which have since become 
so popular were started at that time, and as the mode of travel was 
more convenient than it had ever been previously, they were attended 
by vast numbers of people. General William Henry Harrison, of Ohio, 
known for his soldierly qualities, was nominated as the candidate for the 
Whigs. He had been one of the earliest pioneers of the Far West, and 
some one gave him the name of the "L,og-cabin Candidate." All over 
the country log cabins were built for political meetings. They were 
erected even in the midst of large cities, and the popular "ma.ss meet- 
ings" were held in them. At the political celebrations the only drink 
was cider, the favorite beverage of the farmers. Ringing campaign 
songs were composed about the "Hero of Tippecanoe," and "Tippe- 
canoe and Tyler, too" — John Tyler being the candidate for the vice- 
presidency. Never before had there been such a boisterous campaign, 
and an overwhelming vote was given for General Harrison, who was 
inaugurated President in 1841. He lived but a month after his inaugu- 
ration, and Vice-President John Tyler, of Virginia, became President 
for the remainder of the four years. 

In Rhode Island, in 1842, there was a revolt against the old colonial 
charter under which the State had always been governed. In this, the 
right of suffrage was restricted to the free-holders and their eldest sons, 
so that the popular representation had become very unequal. In the 
legislature of 1840, for instance, twenty-nine thousand of the inhabitants 
were represented by seventy members, and eighty thousand by thirty- 



so6 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



four members. It was in vain that the people appealed to the legisla- 
ture to take measures for the reform of the constitution. A new 
constitution was formed by a popular convention in October, 1S41, and 
accepted by the majority of voters. An election was held under it the 
following April, and Thomas Wilson Dorr chosen Governor. When he 
and the other State officers elected with him tried to assume their 
offices, they were resisted by those who held office under the charter, at 
the head of whom was Samuel W. King. Both sides took up arms 
and appealed to the Federal Government. The Dorr party were twice 




dispersed without bloodshed. Dorr was convicted of high treason and 
sentenced to imprisonment for life, but after three years was released 
and restored to full citizenship. Meanwhile the Rhode Island legisla- 
ture had called a convention to draw up a constitution, and in May, 
1843, a satisfactory constitution was ratified. 

In New York, at about this time, there was trouble along the 
Hudson river, where the estates of the old Dutch patroons lay. The 
tenants who lived upon these estates were unwilling to pay rent to 



A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF. 507 

the descendants of the early proprietors, and for a time there was armed 
resistance. 

In Illinois, there was also much disturbance. The Mormons, or 
"Latter-Day Saints," had built a city named Nauvoo. At this time 
they had been founded fourteen years, and followed in all particulars 
the law which Joseph Smith, their founder, claimed to have discovered 
written on gold plates buried in the earth. The Mormons had first 
established themselves in Missouri, but were driven thence into Illinois. 
Here they were again assailed by mobs and forced out into the wilder- 
ness. In the midst of that wilderness they found the exquisite spot in 
the interior of Utah where they made their final settlement and still 
remain. 

President Tyler soon lost his popularity. He had been accused of 
trying to break faith with the party which elected him. Whether this 
is true or not, it is certain that he broke his word with his Cabinet, and 
they all resigned, excepting Daniel Webster. As Webster was engaged 
in some important negotiations with England concerning the boundary 
line between Maine and New Brunswick, he felt that he owed it to the 
people to remain. In 1842, Mr. Webster, on the part of the United 
States, and Lord Ashburton, on the part of England, concluded a treaty 
which defined the boundary lines between New Brunswick and Maine. 
The line was also traced on to the Pacific Ocean, as it stands on all 
later maps. 

When Tyler had taken his position of sympathy with the Southern 
States he formed a close alliance Tith Calhoun, the leader of the 
Southern party, and devoted himself for the rest of his administration 
to the cause of the South. As a result of this came the annexation of 
Texas. The Spaniards and the French had contested for Texas and 
established rival missions or religious settlements through it. Finally, 
the province of Texas revolted from Mexico and declared itself an inde- 
pendent State. Large American colonies had been established there 
and the Americans took part in its struggle for independence. The 
slave-holding element fixed envious eyes upon this great tract of land, 
which was more than twice as large as the States of New York, Penn- 
sylvania and Ohio put together. Mr. Calhoun admitted that the object 
of securing Texas was to uphold the interests of slavery, extend its 
influence, and secure its permanent duration. The Whigs saw very 
clearly that if this immense tract of land was peopled with slaves and 
representation was determined by population, that freedom would be 

entirely outvoted in the Government forever. Mr. Webster's unwill- 
31 



508 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

ingness, as Secretary' of State, to abet the admission of Texas caused 
him to be removed from office. Air. Upshur was put in his place, but 
was killed soon after his appointment, and in March, 1844, Mr. Cal- 
houn, the leader of the Southern faction, was made Secretary' of State. 
A resolution for admission passed the United States House of Repre- 
sentatives February 25, 1845, ^^'^ ^^^ United States Senate on March 
rst. It was approved immediately by the President three days before 
he went out of office, and the United States assumed the Texas debt of 
seven and a half million dollars. 

Florida was admitted as a State to the Union in 1845 — the same 
year that James K. Polk, of Tennessee, was elected President of the 
United States. 

KOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Jones' ''Republic of Texas." 

I'rquhart' s ".\nnexation of Texas.'* 
Fiction — Lowell's "Higelow Papers." 
Mayne Reid s "Osceola.'' 
General Donaldson's "Sergeant AtVinc " 
E. C. Z. Judson's "The Volunteer." 
H. Hazel's "The Light Dragoon." 



CHAPTER LXXXri. 



Sfjs finh ybin nf ffianbri^. 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF POLK, AND THE WAR WITH MEXICO- 
VARIOUS SEVERE BATTLES — CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA AND 

NEW MEXICO OCCUPATION OF THE CITY OF 

MEXICO — TREATY OF PEACE — BIRTH OF 
THE FREE SOIL PARTY AND 
J ELECTION OF TAYLOR. 



;HE uews of Polk's election was the first report 
ever transmitted by telegraph in America, being 
sent on a line which Professor Morse had just 
completed between Washington and Baltimore. 
The combined opposition of the Whig party and 
a new party called the Liberty party, which was 
formed to resist the influence of slavery, were 
unable to cope with Democratic supremacy, and Mr. 
Polk was elected by a considerable majority. He came 
into power with the certainty of a war with Mexico on 
his hands. A strong naval force had previously been sent 
into the Gulf of Mexico, and all the military which could 
be spared ordered to the southwestern frontier. At the 
time of Polk's inauguration, three thousand six hundred 
soldiers were at Corpus Christi, Texas, under General Zachar^- Taylor. 
Texas was annexed by joint resolution to the United States in 
March, 1845, ^^^^ ^ year later Taylor moved southward to a point on 
the Rio Grande, opposite Matamoras. At the same time he called upon 
the Governors of Louisiana and Texas for five thousand volunteers, and, 
wishing to open communication with Point Isabel, moved eastward. 
The Mexican general, Arista, wished to hinder his return, and planted 
six thousand men across his road at Palo Alto, nine miles from Mata- 
moras. When Taylor returned and found his way blockaded, he gave 
battle. He had with him some heavy guns which worked terrible 




512 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

havoc in the jMexican infantry, and in the midst of the conflict the 
prairie grass between the two lines took fire, furnishing a thick curtain 
of smoke, behind which Arista drew off his men. The next morning 
the Mexicans took position in a deep ravine at Resaca de la Palnia. 
This ravine was shaped like a horseshoe, and the open side was towards 
the advancing Americans. But notwithstanding this superior position, 
the Americans succeeded in capturing the enemy's artillerj^, and putting 
the infantry to flight. 

On the 13th of May, before news of these events reached Wash- 
ington, Congress formally declared war, and authorized the President 
to call for fifty thousand volunteers for one year. The mass of the 
people of the United States were not willing to go to war about a mere 
question of boundary. They were somewhat dismayed by the call for 
volunteers, and thought that it was hardly worth risking so much 
merely to insure to the United States another hundred miles of territory. 
Texas claimed that its western boundar}- Avas the Rio Grande. Mexico 
claimed that it was the river Neuces. Congress pretended to believe 
that Mexico had first declared war, and President Polk labored in his 
message of 1846 to show that the territory of the United States had 
been invaded by the Mexicans. The fallacy of this statement was 
exposed by Abraham Lincoln, who was then a member of the House of 
Representatives. However, many volunteers were sent by the south- 
western States, and when General Taylor's army was swelled to seven 
thousand men, he approached the fortified town of ]\Ionterey. This was 
garrisoned by ten thousand INIexicans, under the command of General 
Santa Anna, who had formerly been President of Mexico, and was 
considered the best soldier of that republic. When Taylor sat down 
before the city with his force, he sent General Worth's division to plant 
itself on the enemy's line of retreat. The Americans took first one and 
then another of the fortified eminences upon the river, and on the 23d 
of September they fought their way into the streets of the city. These 
were held by stout barricades and nobly defended, but as Taylor pressed 
from the east and Worth from the west, the Mexicans were finally 
obliged to yield. 

The winter passed without any brilliant engagement, but in May 
1847, Colonel Philip Kearney was ordered to organize an expedition foi 
the occupation of New Mexico and Upper California. He marchec' 
into Santa Fe on the i8tli of August with eighteen hundred men, and 
issued a proclamation declaring the inhabitants absolved from theii 
allegiance to Mexico, and organizing the State as a Territory- of the 



THE SAD PLAIN OF MONTEREY. 51:5 

United States. He appointed a civil governor and hastened on to 
California with a small cavalr}- force. John C. Fremont, with an 
exploring expedition, was in California at the time, and was ordered by 
the Government to see that 110 foreigners should trespass upon the 
countrj- ; in other words, that the Spaniards and Mexicans should be 
irritated as much as possible. He learned that the Mexican commandant 
of California was on the point of expelling some American settlers, and 
this gave him the excuse for at once assuming the offensive. He 
captured the city of Sonoma and succeeded in securing independence to 




OLDEST HOrSE IX THE UNITED STATES, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO. 



the .'^ettlers. Not that thev were eager for independence, but the gallant 
young captain was determined to make American patriots of them, even 
against their will. Commodore Stockton, who commanded the American 
fleet, had joined Fremont, taken possession of Los Angeles, and then 
of Monterey, the capital of California, and set up a provisional govern- 
ment, with himself at the head. 

Meanwhile, the Government, considering that Taylor's manner of 
conducting the v.-ar was far too conciliator}', sent General Winfield 



514 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Scott to take the chief coiniiiaiid and conduct the war in Old Mexico as 
should seem to him best. He reached Taylor in January,- of 1847, took 
ten thousand of Ta}lor's troops, and left that general not quite seven 
thousand. News of this reached Santa Anna, and he prepared to strike 
while his enemy was thus divided. Taylor heard that the Mexicans 
were approaching in force, and he fell back to a strong position sotith 
of Saltillo. Here, among the thin, sharp mountain walls, and the 
innumerable passes and ravines, is a broad plateau, known now as the 
Battle Ground of Buena Vista. Taylor had with him in fighting 
condition but fifty-two hundred men. Santa Anna's force at the very 
least was twelve thousand. Cavalry, of course, could not be used on 
ground of this nature, and, indeed, the attacking party could not even 
get their artillery in position. Taylor placed his men in groujjs upon 
the tops of the bluffs near the edge of the plateau. Here they fought 
through February 2 2d, and on the 23d renewed the contest. The 
plateau was mid-wa)- up the mountain, and Santa Anna sent part of his 
men to descend from the higher bluffs and others to scale the incline 
from below. Throughout the day the ground was hotly contested. 
Now a Mexican and now an American column was forced to draw back. 
As night closed in the result of the day was still undecided, but when 
morning broke the Americans found that the Mexicans had retreated. 
They learned later that the Mexican loss was much heavier than their 
own. 

Scott had taken his army to within a few miles of Vera Cruz. Vera 
Cruz was a strongly fortified city of seven thousand inhabitants. The 
castle of San Juan de Ulloa stood about a thousand yards off shore on a 
reef commanding all the channels of the harbor. The Mexicans had 
supposed that it would be impossible for any boats to reach the city 
without coming under the guns of this strong castle, but Scott landed 
his men by means of surf boats, and bombarded the castle for four days. 
The city and castle surrendered on the 27th. 

The capital of Mexico was still two hundred miles distant, but 
toward this Scott marched as soon as he received the necessary supplies. 
At Cerro Gordo he was intercepted by the Mexicans, who had taken 
position on the heights at a strong mountain pass, with a battery 
commanding everj^ turn of the road. But the Americans climbed up 
paths which the Mexicans had thought inaccessible and fell upon the 
enemy's rear, while others bravely contested the pass. The intrench- 
ments were finalh- carried b}' storm, and the guns turned upon the 
rapidly- retreating Mexicans. Santa Anna fled with his men toward 



THE SAD PLAIN OF MONTEREY. 515 

Jalapa. Scott followed him and took the place and waited here for 
reinforcements, which soon arrived. Santa Anna opened negotiations 
for peace, and promised to stop fighting if one million dollars was paid 
to him personally. He wished an installment of ten thousand imme- 
diately, and this Scott paid to him. But the Mexican Congress 
decided that the cause was not yet desperate, and Santa Anna's 
arrangement was disregarded. Scott, therefore, marched on with his 
men to the city of Mexico. He found that this was approached by 
causeways, crossing low and marshy ground, and these causeways were 
commanded by rocky hills which were strongly fortified. Santa Anna 
intercepted him and brought about the battle of Contreras. This was 
fought at the west of the city upon a rugged field of broken lava. .The 
ground was terrible, the artillery and the cavalry almost useless, and 
even the infantry were injured not a little by falls upon the treacherous 
and broken crust. The Mexicans were finally surrounded, and many 
of them were cut down upon the spot, while others escaped through the 
American lines and took to the mountain paths. Two thousand 
Mexicans were killed or wounded, and nearly a thousand captured, 
including four generals. All the stores and ammunition fell into the 
hands of the Americans, who had lost but sixty in killed and wotinded. 

Following close upon the battle of Contreras came that of Cheru- 
busco. Here Santa Anna had concentrated his entire force. A large 
stone convent guarded the bridge, across which the Americans were 
obliged to pass, and the river at this point was very wide. The 
Mexicans were prepared to defend the bridge stoutly, having pierced 
the building for the use of muskets, and surrounded it by a strong 
field-work. But the Americans approached by ditches and dykes 
closer and closer, till at last they crossed the moat, scaled the parapet, 
and won the convent — and the battle of Cherubusco. Their loss, 
however, had been very heavy. 

Scott's next movement was, on September 7th, upon the Molina del 
"Rey (the King's Mill), a group of strong stone buildings, where it was 
jaid that the church bells of the city were being cast into cannons. 
Not far from this stood the castle of Chapultepec, upon the great rock 
of that name. The buildings were five hundred yards long. They 
had been barricaded, loop-holed, and provided with sand-bag parapets. 
Not far from these buildings was the Casa Mata, another strong 
building prepared for defence. Between these two buildings was a 
battery, and about them the Mexicans had gathered in force. Scott 
was located upon the southern side of the city, and, therefore, left 



5l6 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Worth to conduct the siege of these buildings, which were upon the 
western side of the cit}-. Scott did not himself think the castle of 
Chapultepec of much importance, and when Worth begged that he 
might be allowed to take it if possible, Scott refused his request. He 
therefore prepared his men to take the Molino del Rey, and surrounded 
that building before daylight in the morning. His orders were to 
capture the battery, but when the men crept up to the spot where they 
last saw it, they found it had been moved. A moment later it opened upon 
their flanks, killing more than half the attacking column. While the 
Americans were reforming, the Mexicans rushed upon the ground and 
killed the wounded. But the Americans recovered and charged again. 
Companies of sharpshooters picked off" the gunners and the Mexicans 
upon the roofs of the buildings. At last the gate of the great yard gave 
way, and the assailants rushed in, continuing the fight hand-to-hand 
within the coiirt. A large part of the very best of the American force 
were slain and the Mexicans were killed in great numbers, the survivors 
finally retreating to the castle of Chapultepec. The fire was still kept 
up from Casa IMata, and the Americans approached in the ver}' teeth of 
the fire, bringing the whole of their artiller}- to bear upon the walls, 
forcing the Mexicans to abandon the building. Worth had secured 
these buildings at a terrible cost, as seven hundred and eighty, out of 
three thousand five hundred of his troops, had fallen, but in obedience to 
Scott's positive orders, they were abandoned to the Mexicans. 

Later, however, in a council of war, it was determined that the castle 
of Chapultepec must be reduced before the city could be taken. This 
castle stands upon a great rock a hundred and fifty feet high. The 
northern and southern sides of this rock are absolutely inaccessible, and 
the eastern and a portion of the western nearly so. It is possible to 
scale the southwestern and western sides. A batter}' stood in the angle 
of the long zig-zag road which formed the regular approach to the 
castle. Strong fortifications were placed upon the rock, and around 
were ditches, aqueducts and walls. The Molino del Rey was upon the 
western side, and upon the east two great causeways led into the cit}" 
of Mexico. Two thousand men, with thirteen heavy guns, defended 
the place. The Americans tried to reduce it by artiller}- fire alone, but 
finding this impossible, a party seized the Molino and occupied it. From 
here, on the 13th of September, fire was opened upon the castle, and a 
little later infantry were sent out to advance along the grounds of the 
great enclosure which extends west of the castle. This western slope 
was perforated with mines, but the Mexican officer who came out to 



THE SAD PLAIN OF MONTEREY. 517 

explode them was shot down, and the assailants went on to the crest of 
the hill. This crest, however, they could not climb, and as they had no 
scaling ladders at hand, they took refuge in the crevices of the rocks, 
and picked off the Mexicans at the guns. A large number of the 
Mexicans were letting themselves down the perpendicular rock on the 
eastern side, and a force was sent around to intercept them, and cut off 
their retreat. When the scaling ladders arrived, the force upon the 
west scaled the walls in the midst of a terrible fire and gained the jDara- 
pet. They then walked across the ditch upon the ladders. Meanwhile, 
another party had climbed tip the southern slope and entered at the great 
gate. The enemy gave way everywhere and the Americans took 
possession of the castle. Then they pushed on after the flying enemy 
into the city, but when they reached the citadel where Santa Anna 
commanded, they were met with a fire so dreadful that further advance 
was simply impossible. However, the Americans gained possession of 
numerous buildings and dragged their howitzers to the roofs where they 
did destructive work upon the Mexicans below. Night fell with 
Americans in the city, but the citadel was still unconquered. The 
Mexicans held a council of war and decided to withdraw their army 
from the city, liberate the convicts in the prison, arm them, and 
urge the inhabitants of the city to fight with them from the house 
tops. The army was therefore drawn out of the city in the night, 
and when morning dawned gangs of convicts, deserters, robbers and 
thieves took the place of the soldiers, fighting with paving stones which 
had been carried by the thousands to the house-tops in the night. 
The American artillery was turned upon these houses and the desperate 
people soon submitted. By the 15th of September, 1848, the city 
was quiet and in possession of the Americans. Then came the treaty 
which ended the war, and gave to the United States not only Texas, 
but New IMcxico, California and Arizona. 

This year General Taylor, candidate of the Democratic party, was 
elected President by a large majority over Charles Francis Adams, the 
nominee of the Free-Soil party. 

FOR FURTHER RE.^DING : 
HiSTOKV— Major Ripley's "History of the Mexican War." 
Fremont's "Memoirs." 
Scott's "Autobiography." 
Fiction— J. R. Lowells "Bigelow Papers." 
J. Clement's "Bernard I.isle." 
"Talbot and Vernon." Anon. 
C. L. Hentz's "The Planter's Northern Bride." 
C. L. Hentz's "IColinc.' 
C. I.. Hentz s "Marcus Warland." 
POUTKV— Charles F. Hoffman's "Monterey." 
J. ('.. Lyon's "Hero of Monterey." 
Albert Pike's "Buena Vista." 
Whitlier's "Angels of Bncna Vista." 



CHAPTER LXXXIII. 



mns. 



DEATH OF TAYLOR, AND ADMINISTRATION OF MILLARD FILLMORE — 

DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN CALIFORNIA — SLAVERY 

AGITATION — THE TROUBLE 

IN KANSAS. 




R. TAYLOR lived but one year after he was 
elected President, and Vice-President Millard 
Fillmore, of New York, became President for 
/Cj;. the remainder of that term — 1850 to 1853. Dnr- 
*^ ing Taylor's administration gold was discovered 
in California. It is most surprising that it had 
never been discovered before, and that it should be 
discovered now quite by accident. It was found in a 
little mill-stream running from the Sierra Nevada, and 
caused such excitement that all efforts to keep it 
secret necessarily failed. A great tide of emigration 
set in upon California, not from the Eastern States 
alone, but from all parts of the world. Great wagon 
trains crossed the desolate plains and the snowy passes 
of the Rocky Mountains to the land of gold. Many 
gold-seekers went away around Cape Horn, and yet others ventured 
across the Isthmus of Panama. So rapidly did the population increase 
that it was not long before the Territory applied to the Union for admis- 
sion as a State. In the State constitution which was fonned, slavery 
was prohibited forever. President Taylor was a Southern man with 
slave-holding principles, but he was one who earnestly desired to pre- 
serve the union of the States, and in readily granting this constitution 
to California he hoped that the anti-slavery agitation might be quieted, 
and the country saved from the conflict to which even the dullest could 
see i*^ was inevitably drifting. 

The Free-Soil party was rapidly gaining strength. Northern Sena- 





^-77te^ 



(2yPc^,o<>£::^y7Z^^^<^'<^^ 



GOLD AND IRON CHAINS. 52 1 

tors presented resolutions, whenever there was an opportunity, for tlie 
prohibition of slavery in the new Territories, but none of these bills 
were carried. Mr. Clay, who twice before in the clash of sectional 
opinions had offered compromises which temporarily allayed the storm, 
tried once more to act as conciliator. Kentucky was making a new 
constitution, and Clay suggested that there should be a gradual eman- 
cipation of the slaves in that State, and that as they were made free 
they should be colonized in Africa. But though Clay had been the 
cherished idol of the Kentucky people, they cotild not endure this reso- 
lution, and he was deserted by the "Fire-eaters," as the slave-holding 
extremists were now called. Daniel Webster, whom the North had 
always considered one of its warmest and most eloquent supporters, was 
guilty at this time of a change of opinion. He supported the compro- 
mises of Mr. Clay, perhaps with the hope that he might gain Southern 
favor — for it must be clearly understood that Mr. Clay's compromises 
had for their end the quieting of the Northern conscience. It was 
hoped that these concessions to Northern prejudice would secure the 
Southern States from further interference. Daniel Webster's attitude 
was that the Union would be disbanded if the slave-holders were not 
allowed to have their way. He believed in the preservation of the 
Union, even at the price of the continuance of slaver^'. Mr. Calhoun, 
the third great statesman of that period, was dying, and his influence 
could no longer be used to uphold the policy of the South. 

When Mr. Fillmore took the presidential chair left vacant by the 
death of Taylor, Mr. Webster was taken into the Cabinet as Secretary 
of State, and the North knew that it could hope for but little from the 
Administration. He accepted and signed the compromise without 
hesitation, and the beginning of his administration is noted for the 
passage of the fugitive slave law. This gave the owners of slaves per- 
mission to recapture their escaped slaves in any part of the free States, 
and to carry them back without trial by jury. That the slave-holders 
might meet with no hindrance or annoyance, commissioners were 
appointed throughout the countrj- who were to decide upon all questions 
of capture. If they decided that the slave was the property of the man 
who claimed him, their fees were twice what they were if they decided 
otherwise. This law was received in the North with horrified indigna- 
tion. Since every citizen was obliged to prescribe to it, many men 
refused to take the oath of citizenship or to vote. Others already bound 
protested that right was greater than law, and that they should simply 
disregard the enactment. It was a matter in which few could be 



52 2 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

passive. Every citizen in the free States was considered as under obliga- 
tions to capture and return to their masters any negroes found within 
their territory. The alarm among the colored people was intense. 
The free negroes knew that there was no legal protection left them, 
and that any of them at any time might be seized and returned to 
slavery. They had not dared to count on the strong wave of sympathy 
which swept the North. A few years before, to be an Abolitionist was 
to be despised, persecuted, almost outlawed. But now the question was 
shown to the public in a different light. The Southern States had 
disregarded Northern wishes, and it occurred to the North that the 
gospel of State Rights might not apply aione to the States of the 
South. It had always been urged in the support of slaver}'; why was 
it not possible to urge it for the protection of liberty? It was therefore 
determined by private opinion that the Northern States would do as 
they pleased about rendering up fugitive slaves. But it was the masses 
who decided this. The prominent men, with the ministers at their 
head, protested that the law must be obeyed, and begged the people 
not to disturb commercial prosperity by any ill-advised sentiment- 
alism. 

When attempts were made to capture fugitive slaves, the slave- 
hunters found that they met with unexpected obstacles. The people of 
the villages aroused to defend the slaves with arms, not alone from 
impulses of humanity, but to protect what they deemed their constitu- 
tional right. The tables were turned upon the South. State sov- 
ereignty put on a new aspect. Not unfrequently slaves were snatched 
from the court-room and carried away by their friends of the Free-Soil 
party. But government, whether State or municipal, had no sympathy 
with these demonstrations. 

Boston showed that she intended to have the obnoxious law obeyed. 
An attempt was made to rescue Antony Burns, a fugitive slave, 
from the court house. The attack was repelled and one man was 
killed. The city called out the militia and the marshal joined to these 
all the United States troops in the vicinity. Antony Burns, a dejected 
frightened negro, was given back to his master with as much military 
pomp as might have celebrated the victory of a conqueror. More than 
one hundred civil officers of Boston, with the poor fugitive in their 
midst, marched out of the court house in a solid square formed by 
United States marines and a company of artillery. But this repre- 
sented only the authority of the law. In the hearts of the people who 
watched the poor slave as he was taken in the midst of this display to 



GOLD AND IRON CHAINS. 



523 



Long Wharf, there smouldered the protest which makes righteous revo- 
lution so much higher than law. No doubt this pitiable rendition of 
Antony Burns was a good thing for Massachusetts, for now throughout 
the State there was a righteous anger, as intense as that which ani- 
mated her when she fought for her own liberty three-quarters of a 
century before. There, and indeed throughout the North, when law 
failed, force was resorted to, and the slaves were rescued. When it 
became necessary for the slaves to fight in their own defense, arms were 
put into their hands. In some States the use of prisons, and the ser- 
vices of State officers in the arrest of fugitives, were forbidden by vState 
legislation. The South saw that it had gone too far. 

Otherwise the administration was not without benefit. Postage was 
reduced, the agricultural bureau established, the Pacific Railroad begun, 
and the enlargement of the Capitol started. Those negotiations which 
opened up Japan to the world were begun. As the time for the election 
of a new President drew near, the Congressional members for thirty- 
three States pledged themselves not to support any man for the presi- 
dency not opposed to the renewal of the agitation of slavery. John 
Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire, was the Democratic candidate. 
The Whigs held three conventions and nominated for President John 
Parker Hale, of New Hampshire. The Democrats were successful, and 
Pierce entered the presidency, pledging himself to do all in his power 
to preserve silence upon the question of slavery. But he had not been 
in office six weeks when the agitation was renewed as bitterly as ever 
by the efforts of the friends of slavery to overthrow the Missouri Com- 
promise. This, it will be remembered, passed in 1820, and prohibited 
slavery north of a certain line of that great domain which had been 
bought under the name of Louisiana. It was now proposed to organize, 
out of that region from which slavery had been thus excluded, two new 
Territories, to be named Kansas and Nebraska. The inhabitants of 
these were to have the right to determine for themselves whether they 
should establish slavery or freedom — "squatter sovereignty," an epi- 
grammatic Senator termed it. This bill passed May 30, 1854, and 
through the North it awakened an indignation as intense as if a part of 
the Constitution had been repealed. An invisible line seemed to divide 
the section between free labor and slavery, and to break over this line 
seemed treason and sacrilege. The "Northern conscience," of which 
the South had been so afraid, was aroused at last. The "religious 
liberty" at which the South sneered was the foundation of their resent- 
ment. 



524 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

The Northwest crowded the new Territories with settlers. The 
Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Company was formed, holding a capital of 
five million dollars, and this company took five hundred New England 
emigrants into Kan.sas. The slave-holding element of Missouri was 
alarmed. They could easily see that Kansas was likely to become a 
free-labor State beyond the power of legislature to hinder. It was not 
eas}- for a slave-holder to prepare a plantation and move his army of 
negroes into the doubtful Territor\'. But the men of the North and 
the West, adaptable, industrious and enterprising, seized the oppor- 
tunity to settle upon fertile lands, which could be had for nothing, or 
next to it, with avidity. But whenever a party reached the line which 
divides Missouri from Kansas, they were met with strong opposition by 
the reckless and brutal men of that region, known as "Border Ruffians." 
These tried in vain to check the stream of emigration. Meetings of men 
in the .slave interest were held in ■Missouri, in which they pledged them- 
selves to remove any and all emigrants who should go to Kansas under 
the auspices of the emigrant aid societies, and the frequent outrages 
on the Missouri line testified how ambitious they were to keep their 
word. W. H. Reeder, of Pennsylvania, was appointed Governor of the 
Territor}", and arrived in Kansas in October, 1854. ]Mostofthe emi- 
grants settled at Lawrence, or near there, for the reason that the title of 
the land there was clear, whereas at that time much of the Kansas 
territory had a doubtful title, as the Indians had not yet given up liaeir 
claims to the land. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Fiction— R. Hildreth's "White Slave." 
Holt's "Abraham Page." 
J. Hungerford's "The Old Plantation." 
J. H. Ingraham's "Sunny South." 
Mrs. Jeffrey's ""Woodburii." 
M. Lennox's "Ante-Bellum.'' 
Logan's "The Master's House." 
M. J. Mcintosh's "The Lofty and the Lowly." 
Miss Palfrey's "Herman." 
Mrs. Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin." 
G. W. Peck's ".lurifodina." 
W. W. Brown's "Clatella." 
Mrs. Cross' "Azile." 
W. Adams' "The Sable Clo'jrf." 
W. F. Adams' "Hatchie." 



CHAPTER LXXXIV. 

¥1^0 ®nil| §00$ iiartl^mg §m 

SACKING OF LAWRENCE — JOHN BROWN AND THE DESTRUCTION OB 

OSSAWOTTOMIE — ELECTION OF BUCHANAN — ASSAULT ON 

SUMNER — THE MORMONS — ELECTION OF LINCOLN. 




<5p^ 



MORMON 



S soon as Kansas ventured 
to prepare for an election, 
an army of Missourians 
invaded lier territory and cast 
votes for the candidate of the 
slave-holding interest. More bal- 
lots, indeed, were cast for the 
Democratic ticket than there 
were voters in the State. As 
the governor would not counte- 
nance these outrages, he was 
removed, and a man who could 
be depended upon to wi::k at 



THE TRUTH GOES MARCHING ON. 



529 



Sumner, Senator from Massachusetts, delivered on two days a speech 
whicli he called, when published, the "Crime Against Kansas. " It was 
replied to by four different Senators, who, prompted by the bitterness 
and insolence which the time seemed to provoke in all, used expressions 
and indulged in abuse of which the Senate chamber had previously been 
guiltless. Mr. Sumner retaliated with indignation and even fierceness. 
Two days later, after the Senate adjourned, and he was sitting at his 
desk writing, Preston S. Brooks, a representative from South Carolina, 
approached him and said: "I have read your speech twice over care- 
fully; it is a libel on South Carolina." He hit Mr. Sumner over the 
head with a heavy stick till he fell to the floor bleeding. For four years 
the State of IVIassachusetts was represented by his empty chair, while he 
was in Europe trying to recover his health. The act itself might have 
passed simply as the attack of a brutal man, and been thought no more of, 
but for the reason that the House and Senate sympathized largely with 
the assailant. Brooks, with an insolent speech, resigned from the House, 
but was returned at once by his constituents and received the congratu- 
lations of many. He died soon after, and an eulog}^ was pronounced 
upon him in the House. This showed plainly to the L,iberty party of 
the North the trend which affairs were taking, and helped to swell the 
tide of resistance to Southern rule. Mr. Buchanan was another of 
those men who, though born in the North, were willing to sustain the 
Southern policy. His first message assured the country- that the discus- 
sion of slavery had come to an end. 

Following close upon this address cs.me the decision of Judge Taney 
in the Dred Scott case. Scott claimed that he had been removed from 
Missouri to Illinois in 1834, and taken into territory north of the 
compromise line; that in 1838 he had been taken back into Missouri and 
sold again to his present master. He protested that he and his children 
were free, but his master maintained that Scott, being a negro, was not 
a citizen of Missouri and could not bring an action. The lower courts 
differed, and the case was brought before the United States Court. Here 
it was twice argued, and Chief Justice Taney gave it as the decision of 
the court, that the black men could not be citizens; that they could only 
be treated as property, and that the)- had no right which the white man 
was bound to respect. The most conservative in the North were 
startled by this decision into a radicalism which they had not before 
thought themselves capable of. 

In the midst of these troubles a wave of great financial depression 
swept over the conntr}-. Commerce and enterprise had been developing 



530 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

at an abnormal rate, and the system of credit had been perilously wide. 
The prosperity proved to be an apple of Sodom, which, when crushed, 
gave out only a puff of dust. 

In this same year the Government took exception to the views held 
by the Mormons, and the President removed their Governor, Brigham 
Young, who was also the Prophet of their Church, and appointed a 
Gentile. This plan has always been followed since. The Mormonr. 
have converted the once arid desert of Utah into a vev}' paradise, and 
every traveler is astonished to find such a beautiful and thriving coun- 
try; and here, again, is to be found one of the wonders of the world — ■ 
the Great Salt Lake. The summer of this year was marked by the first 
telegraphic message which ever passed from America to Europe. This 
cable was laid by private enterprise, and neither the Governments of 
England or the United States can take any credit to themselves. 

In the summer of 1S58 John Brown came into prominence. Every 
few years there arises somewhere in the world a man whom criticism 
calls a fanatic and whom posterity recognizes as a martyr. In truth. 
Brown was both. The contending theories of politicians, the tedious 
delays of the law'and of Government and the shameless procrastination 
which was shown by the Administration, lashed him into resistance. Ke 
was of Puritan blood, and had in him the Puritan devotion to duty and 
principle. He had seen the suffering of the people of Kansas, who 
were laboring for freedom, and had himself suffered from the outrages 
of the border ruffians. One son had been killed and another driven 
insane by these men, and he meant to devote his life to aid, so far as he 
could, the extermination of slavery and the punishment of the slave- 
holder. Like many another reformer a strain of madness mingled with 
his devotion. He believed that he was God's messenger. Early in the 
year he had called together in Canada a quiet convention of the "True 
Friends of Freedom," and had prepared a provisional constitution for the 
people of the United States. He had been well acquainted in his youth 
with the mountains of Virginia, and it seemed to him that they were 
made to be the stronghold of an army — an idea which Washington hal 
held before him. His plan was now to get the slaves to join him; lo 
retreat to these mountains and hold them until the slaves from all o\cr 
the land flocked to his standard and let him lead them to liberty. George 
L. Stearns secured him arms and gave him four hundred dollars. Brown 
went to Mar>^land and established himself at Harper's Ferry. On the i6th 
of October, 1859, he took possession of the United States Armory and 
buildings at Harper's Ferry, stopped railroad trains, and held tlie town 



THE TRUTH GOES GOES MARCHING ON. 533 

with a force of fourteen white men and four negroes. He would doubt- 
less have escaped had he not been too considerate of the feelings of the 
families of the men whom he kept as hostages. On their account he 
delayed, and United States troops, under the command of Colonel 
Robert E. Lee, soon surrounded his little force and compelled it to 
retire to the engine house. Here Brown's band fought desperately. 
Thirteen of them were killed or mortally wounded, and among them 
two of Brown's sons. He defied danger with perfect coolness, and one 
of his prisoners describes him as feeling the pulse of his dying son with 
one hand, and holding his rifle with the other, all the while encourag- 
ing his men. After his capture he was put on trial before a Virginian 
court, and behaved with such fortitude, self-forgetfulness and dignity 
that even his enemies admired him. He was condemned and hanged 
December 2, 1859, at Charlestou, Virginia, stopping on the way to the 
scaffold to kiss a little slave child. Six of his comrades were hung the 
next day. A few others, who had been on duty outside of the town at 
the time of Brown's capture, escaped to the mountains and thence to 
the free States. 

The South was in a ferment. It was generally understood that 
should the Republicans succeed in electing their candidate in the next 
campaign, that it would be the signal for secession. At this campaign 
there were in the field the Democratic party, the advocates of secession, 
the Constitutional Union National party — made up of the remnants of 
the old Whig and American parties, who hoped both to avoid war and 
preserve the Union — and the Republican party. Abraham Lincoln was 
the candidate of the last named party, and he was elected by the largest 
popular vote ever given for any President. Very glad was Mr. Buchanan 
to resign his place to some one who would take the responsibility of 
meeting the great questions of the hour. Mr. Lincoln was a man of 
very- moderate opinions in regard to slavery, and he said often in public 
speeches, that he did not approve of abolishing slavery in the States 
where it was already established by law. But notwithstanding this, his 
election was looked on as very dangerous for the slave States, and his 
inauguration was the signal for disunion. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
Biography — Nickolay and Hay's "Life of Lincoln.' 

Drew's ''John Brown's Invasion." 
Fiction— J. W. De Forest's "Kate Beaumont." 

Mrs. Dupny's "The Planter's Daughter." 

J. R. Gilniore's "Among the Pines." 

J. R. Hatermann's "Dead Men's Shoes." 

S. J. Hale's "Northwood." 
Poetry — Phoebe Gary's "John Brown." 

E. C. Stedman's "Ossawattomie Brown." 

Edna D. Proctor's "The Virginia Scaffold." 



CHAPTER LXXXV. 



iii 



jira Scming, \n\\tx jlbral^nm/' 



SECESSION — THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY — ATTACK ON FORT SUMP- 
TER — THE FIRST CALL FOR TROOPS — THE THREE YEARS' 
ENLISTMENT — THE BATTLE 
OF BULL RUN. 



ECESSION was begun before President Buchanan's 
term had expired. It is putting it mildly to say 
that the Secessionists were confident. To begin 
with, they believed that since they were ready to 
adopt a free-trade policy, they could rely upon 
help from England. They also believed that a 
Southern man would be much more than a match for 
a Northern one in war, and it was quite true that the 
Southern men were used to arms and to horses and 
that Northern men, as a class, were used to neither. 
They also counted upon the fact that they would be 
acting upon the defensive, and would have all the 
advantages which such a mode of warfare entails. 
Many of them united to form a large secret society and 
called themselves the Knights of the Golden Circle. The members 
were numerous and had much influence in all that followed. 

South Carolina took the lead in withdrawing from the Union, and 
a convention was called in that State, which, on December 20, i860, 
adopted an ordinance of secession. Within six weeks like conventions 
were held and like votes passed in the States of Mississippi, Florida, 
Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas. These States then formed 
themselves into what was called the Southern Confederacy, and on 
February 8, 1861, elected Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, as President, 
and Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, as Vice-President. Virginia 
was reluctant for some time to vote for secession, but her wealth 
depended almost entirely upon the raising of slaves for the cotton States. 
Should the cotton States organize themselves into a successful confed- 




•WE ARK COMING, FATHER ABRAHAM. 



535 



eracy, and Virginia be left out, it was evident that her prosperity woulci 
suffer, for one of the articles of the constitution of the Confederacy was 
that the seceding States should hold no commercial intercourse with 
other States. 




JEFFERSON DAV 



President Buchanan seemed to have his judgment paralyzed. He 
did, indeed, say that the States had no right to secede, but he also 
declared that the Constitution gave him no power to coerce them. 
Even when the authorities in South Carolina claimed possession of all 



53^ THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

tlie national propert}' in the State, Buchanan remained inactive. 
Major Robert Anderson, who commanded the garrison of Fort Moultrie, 
in Charleston harbor, seeing that he could expect no help from the 
Government, removed his force, on Christmas night, iS6o, to Fort 
Sumpter. 

The men of the South were gathered in large numbers in Charleston, 
and General G. T. Beauregard was put in command of the Confederate 
forces. His first act was to erect batteries for the destruction of Fort 
Sumpter. Anderson was not a strong Unionist, and though he did 
his duty — or partly did it — his heart was not in the matter. He 
permitted the Confederates to visit his fort, and to examine all of his 
preparations. When Beauregard was ready for attack he refused all 
privileges of communication between Charleston and the fort, and 
demanded a surrender. To provision the fort, the steamer Star of the 
West was sent in January, 1861, but before she could reach her desti- 
nation she was driven off by the fire from the Confederate batteries. 
Mr. Lincoln had been in office one month when he sent a fleet to the 
relief of Fort Sumpter. Again General Beauregard demanded surrender. 
This was refused, and the batteries opened fire upon the fort early the 
next morning. The fire lasted for two days, and at midnight of the 
second day Major Anderson surrendered the fort. It was full of stifling 
smoke, his men were worn out, the barracks were on fire and his 
gunpowder almost gone. He was allowed to march out with the honors 
of war, and on April 14th he did so, firing his last powder away in 
saluting the United States flag with fifty guns. 

The men of both parties watched with deep interest the action of the 
various States. The Union had been swelled by three States during 
Buchanan's administration — Minnesota, Oregon and Kansas. These 
were added to the power of the North. Eight slave States, at the time 
of the fall of Sumpter, still remained in the Union; seven had gone 
out. \^irginia soon joined these. Arkansas and North Carolina 
followed. Kentucky refused to secede, although she sent many men to 
the Confederate anny. Maryland remained in the Union, although for 
some time it was thought that she would stand by the South. In the 
mountainous regions of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, 
there was a strong Union element, and the people of these counties 
asked to be separated peaceably from the rest of their respective States 
and allowed to remain in the Union. The persecution which this 
request was met with at the hands of the Secessionists drove many of 
the people from their homes. The people west of the Alleghany 



"we are coming, father ABRAHAM." 537 

Mountains, in Virginia, did, however, form a State of their own and 
remained in the Union, calling their State West Virginia, and selecting 
Wheeling as their capital. In a short time it was admitted into the 
Union. 

On the day when Sumpter fell, President lyincoln called for militia 
from the several States of the Union to the number of seventy-five 
thousand. It was met with a response quicker and more cordial than 
even he had dared to hope for. A fever of patriotism took possession 
of the North. Every village seemed draped with the national flag. 
Every man who could possibly leave his home oSered his services. 
Every loyal newspaper flung a flag above its headline. The very 
stationery was patriotic in the tri-colors of the Republic. Many of the 
most influential Democrats now came out on the side of the Union. 
These were called War Democrats. Those who lived in the North, 
and yet reviled the Government and the policy which dictated the war, 
were named "Copperheads," after the snake of that name. In every 
village there were barracks, where the recruits were stationed until they 
could be marched off to Washington, after a hasty drilling by some 
officer who knew almost as little as they about the tactics of war. 
Ephraim E. Ellsworth, a young man of Chicago, excited the ardent 
admiration of the recruits by displaying his excellently trained company 
of zouaves, and many were quick to follow his example. Among the 
first men to respond to the President's call were the 6th Massachusetts, 
which started within two days after the summons. When they reached 
Baltimore a great mob of Secessionists collected about them and began 
stoning them. The mob carried a Secession flag, and hurled epithets 
at the soldiers as freely as they did paving stones. Several pistol shots 
were fired from the windows, and a number of soldiers hit. The Mayor 
of the city walked at the head of the soldiers, in the hope that his 
presence would afford some protection. But as the mob grew more 
uncontrollable the Mayor seized a musket and shot one of the leaders. 
With the aid of a large number of policemen, the soldiers succeeded in 
getting through the city, and the three young militiamen that had been 
killed were sent home to their native State. After this the troops 
avoided Baltimore when possible in passing on their way to Washington. 

Excitement grew in the North. An immense meeting was held in 
New York City, and a Union Defence Committee appointed to hasten 
the equipment of troops and the furnishing of ships aud money. Under 
their engagement troops were soon pouring into Washington, which 
was defended by General Winfield Scott. On the 24th of May four 



53^ 



THE STORY CK AMERICA. 




regiments crossed the Potomac and took possession of Arlington 
Heights, which command Washington. One regiment, recruited from 
the New York Fire Department and commanded by the gallant yonng 
Ellsworth, went by Way of Alexandria. While passing through the 

city Ellsworth discovered 
a secession flag flying over 
the principal hotel. With 
two soldiers, he went tO' 
the top of the house, tore 
down the flag, and was 
returning to the street, 
when the proprietor of the 
house killed him with a 
shotgun. One of Ells- 
worth's companions retal- 
iated instantly by killing 

THE CONFEDKK^i i llvi, ^1 • . -r . 

the proprietor. It was a 
dramatic incident, which appealed well to the sentiments of the young 
men of the country. Ellsworth had looked every inch a hero, and 
upon his death he certainly was made one. His picture was displayed 
everywhere and special regiments were formed and dedicated to the 
work of avenging his death. Another of the distinguished young men 
of the North who was killed at the very opening of the war was 
Theodore Wintlirop, the young scholar and writer. He was sent on an 
unfortunate expedition against a Secession force at Big Bethel, and was 
killed there by a North Carolina drummer boy. 

The seventy-five thousand troops which President Lincoln had 
called forth were three months' men, and it soon became apparent that 
secession in the South was not to be stopped in three months, nor in 
six. On May 3, 1861, the President issued another proclamation, calling 
for forty-two thousand volunteers for three years, and authorizing the 
raising of ten new regiments for the regular army. He also called for 
eighteen thousand volunteer seamen for the navy. But as the clouds 
gathered, Lincoln made a third call for men on the 4th of July, and 
Congress gave him anthoritv to call for five hundred thousand men, and 
five hundred million dollars. The people were more than prompt in 
their response, but they over-valued the raw troops which then swarmed 
to Washington. They believed that because the men felt like fighting., 
that they knew how to do it. Every paper in the North cried, "Onto 
Richmond!" The impatience for war had its effect. 



"we are coming, father Abraham." 539 

General Beauregard coniinanded the Confederate army nearest 
Washington, and defended the river of Bull Run, occupying a line eiglit 
miles long, facing towards Washington. General Scott's plan was to 
launch an anny against Beauregard, turn his right flank, .seize the rail- 
roads in the rear of his position and defeat him. General Joseph 
Johnston had a large number of Confederates in the Shenandoah valley. 
It was most important that this army should not he allowed to come to 
the help of Beauregard, and General Robert Patterson was given strict 
orders to prevent such a movement. Scott intrusted the immediate 
command of this exploit to General McDowell, a graduate of West 
Point, who had seen service in the Mexican War. There was a thorough 
confidence in Washington that McDowell would win, but the optimists 
did not take into consideration the lack of discipline in the army, nor 
the spies that filled the Washington departments, and sent word of 
ever\' plan and movement to the Confederates. A large number of 
members of Congress followed in the rear of the army to witness the 
battle. One of them, John A. Logan, of Illinois, left his seat in the 
capital, shouldered a musket and joined in the ranks. The troops were 
soon upon the banks of Bull Run, although there had been some dif- 
ficulty in getting them there, as they had a boyish way of stopping to 
pick berries or search for a drink of water as their impulses prompted. 
As they advanced, the enemy's out-posts fell back, and at Blackburn's 
Ford the Union troops met with their first opposition. The artillery 
was kept briskly going from both sides, and at last the infantry became 
engaged at this point, when both columns retreated with a loss of about 
sixty men on each side. McDowell gave up the plan of turning 
Beauregard's right flank, finding that he was very- strongly intrenched 
at that point, and the two days which followed the engagement at Black- 
burn's Ford were sjjent in searching for a ford where a column could 
cross and protect the passage of the army. General Patterson did not 
succeed in keeping Johnston penned in the Shenandoah valley, and that 
general had joined Beauregard with a portion of his forces. McDowell 
did not know this, and crossed the stream with his force as soon as 
possible. The battle ground was a plateau thinly wooded and crossed 
by a small stream that flowed into Bull Run. The enemy were slowly 
driven back through this grove under a most destructive fire, but 
General Thomas J. Jackson and his men stood immovable upon the 
spot where they were posted, and won for General Jackson the name of 
"Stonewall." But as the Confederate line fell back, it gained higher 
ground, which placed the Union troops at a disadvantage. Jackson and 



540 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



his men fell upon the Union right, and broke the troops. A terrible 
panic followed, and the troops swarmed back toward Washington in 
mad haste. The Congressmen in their carriages, the soldiers without 
their gims, the drivers of army wagons without their wagons and 




"STONEWALr." JACKSON. 



cimging to the backs of their horses, rushed back together in a con- 
tusion so headlong that it would have been comical if it had not been 
tragic. The loss of the Confederates was about one thousand nine 
Vi'iindred; that of the Nationals about one thousand five hundred in 



"we are coming, father ABRAHAM." 541 

killed and wounded, and as many more in prisoners. But this victory 
was not so helpful to the Confederates as the people of the North 
imagined it would be. It disorganized the Confederate armj' more than 
defeat would have done, for the Southern volunteers thought that their 
cause was gained, and many of them went to their homes. 

L,ater in the year there was a smaller battle at Ball's Bluff, in which 
the National troops were also unsuccessful. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Fr>-'s "McDowell and Tyler at Bull Run." 

Doubledav's "Forts Surapter and Moultrie.*' 

Abbot's "Blue Jackets of^'6i." 
Fiction— J. H. Aughey's "The Iron Furnace." 

Mr. Remicks "Millicent Halford." 
Poetry— G. H. Boker's "Poems of the War." 

Mrs. Warfield's "Battle of Bull Run." 

Julia Ward Howe's "Battle Hymn of V... l; cT..nt?Ut' 

A. G. H. Duearme's "Bethel.'"' 

Richard Realf s "Apocalypse." 



CHAPTER LXXXVI. 



)}p ^nm 1[nr0U0r. 



ATTITUDE OF FOREIGN POWERS — BOMBARDMENT OF THE FORTS AT 

HATTERAS INLET— CONQUEST OF CHARLESTON HARBOR— 

THE CAMPAIGN WEST OF THE ALLEGHANIES — GRANT 

AT FORTS HENRY AND DONELSON — THE 

WAR IN MISSOURI. » 



N the Old World the American conflict was looked 
upon with satisfaction. Many were glad to see 
that the Republic, which they had always 
prophesied wonld end in failure and confusion, was 
about to fulfill the prophesy. France, upon a 
flimsy excuse, sent an army into Mexico. Eng- 
land threatened war because two gentlemen, James M. 
Mason, of Virginia, and John Slidell, of Louisiana, 
who were sent out by the Confederate Government as 
ministers to London and Paris, were taken from an 
English ship and returned to their own country. The 
British steamer was allowed to go on, because the 
captors were not willing to cause inconvenience to inno- 
cent persons. England demanded an apology and the 
the two men taken from her steamer. The Secretary 
William H. Seward, sent a masterly letter to Eng- 
land, which, while it offered no apology, and, indeed, defended the 
capture of the ministers, nevertheless satisfied the English nation and 
averted war. The commissioners were released and allowed to sail for 
England, but their purpose had been practically thwarted. England 
continued, however, to sympathize with the insurgents. Her leading 
journals congratulated the Southerners upon their courage in upholding 
their rights. The Russian Government alone was friendly to the United 
States. 




THE UMON FOREVER. 543 

The Presidents who preceded Lincoln and the Cabinets which 
sustained them had systematically closed their ears and eyes to all that 
promised war, and now that the United States found itself confronted 
with the probabilities of a long conflict, she was poorly prepared. Her 
vessels were for the most part in foreign waters, and it was many months 
before news could reach them and bring them home. Only twelve 
vessels were in port — four in Northern and eight in Southern ports. 
Three hundred of the navy who had been educated for services in the 
United States went over to the Confederacy, as did a large number of 
those educated at West Point for the army — among them some of the 
best generals of the war. To establish itself on the seas, the Govern- 
ment bought all sorts of merchant crafts, and had gunboats built as 
hastily as possible. It was necessary to get vessels in sufficient quantity 
to secure the blockade of the Southern ports, but this was never made 
so secure that blockade runners did not frequently defy it. The Con- 
federate Government enacted a law providing that a portion of every 
cargo brought into its ports must consist of arms and ammunition. 
Thus the Southern soldier was always well supplied with the best 
weapons which English arsenals could produce. The Confederates sent 
out cotton, tobacco and rice in payment for these. To shut off this 
trade was the ambition of the Federal Government. To do this, it was 
necessary to sustain a complete blockade of Southern ports. An expedi- 
tion was fitted out at Hampton Roads, commanded by Flag-officer Silas 
H. Stringham. It numbered ten vessels and carried one hundred and 
fifty-eight guns. Two of these vessels were transport steamers having 
on board nine hundred troops, commanded by General Benjamin F. 
Butler. It sailed on the 26th of August, 1861, with sealed orders, and 
arrived at its destination, Hatteras Inlet, before sunset, anchoring off 
the bar. Early in the morning an attempt was made to land the troops, 
but the surf was so heavy that the powder was damaged and the lives 
of the men endangered, and only about one-third of the troops were 
landed. Two forts had been erected to protect Hatteras Inlet, and the 
project was to capture them. They were garrisoned by about six hun- 
dred men, but were not very strongly built. The troops that landed 
took possession of the smaller work, and the fleet bombarded the larger 
one. At the end of three hours the larger fort surrendered, and in the 
meantime the smaller one had been taken possession of without difficulty. 
Seven hundred prisoners were taken and sent to New York. Not a 
man was lost among the Federal forces. Garrisons were left to protect 

th* place, and a coaling station was established for the blockading fleet 
33 



544 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

By the last of October a much larger expedition sailed from Hamp- 
ton Roads. It consisted of more than fifty vessels, and was commanded 
by Flag-officer Samuel F. Dupont. It had not long been out when it 
was scattered by a terrible gale. One transport vessel was completely 
wrecked; one threw over her battery and another her cargo, and one 
store ship was lost. It was some time before the fleet got together 
again. Then it was joined by some frigates which were blockading 
Charleston harbor, and all sailed for Port Royal, arriving on the 5th and 
6th of November. The entrance to the harbor was protected by two 
earthworks, Fort Walker and Fort Beauregard. On the 7th of Novem- 
ber the order of battle was formed. The fleet steamed steadily by Fort 
Walker, pouring shells and rifle shot into it. The fort made a gallant 
defence, but could not prevent the ships from turning and steaming out 
again, delivering a yet hotter fire. Three times the boats passed and 
repassed the fort; then the Biejibclle sailed yet closer and delivered a fire 
that dismounted several guns, and worked dreadful destruction in the 
fort. The gunboats were sweeping it with their fire, and at last the 
troops were seen pouring out of the fort in a panic. The Federalists 
sent a flag of truce on shore, but no one remained in the fort to receive 
it and the national colors were raised. The troops were then debarked 
and put in possession of both forts, repairing and strengthening the 
works. Thus the Government obtained a permanent foothold on the 
soil of South Carolina. 

West of the mountains, the year 1862 opened with some lively work. 
A large Confederate force of Kentuckians had gathered at Paintville. 
These were attacked by Colonel James A. Garfield, in command of one 
thousand eight hundred infantrj' and three hundred cavalry. They 
were driven out of Paintville and finally forced into another engage- 
ment. At last they retreated in the night, leaving their dead on the 
field. A few months before this there had been an engagement west 
of the mountains in which the loss was greater. This was called the 
battle of Mill Springs, and was fought at the head of steamboat naviga- 
tion on the Cumberland. General George H. Thomas was in command 
of the Federalists, and General George B. Crittenden was in command 
of the Confederates. The battle began early on the morning of January' 
19, 1862. It was fiercely fought through the day, and by night the 
Confederates took refuge in their intreuchments. In the morning they 
managed to cross the Cumberland, leaving their wounded, horses, 
mules, wagons and some of their guns behind them. Two Confederate 
regiments disbanded and scattered to their homes, for the men, being 



THH UXIOX FORF.VER. 545 

new to war, were easily discouraged. Thoinas received the thanks of 




the President for his victor}'. The Conkk rates lost nearly tv/ice as 



546 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

many in killed and wounded as the Federals. The progress of the 
conflict at the West had so far been quite encouraging to the Union 
sympathizers. 

When General Henry W. Halleck was placed in command of the 
Department of the Missouri, in November, 1861, he divided it into 
districts, giving to General Ulysses S. Grant the district of Cairo, which 
included Southern Illinois, the counties of Missouri south of Cape 
Girardeau, and all of Kentucky that lie west of the Cumberland river. 
The Cumberland and the Tennessee rivers are about ten miles apart 
where they enter Tennessee, and here, to command them, the Confed- 
erates placed two forts — Fort Henry, on the east bank of the Tennessee, 
and Fort JefiFerson, on the west bank of the Cumberland. They had 
also fortified the high bluffs at Columbus, on the Mississippi, twenty 
miles below the mouth of the Ohio, and Bowling Green, on the Big 
Barren. General Grant asked permission to capture Fort Henry, and 
after considerable delay Halleck gave his consent. This fort was gar- 
risoned by three thousand men, under General Lloyd Tilghman. It was 
not a strong work, bags of sand being largely used instead of solid 
earth embankment, but its position was fortunate. About it were 
ravines, through which little streamlets reached the river, and these 
were filled with timber and rifle pits. On the land side lay low, 
swampy ground. A fleet of iron-clad gunboats had been prepared by 
the United States Government for service on the western rivers, and on 
the morning of Februar}' 2, 1862, a fleet of four iron-clad and two 
wooden gunboats, commanded by Flag-officer Andrew H Foote, 
steamed up the Tennessee until it was within sight of the fort. When 
it was within six hundred yards, a bombardment was opened, to which 
the guns of the fort promptly replied. The fire was kept up for an hour, 
and one of the boats, the Essex, received a shot in her boiler, by which 
many men were scalded or wounded. The heavy fire from the gun- 
boats had telling effect upon the fort. The flag-staff" was brought down, 
seven guns dismounted, and the sand-bags knocked out of place. At 
last a rifle gun in the fort burst. All but about one hundred of the 
garrison fled, and General Tilghman was left with a single company of 
artillerists. He served a gun with his own hands as long as possible 
and then surrendered. 

The Confederates, fearing that Fort Donelson would be the next 
point of attack, withdrew their force from Bowling Green, and joined it 
to that in Fort Donelson. National troops immediately took pos- 
session of Bowling Green and General Grant laid siege to Fort Donel- 



THE UNION FOREVER. 



54; 



son. This fort was on high ground, and enclosed one hundred acres. 
The land side was protected by slashed timber and rifle-pits, and there 
was a strong water battery on the lower river front. Within the fori 




vere twenty thousand men, commanded by General John P>. Floyd 
On February :cth Grant chose his positions around Fort Donelson and 
the next morning opened fire. After both sides had used their artillery 



54''^ 'fHK STORY OK AMERICA. 

for some time, an attempt was made to storm the works, whicli was 
unsuccessful. A dismal storm of sleet and snow set in. Tlie gunboats 
and the troops with them had not yet arrived to Grant's assistance, and 
his men were obliged to sleep that night in the storm with the scantiest 
rations. Next morning the gunboats appeared, landed the troops and 
supplies, and then moved up to attack the water batteries. The fight 
that followed was a desperate one. The defense of the fort was man- 
aged with skill and bravery and the gunboats suffered terribly. At last 
the boats were so torn and weakened that they were obliged to drop 
down the stream out of the fight. At a council of war held within the 
fort that night it was decided to attack the besiegers in the morning 
with the entire force, and daylight had barely broken when the fighting 
was begun. It soon extended all along the line. The right wing of 
the National arm)- was borne back, and the Confederate cavalry tried 
to gain their rear. Grant waited, with his usual calmness, until 
the attack was at its height. He then ordered a sudden counter-attack, 
and Generals Lew Wallace and C. F. Smith dashed forward, swept the 
works with their field gims, drove out the defenders, and took possession 
of the ground which they had previously lost. The night which fol- 
lowed was a bitter one, and the wounded could be but poorly cared for. 
A large number of the men within the fort took advantage of the dark- 
ness to hasten up the river to Nashville. In the morning a white flag 
was hung out, and a letter sent to Grant asking that commissioners be 
appointed to arrange terms of capitulation. Grant's reply was: "No 
terms other than an unconditional and immediate surrender can be 
accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works." The 
commander of the fort surrendered, and Grant's decisive and imperturb- 
able words gave a feeling of security to the whole North. The people 
felt that there was at least one general in the field who accepted no 
compromises; who knew what he wanted and how to get it. The 
long artificial line of defence from the mountains to the Mississippi was 
now swept away. 

In Missouri, there had been, since the very first opening of the war, 
a continual warfare. It was kept up between half-organized bodies of 
men who met by chance, and frequently dispersed after the encounter. 
Colonel James A. Mulligan held Lexington gallantly against the Con- 
federates there in the autumn of 1861, and Halleck's men did some 
good work later in capturing newly-recruited Confederate regiments. 
A large number of these, under General Van Dorn, were in the north- 
western part of Arkansas. Some of the Union troops crossed the line 



THE UNION FOREVER. 



549 



into Arkansas, chose a strong place on Pea Ridge, in the Ozark Moun- 
tains, and awaited attack. On March 8, 1862, Van Dorn moved to 
attack the Union troops, which were formed in a line on the bluffs 
along the creek facing southward. The battle lasted all day with heavy 
loss, but without much change of position, and on the following day it 
was renewed, and the Confederates finally put to rout. The Union loss 
was ovei- thirteen Inindred, the Confederate loss imknown. The nature 
jf the ground was such that pursuit of Van Dorn's forces was impos- 
sible. A large number of Cherokee Indians had been engaged upon 
the side of the Confederates, but they could not stand the artillen^ and 
contenting themselves with a few scalps, hurried from the field. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Nickolay's "Outbreak of the Rebellion." 

Glazier's "Battles for the Union " 

Headley's "Grant and Shemicin. 
FlCTlox— W. Bradshaw's "Angel of the Battle Field." 

E. Z. C. Jndson's "Rattlesnake.'' 

E- Z. C. Jndson's "Sardis." 
POEIRV-H. H. Brownell's "War Lyrics." 

"Capture of Fort Donelson " 



CHAPTER LXXXVII. 



THE CAPTURE OF NEW ORLEANS — FIGHT BETWEEN THE "MONITOR' 
AND THE "MERRIMAC." 



HE largest city in the territory of the Confederates 
was New Orleans. In i860, it had a population 
of nearly one hundred and seventy thousand. In 
that same year it shipped twenty-five million 
dollars' worth of sugar, and ninety-two million 
dollars' worth of cotton. Moreover, it commanded 
the Mississippi, and it was easy to see that the possession 
of it would strike a great blow at the Confederacy, and 
shut off, or at least make it difficult to bring, supplies 
from Texas and Arkansas to feed the armies in Tennessee 
and Virginia. Between the sea and New Orleans were 
two forts. The smaller — Fort St. Philip — was on the 
left bank of the river, and was built of earth and brick, 
with its guns in plain sight on the top. The other — 
Fort Jackson — on the right bank, mounted seventy-five 
guns, fourteen of which were in bomb-proof casemates. The forts were 
garrisoned by about fifteen hundred men, commanded by General 
Johnson K. Duncan. A fleet of fifteen vessels, including an iron-clad 
ram, and a large floating batter>', covered with railroad iron, protected 
them. Just below the forts a heavy chain was stretched across the 
river, supported by hulks anchored at intervals across the stream. Two 
hundred sharpshooters were placed upon the banks to give warning to 
the forts of the approach of any foe, or pick off any seen upon the decks. 
It was thought by Admiral David D. Porter that these forts might be 
reduced by throwing enonnous shells into them, which should explode 
on striking. At his suggestion, twenty-one great mortars were cast and 
mounted on as many schooners. They threw shells thirteen inches in 
diameter, weighing two hundred and eighty-five pounds. The noise 




WITH SHOT AND SHELL. 551 

when they were fired was so great that the gunners were absohitely 
deafened, and platforms had to be prepared at some distance, to which 
the gunners could leap just before firing. lu addition to the schooners 
wiiich carried the mortars, were six sloops of war, sixteen gunboats and 
five other vessels, besides transports carr}nng fifteen thousand troops, 
commanded b\- General B. F. Butler. The flag-ship of the fleet was 
the Hartford^ a wooden steam sloop of war, two hundred and twenty- 
five feet long. It was the most powerful expedition that ever sailed 
under the American flag, and the man who commanded it was Captain 
David G. Farragut, who was quite unknown to the American public, 
although he was one of the oldest men in the na\y. It was said that 
he could fill the place of any man in the fleet, and that there was no 
possible accident or contingency on shipboard which he could not cope 
with as well as any man living. 

It was late in March when the fleet went in by Pass a 1' Outre. The 
masts of the mortar schooners were trimmed off" with bushes, so that 
tliey could not be told from the trees on shore, and were moored in the 
woods. A careful computation was made b}- which an effective fire 
could be sent from the mortars without the gunners seeing what 
they fired at, and, beginning on April 18, a steady bombard- 
ment was kept up for six days and nights. Six thou.sand shells — eight 
hundred tons of iron — were thrown in and around the forts, where they 
worked the most terrible destruction. But they did not silence the 
guns, and the forts held out bravely. In the midst of the bombard- 
ment, the Confederates sent several flatboats, loaded with dr\' wood, 
smeared with tar and turpentine and blazing furioush', down the stream 
among the fleet. But Farragut had anticipated this ver\- thing, and 
had hooks prepared to tow them ashore, or take them past the fleet, 
where the>- could float out to sea. An attack was to be made on the 
forts in the night, and all the decks were painted white, that needed 
articles might be found with greater ease. Ever}- spare chain was hung 
up and down the sides of the vessels, where they would protect the 
machinery from the enemy's shot. Farragi:t's plan was to run by the 
forts, injuring them as much as possible as he passed; capture the 
Confederate fleet, and hasten up the river to the city. At 3:30 o'clock 
in the morning of April 24, the fleet started. Four nights before, two 
gunboats had gone up the river and succeeded in cirtting the chain 
across the river, making an opening wide enough for the fleet to pass 
through. Some of the gunboats engaged the water battery of Fort 
Jackson while the fleet went by. The first division consisted of eight 



552 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

vessels, and was commanded by Captain Bailey, a sailor ot as much 
experience as Farragut. He had soon passed Fort St. Philip, and found 
himself fighting with eleven Confederate vessels. The work which he 
did in the next few minutes is almost unequaled. He rammed som"^ of 
the vessels, put shot into others, turned his huge swivel gun at others, 
exploded a shell in the boiler of one and finally passed the fort with his 
division. The second division, with the flag-ship Hartford leading, had 
yet more serious trouble. The Hartford was set on fire by a fire-raft, 
but her guns were loaded and fired as coolly as if nothing was the 
matter, and at last such a rain of shot was poured into Fort St. Philip 




that the bastions were cleared, and the gunners could be seen nmning 
to shelter. A part of the third division became entangled among the 
hulks, and did not get by the chain, but three of the six gunboats came 
on bravely, burning two steamboats and driving another ashore on tlieir 
way. On the morning of the 25th New Orleans was at the mercy of the 
National guns, and the unconditional surrender of the city was 
demanded. The stars and stripes were raised over the city, and in the 
midst of the greatest tumult General Farragut took possession of the 
city with two hundred and fiftv marines. General Butler arrived there 



WITH fcHOT AND SHELL. 



553 



with his forces on the ist of May, aud he kept possession of the city 
throughout the remainder of the war. When he came into it, it was 
turbulent, disorderly and mutinous. His rule of it was so stern that 
it has often been criticised severely, but he left it cleaner than it had 
ever been before, and in order and comfort. 

While the naval expedition which conquered New Orleans was on 




GENERAL IlENJAMIN BUTLER 

its way, the waters of Hampton Roads, from which it sailed, were the 
scene of that famous battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac, 
which revolutionized naval warfare. The Merriniac was a great steam 
frigate, with a high hull and a steep roof covered with wrought iron 
five inches thick, with a lining of oak seven inches thick. The sides 



554 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

of the ram were also plated with iron, and the bow was armed with an 
iron ram something like a huge plowshare. Ten guns looked out from 
the dormer windows in her roof She was under the command of 
Franklin Buchanan, and on the 8th of March, accompanied by two gun- 
boats, she went out to raise the blockade of the James and Elizabeth 
rivers, by destroying the wooden war vessels in Hampton Roads. She 
first met the frigate Cumberland^ which gave her a dreadful broadside, but 
though some of the shot entered her open ports and broke two of her 
guns, all that struck her armor rattled off her like hail off a roof She 
ran her iron prow into the Cumberland^ and that vessel at once began 
to settle. Her commander would not surrender, however, and the crew 
stood by their guns, firing broadside after broadside, until the vessel 
went down with her colors still flying. When the frigate had reached 
the bottom, her top-mast still projected above the surface, with the 
American flag tipon it. Such of the men as were not wounded leaped 
overboard at the last minute, and got ashore with the help of the boats. 
When the jMcrrimac had completed the destruction of this vessel she 
attacked the Congress and finally set her on fire. 

The next morning the Merrimac undertook to finish up the fleet, 
but at the opening of her operations was met by a new antagonist. It 
was a small iron vessel, looking, as the men said, "like a cheese-box on 
a raft." Nothing appeared above the water except the flat iron surface 
over which the waves washed, and a revolving iron-clad turret in which 
there was one gun. This was the Monitor, built by John Ericsson, 
and commanded by Captain John L Worden. This little vessel had 
just been hurried into Hampton Roads, after a stormy and dangerous 
passage, when she met the Merrimac. She placed herself between the 
wooden ships and the great Merrimac, and a fight of four hours fol- 
lowed. The broadsides from the monstrous iron ship had little effect 
upon the saucy Monitor. At times the vessels almost touched each 
other. The Monitor drew less water than the Merrimac^ and could 
steam quite around her. By afternoon the Merrimac withdrew to 
Norfolk, and did not come down to fight again. A little later she was 
abandoned and blown up. Eight months later the plucky little Mo>u- 
ior foundered in a gale off Cape Hatteras. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Solcv's "The Blockade and the Cniisers." 
Ammen's "The Atlantic Coast." 
Partou's "General Butler in New Orleans." 
Peckham's "General Lvon and Missouri in lS6l." 
FiCTON— L. M. Childs' "A Romance of the Republic." 
C. C. Coffins "Winning His Way." 
J. E. Cooke's "Hilt to Hilt." 
Poetry— E. J. Butler's "War Poems." 



CHAPTER LXXXVIII. 



Sl^ilolj m\h ils ^aqtiel 



THE CAMPAIGN AT ISLAND NO. lO — THE BATTLE OF SHILOH — SIEGE 

OF CORINTH — THE CONFLICT AT THE EAST UNDER M'CLEL- 

LAN — SIEGE OF YORKTOWN — THE BATTLE OF 

WILLIAMSBURG THE BATTLE OF SEVEN 

PINES — BATTLE OF CHICKA- 
^ HOMINY — BATTLE OF 

/ MALVERN HILL. 




.^ 



'}r^ HEN the first line that the Confederates had tried 
to establish from the mountains to the Mississippi 
was broken through, their forces at Columbus 
were drawn down the river to 36° 30'. Here, in 
a great cur\'e of the Mississippi, is Island No. 10, 
and near it, in a second bend on the Missouri side, 
is New Madrid. Both of these places were forti- 
fied and under the direction of General Leonidas Polk. 
A floating dock had been brought up from New Orleans 
and anchored near the island. Eight gunboats furnished 
an additional guard. The works on the island were 
also protected b)- batteries on the Tennessee shore, back 
of which were impassable swamps. The desire of the 
Union army was to break through this new line of 
defence, and early in March a large force, commanded by 
General John Pope, moved down the west bank of the Mississippi 
against New ]\Iadrid. Trenches for field guns were sunken under cover 
of darkness at a point below New Madrid, and sharpshooters placed at 
the edge of the bank to harass the passing gunboats and transports. 
Four large siege guns were taken across the city and over a long stretch 
of swampy ground, and placed in position to bombard the works. On 
the 13th of March, 1862, New Madrid was evacuated, and the Union 
forces hastened to take possession and arrange their guns so as to 



558 TIIK SrORV OF AMERICA. 

command the river. On the i6th, five Confederate gunboats attacked 
these batteries, but were damaged so that they soon drew off. On the 
i6th and 17th the Union fleet of gunboats under Commodore Andrew 
H. Foote, engaged the batteries at Island No. 10, and a hundred heavy 
guns were in action at one time. The great and treacherous stream 
washing about the ramparts had weakened some of them so that the 
l;alls went straight through them, but the artillery men stood to their 
guns ankle-deep in water, undaunted in the midst of exploding shells. 
The attack was kept up from day to day; many men were killed upon 
both sides, but no decisive effect was produced. A canal was finally 
cut across the peninsula formed by the bend of the river above New 
Madrid. This canal was twelve miles long, and half of the distance 
lay through a deep forest, standing in water, and the trunks of the trees 
had to be sawed off four or five feet below the surface. Notwithstanding 
these difficulties, a channel fifty feet wide and four feet deep was finally 
completed, and on the night of April 14th a gimboat ran past the 
batteries of Island No. 10, escaping serious damage. On the 7th, Pope 
crossed in force, protected by the gunboat which had gone through the 
canal, and intercepted the greater part of the Confederate troops, which 
were now trj'ing to escape southward. Poi^e captured three generals, 
two hundred and seventy-three officers and six thousand seven hundred 
men, besides one hundred and fifty-eight guns, seven thousand muskets, 
and a quantity of naval stores and equipments. 

On this very day, in Southwestern Tennessee, was being fought one 
of the bloodiest battles of the war, that of Shiloh. At Corinth, in 
Northern Mississippi, the Memphis and Charleston railroad crosses 
the Mobile and Ohio. This made the point of the greatest importance, 
and it was strongly fortified by a Confederate force under General 
Albert Sidney Johnson. Under him were Generals Beauregard, Bragg 
and Hardee. 

General Grant determined to move against the place and capture it. 
On Sunday, April 6th, Grant's main force was at Pittsburg Landing, 
and divisions, under General Lew Wallace and General Buell, were 
within reach. Early on the morning of the 6th, Johnson made two 
sudden attacks upon Grant. Grant's line was two miles long, with 
General Prentiss' division on the left, McClernand's in the centre, and 
Sherman's on the right. They had no intrenchments, but the ground 
was undulating, with patches of woods among the fields, and about the 
little church of Shiloh was a ridge. Such protection as the ground 
afforded they took advantage of. The attack began at day-break. The 



SHII.OH AND ITS SEQUEL. 559 

Confederates were sure of success, and fought with the enthusiasm 
which such a mood will produce. Grant sent for Wallace and Buell. 
but they did not bring up their forces until night. The Union troops 
fought every inch of ground, but were forced back, little by little. 
Sherman's men were crowded back more than a mile, but still clung 
around the bridge over which they were expecting Lew Wallace to 
come to their aid. The same ground was charged over again and again 
until it was simply incumbered with the dead. General Albert Sidney 
Johnson, upon the side of the Confederates, was killed, and the 
command fell upon General Beauregard. General Sherman had several 
horses killed under him, and was three times hit with bullets, but he 
stayed on the battle field till the end. General Prentiss and twenty-two 
hundred of his men were captured by the Confederates, but Grant 
hastened to get twenty guns into position, and finally forced the 
Confederate column at that point to retire. Many of the Union men in 
this engagement were under fire for the first time, and the terrors of the 
battle completely unnerved them, and as there was no way of escaping 
beyond the river, they huddled upon the bank, frightened beyond the 
power to move. At night, Beauregard discontinued the attack, intending 
to renew it in the morning and complete his victor^'. Lew Wallace was 
now in position, and Buell's army was being brought across the 
Tennessee. 

In the midst of the night a fire sprang up in the woods, and 
threatened for a time to add to the miseries of Shiloh by roasting many 
of the wounded alive, but a providential rain fell and extinguished it. 
In the morning, both armies prepared for fight — both of them desperate, 
wet and fatigued. Beauregard made a stubborn fight for the purpose 
of holding the road which ran by Shiloh Church, and by which alon^ 
he could conduct an orderly retreat. The death of Johnson had 
plunged the Confederates in hopeless confusion, and the men were 
melancholy and dispirited. Sherman advanced his command and 
recaptured his camps. Grant and Beauregard each led a charge with 
two regiments which had lost their commanders. Beauregard's failed, 
but Grant launched his men with a ringing cheer against the Confed- 
erate line and broke it. Beauregard had no choice but to make as 
soldierly a retreat as possible, while Grant captured nearly as many 
guns on the second day as he had lost on the first. The roads were too 
heavy and the men too exhausted to pursue Beauregard's force. The 
loss on both sides had been terrible. General Grant says that four 
thousand was the estimate of the burial parties for the whole field. 



560 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

After the battle, General Halleck took command in person and laid 
siege to Corinth to capture it by regular approaches. Both he and 
Beauregard were reinforced till each had about one hundred thousand 
men. Halleck closed about the place, till in the night of May 29th 
Beauregard evacuated it and Sherman's soldiers were ordered into the 
town. It was believed by many that the battle of Shiloh decided the 
fate of the Confederacy. 

But it is necessary now to return to the campaign at the East. 
General George B. McClellan had been put in command of the Army 
of the Potomac. He had acquitted himself with distinction in the 
Mexican war, was a graduate of West Point, a thorough student of 
engineering, and had been given every advantage which the Govern- 
ment could afford. Under his direction Washington was well fortified, 
and the fifty thousand men at the capital soon swelled to one hundred 
thousand, organized thoroughly and working in perfect correspondence. 
Having got his men in this excellent state of drill, McClellan rested. 
The summer passed and then the autumn, but no movement was made. 
He had done his work so well up to this time that the people had 
confidence in him, and believed that he was only waiting for the fortunate 
moment to fall upon the Confederate capital and subdue it. But day 
after day went by, and no news came from his anny except that "all 
was quiet on the Potomac. ' ' 

The Confederacy was growing stronger every day, and the Potomac 
was being closed to navigation by the building of batteries on the 
southern bank. The enemy's flag could be seen from the Capital, and 
the question of interference by the treacherous Louis Napoleon was 
agitating the statesmen. At this time General Winfield Scott, who was 
seventy-five years of age, begged leave to retire from the responsibilities 
of the army, and McClellan succeeded him as Commander-in-chief of 
all the armies. In vain did President Lincoln urge McClellan to move. 
That general constantly called for more men, and under-estimated the 
number which he had. He also over-estimated the men upon the 
opposite side. The President finally called him to a council, and asked 
him to disclose his plan for the campaign, but this McClellan refused to 
do. A few days later, however, he wrote the President that his 
intention was to move his army down the Potomac on transports, land 
it at Fort Monroe, and march up to attack the defences of Richmond 
on the north and east sides. The President did not approve of this 
plan, but on consulting with various generals, concluded to permit it. 
The Confederate general, Joseph Johnston, who had commanded at 



SHILOH AND ITS SEQUEL. 561 

Bull Run, and had kept his army within easy marching distance of 
Washington ever since, now hastened to place his troops before 
Richmond. On the 27th of February, 1862, McClellan's army was 
moved down the Potomac on four hundred vessels. It numbered one 
hundred and twenty-one thousand men and these were divided into 
four corps, the commands of which were given to Generals McDowell, 
Sumner, Heiutzelman and Keyes. On the 2d of April McClellan 
moved upon Yorktown, where the Confederates had a strong defence of 
earthworks. The plan of the Confederates was simply to delay 
McClellan at Yorktown till the defences at the Confederate capital could 
be strengthened. McClellan supposed that Johnston's entire army was 
in the defences at Yorktown, and he approached the place by regular 
parallels, according to the laborious methods of a well-sustained siege. 
He spent nearly a month here, and when he was ready to open fire with 
the siege guns, he found that the enemy had quietly departed, leaving 
"Quaker guns" (wooden logs on wheels) in the embrasures. McClellan 
hastened in pursuit, and overtook the Confederate rear about twelve 
miles from Yorktown, bringing about the battle of Williamsburg. 
The place had been well fortified months before, and the Confederates 
took advantage of this. The Union soldiers attacked the earthworks 
and silenced the batteries. General Hancock's sixteen hundred men 
suddenly burst over the crest of the works, and charged upon the 
enemy with fixed bayonets, forcing them back. The Confederates 
moved off in the night to join their main army, leaving four hundred 
of their wounded behind them, and taking away about as many 
prisoners. McClellan now pushed on to White House, at the head of 
York river, and established a base of supplies. From this point he 
moved westward toward Richmond, expecting to be joined by a column 
of forty thousand men under McDowell, but Stonewall Jackson made 
one of his brillant raids from the heart of the Shenandoah valley, and 
McDowell was obliged to go in pursuit of him. 

McClellan reached the Chickahominy river and fought two small 
battles at Mechanicsville and Hanover Junction. A portion of his 
army had been swung across the Chickahominy and Johnston determined 
to strike this detached wing. In the midst of a heavy rain on the 
night of Ma)' 30th, he fell upon this division. This was within half a 
dozen miles of Richmond. The Union troops were behind some half- 
finished works and resisted the charge bravely, but the Confederates 
succeeded in gaining a position in the rear of the redoubts, and it 
looked for a time as if their opponents could not hold their line. Keyes 



562 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

was in commaiid of the Union forces, and after a time Sumner's men 
succeeded in crossing the river and joining him. Sumner was the old- 
est officer in the command, but his sixty-six years did not keep him 
from being energetic. When he heard the fire on the other side he 
drew up his men in line, anticipating the order which came. There 
was but one bridge over the river, and the water was swollen so that 
many of the supports were washed away and it swung backward und 
forward with the rushing waters, but over this the men walked, their 
heavy weight steadying it somewhat, and all reached the other side in 
safety. Sumner was just in time to save Keyes, and succeeded in 
repelling the numerous charges of the Confederates and driving them 
off at last in confusion. The battle is known as that of Pair Oaks, or 
Seven Pines. It cost the Union army over five thousand men and the 
Confederates nearly seven thousand. General Johnston was so wounded 
that he was unable to take active command for a long time. It was 
the wet season, and several weeks followed without either army being 
able to move. The ground was made up of alternate layers of clay 
and quicksand, which turned into a swamp under the rain, and the 
guns sank into the earth by their own weight. McClellau kept calling 
for reinforcements, which he did not need, but these could not be given 
him. His position was very unfortunate, for his men were dying of 
malaria by the hundred, and his supplies were constantly imperiled by 
the swelling of the Chickahominy, which made every bridge insecure. 
The command of the Confederate forces in Virginia was now imder 
General Robert E. Lee. His plan was to bring large bodies of troops 
from North Carolina, Georgia and the Shenandoah valley to fall upon 
McClellau. The total number of his army is said to have been eighty 
thousand seven hundred and sixtj'-two. McClellan had ninety-two 
thousand five hundred. Lee was curious to know the extent of 
McClellan's earthworks, and sent a body of one thousand two hundred 
cavalry with two light guns to reconnoitre. This was commanded by 
General E. B. Stuart, one of the most dashing of the Confederate 
officers, who distinguished himself by wearing a gay costume, with 
yellow sash and black plume, and pricking his white horse with golden 
spurs. He made the entire circuit of McClellan's army, rebuilding a 
bridge to cross the lower Chickahominy, and reached Richmond in 
safety. McClellan was aroused to the danger of his position, and 
decided to make the James river his base. Stonewall Jackson filled in 
the weary days by a series of swift and brilliant movements, which 
charmed his friends and bewildered his enemies. He was selected by 



SHILOH AND ITS SEQUEL. 



563 



Lee to keep up these mysterious movements for the purpose of mislead- 
ing McClellan. Secretar}- Stanton, one of the most careful and 
efficient war secretaries that ever lived, surmised that there was little 
significance in these movements, and advised the general of his impres- 
fiion. The various misconceptions arising from these movements led 
to McClellan' s defeat at the battle of Chickahomiuy, which was fought 
•oja the 27th of June. But though the Union forces were driven from 
their position in this engagement, the loss among the Confederates was 
much the larger. McClellan now retreated through the swamp roads 
vith his long trains, destroying hundreds of tons of ammunition and 




3PEKT E LEE 



millions of rations before his departure. The Confederates hastened 
after the Union ami)' and attacked the rear guard. Three times they 
assaulted and were three times repelled. After a rest they made another 
attack at sunset on the 28th, and advanced with a rush, but were 
obliged to retreat. The Union army moved slowly on, and after this 
defence were obliged to burn another immense quantity of food and 
clothing, and to leave twenty-five hundred sick and wounded men 
behind. Then a detachment of the Confederate anny, under Hill and 
Longstreet, crossed the Chickahominy, marched around the Great White 
Oak swamp, through which the Union forces were passing, and struck 
YFPll. 



564 TIIK STORY OF AMERICA. 

the retreating army near Charles City Cross-road on the 30th. A 
terrible engagement followed. Never were there bloodier repulses or 
more daring attacks. The losses in men are not exactly known, but they 
were very large. McClellan's army, however, continued to retreat to 
Malvern Hill, where a last stand was made. This is a plateau on the 
James river, having an elevation of about six hundred feet, and an 
extent of about one mije and a half in one direction, and a mile in the 
other. It is surrounded by streams and swamps in such a manner as to 
leave no practical approach except by the narrow northwest face. Here 
McClellan placed his entire army in the form of a semi-circle, and 
waited for the enemy. His whole front bristled with artiller}', and the 
men found considerable shelter behind the natural inequalities of the 
ground. Lee's men came on, excited by their successes of the week 
past, and confident that they would win. They advanced their artillery 
and began a bold attack, but their batteries were knocked to pieces in a 
few minutes. The cavalry were thrown into confusion by the shells 
from the gunboats, and rushed headlong among the infantry, breaking 
up the whole attack. On the afternoon of July ist, Lee renewed the 
assault with his whole army, but was repulsed wath such a bloody fire, 
that the men began to protest against renewing the attack. The fight- 
ing was kept up till 9 o'clock in the evening, and cost Lee five 
thousand men. The Union loss was but one-third of this number. 
McClellan withdrew his army in the night to Harrison's Landing, on 
the James, where the gunboats could protect his position. This retreat 
is known as the Seven Days. McClellan's campaign was admitted to 
be a failure. Why it was so has been a subject discussed by the people 
of the North from that time to this. As a disciplinarian he was the most 
efiicient general in the army. He was a master of engineering and a 
man of personal bravery, but he lacked decision. He was over-careful. 
It should be remembered, however, that it is not the men of his com- 
mand who make this criticism. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Allen's "Gen. Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley." 
Welb's "The Peninsula." 
Coppee's "Grant and His Campaign." 
Edge's "McClellan and Yorktown Campaign." 
Joinville's "Array of the Potomac." 
Ree's "Hospital Life in Potomac .'Vrmy." 
Swinton's "McClellan's Militan- Career." 
Fiction— "Surrey of Eagle's Nest." 

W. A. Cnise's "Cameron Hall." 
Poetry— Stedman's "Kearney at Seren Pines." 



CHAPTER LXXXIX. 



ilase of lljB [Psninsuin iampaii^n. 



FHM ARMY OF VIRGINIA UNDER THE COMMAND OF POPE — GENERAL 
HALLECK MADE GENERAL-IN-CHIEF — BATTLE OF CEDAR 
MOUNTAIN — M'CLELLAN LEAVES THE PENIN- 
SULA — BATTLE OF GROVETON — LOSS 
OF GENERALS STEVENS 
AND KEARNEY. 



■N THE 26th of June, the first of the Seven Days' 
Retreat, General John Pope, who had been called 
from the West, was put in command of the Army 
of Virginia, composed of the corps of McDowell, 
Fremont and Banks. Fremont was removed, at his 
own request, because he objected to being placed 
under an officer whom he outranked. When Pope 
took command of the army it was widelj' scattered, 
but he soon brought the forces nearer together and 
posted them in a line forty miles long, running north- 
westerly from Fredericksburg. His plan was to 
threaten Richmond, thereby compelling Lee to detail 
a portion of his army from McClellan's front, but 
when McClellan retreated to James River this movement was necessarily 
postponed. The Administration soon saw that it would be impossible 
for McClellan and Pope to work together, so widely did their ideas 
differ upon the conduct of the campaign, and General Halleck was 
called from the West and made General-in-chief of all the annies of the 
Union. On July 23, 1862, he assumed command. He was a man of 
wide military knowledge, but from the first his ideas seemed to be 
obscure and impracticable, and his wide military learning hampered 
rather than benefited the armies under him. Pope cheered his army 
with a ringing address, in which there were some allusions to McClel- 
lan's conduct of the campaign which won him many enemies. He 




566 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

said: "I have come from the West, where we have always seen the 
backs of our enemies, from an army whose policy has been attack, not 
defense," and his immediate plans were to advance upon Gordonsville, 
a place commanding the railroad communications with the far South 
and Southwest. It was hoped by these means to draw a considerable 
part of Lee's army away from Richmond, and thus aid anj' movement 
by the Armj^ of the Potomac against the rebel capital. Lee at once 
saw the danger of this threatened movement, and sent Jackson, with 
two divisions, to Gordonsville, with the promise of reinforcements. 
Jackson found Pope too strong to warrant him in acting on the offen- 
sive, and contented himself with merely occupying Gordonsville, A 
fortnight passed quietly, and it was then learned that General Burn- 
side's corps had sailed from North Carolina, and arrived at Fortress 
Monroe; thence, instead of going to McClellan, on the James, it had 
gone to the Rappahannock. On July 27th, Lee reinforced Jackson, at 
Gordonsville. Jackson then moved northward. Pope had already 
began to move southward, and, quite by accident, the advance of the 
two armies came into collision on August 9th, at Cedar Mountain, 
twenty miles north of Gordonsville. Banks had eight thousand men, 
and the column of Confederates attacking him had about the same 
number. For a while the fight was in favor of the Union troops, but 
when rebel reinforcements came up. Banks was driven back, hotly pur- 
sued by the enemy. Pope was a few miles away with the bulk of his 
force. He hurried up as soon as possible, and checked the attack by 
nightfall. Two days passed with the armies facing each other, and 
neither caring to attack. Jackson then learned that the Union troops 
had reinforcements and fell back across the Rapidan. The Rebel loss 
at Cedar Mountain is given at thirteen hundred and fourteen, the Union 
loss at nineteen hundred. 

Meanwhile McClellan held a strong position at Harrison's Landing, 
where, if he did nothing else, he was a menace to Richmond, so that 
Lee dared not draw his army from its defense. Lee was very anxious 
to get McClellan off the Peninsula so that he could strike out toward 
Washington. He therefore sent a detachment to bombard McClellan's 
camp from the opposite side of the river. But this McClellan easily 
swept away. Then Lee appointed Jackson to make a series of erratic 
movements through the countn,' for the express purpose of alarming the 
Administration at Washington so that they would order McClellan's 
army to leave the Peninsula. The commander-in-chief, Halleck, fell 
into the trap laid, and McClellan's army was ordered to evacuate the 



CLOSE OF THE PENINSULA CAMPAIGN. 567 

Peninsula, and, as has been said, Burnside's troops — which were 
intended for McClellan in the first place — were sent on to Pope. 
McClellan marched his ami}' to Fortress Monroe, and there embarked 
it by divisions for the same destination. Within a week after the battle 
of Cedar Mountain, Lee, seeing that McClellan was leaving the Penin- 
sula, forwarded Longstreet's division and a part of Hood's to Gordons- 
ville, and prepared to follow with his entire army. As Jackson and 
Longstreet advanced across the Rapidan river. Pope fell back beyond 
the Rappahannock. Here Burnside's troops reached him. When Lee 
came up with the remainder of his army and found it impossible to cross 
the Rappahannock in front of Pope, he sent Jackson to make a flank 
march westward along that stream, cross it at Silver Springs, and come 
down upon Pope's right. But Jackson found that a heavy force was 
already at Silver Springs ready to meet him. Meanwhile, the dashing 
General Stuart, with fifteen hundred cavalry, crossed the river on the 
stormy night of the 22d, and guided by a negro, dashed through the dark- 
ness and the rain upon the tents occupied by Pope's staff. Some of these 
were made prisoners, and Stuart secured Pope's dispatch book contain- 
ing exact information of the number and position of the forces then with 
him, and the reinforcements promised him and also the direction from 
which they were to come. The Confederate generals saw that if 
their army could be flung upon Pope's rear, his communications might 
be cut off, and his anny routed before it could be reinforced by McClel- 
lan, with the Army of the Potomac. This movement, to be successful, 
must be a surprise, and it was necessary to make it with men unincum- 
bered with trains. To do this, Lee had to divide his force for at least 
four days, in the face of the enem}'. The initial movement was given 
to Jackson, who began his march on the morning of August 25th. 
With nothing but his artillery to hamper him, he mo\-ed quickly 
through the narrow valley on the east side of the Bull Run Mountains, 
by every short cut which the fields permitted. At midnight he reached 
the head of Thoroughfare Gap, through which the mountains must be 
passed. It was a gap that might have been held by a handful of men 
against thousands, but Jackson found it wholly unguarded, and on the 
morning of the 27th, passed through and headed for Bristoe Station, an 
important point on the railroad, which formed Pope's main source of 
supply. Jackson left General Ewell here, and himself went northward 
to Manassas Junction, where there was a great depot of stores almost 
unguarded. These were taken, and what coirld not be consumed on 
the spot were destroyed. Pope learned, meanwhile, of what was going 



568 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

on and sent a detachment toward Bristoe. In the encounter which 
I'oUowed Ewell was worsted. Pope was now thoroughly aroused and 
Jackson's position was a critical one. Jackson saw that he might be 
attacked by vastly superior numbers, and he fell back toward Thorough- 
fare Gap. Not wishing to show what his ultimate destination was to 
be, he took up a defensive position upon the spot where the battle of 
Bull Run had been fought more than a year before. The position was 
a strong one and had the advantage of a deep cut which formed the bed 




A RAILROAD BATTERY. 



of an abandoned railroad. This could be used as an intrenchment 
Here the battle was opened, on the morning of the 29th, and from day- 
light till after dark the Union troops led the attack and the Confeder- 
ates stoutly stood to the defense. As night closed in Pope believed 
that Jackson was retreating, although Jackson was only withdrawing a 
part of his line to join with Longstreet's reinforcements. Pope was 
also reinforced on the morning of the 30th, and ordered McDowell to 
press on in pursuit. Then the Union troops learned that Jackson had 



CLOSE OF THE PENINSULA CAMPAIGN. 569 

not been retreating, when the Confederates presented a solid front, and 
the entire force on both sides was engaged in a hot conflict. All 
through the day, first one and then the other of the divisions on both 
sides were repulsed, only to reform and renew the attack. In the end 
the Union army was defeated, though not routed, and it retreated in good 
order across the Bull Run, and fell back to Centreville. This engage- 
ment is sometimes known as the second battle of Bull Run, but oftener 
as the battle of Groveton. The entire Confederate loss for the three 
days was eight thousand four hundred and ten in killed and wounded. 
The Union loss was not less than eleven thousand. Lee says that he 
took seven thousand unwounded prisoners. Pope confessed that there 
was terrible straggling among the Union troops, and that thousands of 
men left their commands and were never in any action. The result of 
the action, though not discouraging to the supporters of the Union 
cause, showed rather conclusively that Pope had been outgeneraled by 
Jackson. 

In spite of the fierce storm that raged through the 31st, Jackson 
pursued the Union troops across Bull Run. McDowell and Heintzel- 
man were sent to oppose him, and the forces met at Chantilly on Sep- 
tember 1st. There was a slight encoiinter in the twilight, and in it 
were lost two of the most efficient Union generals, Stevens and Phil 
Kearney. Kearney had ridden forward to reconnoitre, and coming 
suddenly upon a squad of Confederates, was shot. He had lost an 
arm in the Mexican War, was with Napoleon III at Solferino and 
Magenta, and had just passed through the Peninsula campaign with 
McClellan. 

The battle of Groveton brought about one of the most distressing 
incidents of the war. General Fitz-John Porter was removed from com- 
mand because he did not obey orders, and move to support Pope when 
he was commanded to do so. It will be remembered that Jackson was 
opposed to Pope in a parallel line, and that Longstreet had come up to 
reinforce Jackson. Pope did not know this, but Porter did, and he 
feared to leave his position, when by doing so Longstreet could turn 
Pope's left flank. Thousands of pages have been written concerning 
the matter, and most writers on the subject have agreed that Porter 
deserved the severe punishment which he received. He was court- 
martialed, degraded from his position, and forbidden to hold any ofiice 
of trust or remuneration under the United States Government. Some 
reparation has been made in later years, however, and General Grant, in 
reviewing the subject, finally declared that he did not believe Porter to 



570 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

be at fault. After the affair at Chantilly, Lee made no further attempt 
on Pope's army, and on September 2d, by Halleck's orders, it was 
withdrawn to the fortifications at Washington, where it was merged 
in the Army of the Potomac. The losses in the campaign are uu- 
known. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Gilmore's "Four Years in the Saddle." 

Hepworth's "Whip, Hoe and Sword." 

Kirkland s "Anecdotes of the Rebellion." 

Oats' "Prison Life in Dixie.'' 
Fiction— Cobb's "Veteran of the Grand Army." 

A. C. Denson's "Westmoreland " 

Fuller's "Browning's." 

J. R. Gilmore's "Among the Guerrillas." 



CHAPTER XC. 



lee's army moves northward — THE BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN 
— THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 




.ENERAL LEE now pushed northward into 
Maryland, with his whole anny. The movement 
was commenced on the third of September, and 
on the fifth the army crossed the Potomac at a 
point thirty miles above Washington. The 
entire force was not more than sixty thousand, 
for, aside from losses b}' sickness and death, 
many of the Confederates were debarred from active 
serv'ice by fatigue. In six weeks Lee had lost fully 
thirty thousand men. When he reached Frederick City 
he addressed the people of Mar>'land in a paternal and 
conciliator)' manner, telling them that the people of the 
Confederate States had long watched the wrongs 
inflicted upon the citizens of a commonwealth to which 
they were bound by so many ties, and wished to aid them in throwing 
oflF this foreign yoke. A call for recruits to the Confederate army was 
made, but less than five hundred Marylanders responded to this appeal, 
and the towns through which Lee passed showed closed blinds and 
deserted streets. It was evident that the Confederate armies were not 
welcome in Maryland. Most of those who had sympathized with the 
cause of the South had already joined the Confederate armies, but the 
greater part of the fighting men of Maryland were enlisted with the 
national forces. The Confederate army was in the most miserable state. 
It was ragged, dirty, footsore, and, no doubt, heartily homesick. But 
there was no lack of bravery; indeed, it was a standing joke that 
bravery was the cheapest thing among them. Had their cause been 
righteous, the spectacle of this suffering army would have been 
4 



572 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



sublime. As it was, it was simply pitiable. Rags and misen- dignify 
a noble cause, but they can onlv accent the mistakes of an unright- 
sous one. 

McClellan rapidly re-organized his army, and in less than a week 
liad one hundred and seventj'-two thousand men, of whom one hundred 
thousand were to form the movable force, and the rest to be kept for the 
defense of Washington. Banks was placed in command of the fortifi- 
cations at the capital. On the seventh of September McClellan moved 
toward Lee, whose force he estimated at just twice its actual number. 
On the tenth Lee move northwestward, his immediate destination being 
Hagerstown. To reach this, he had to cross the South mountains, a 
steep range, one thousand feet high, cut through to a depth of four 
hundred feet by Turner's and Crampton's Gaps. These gaps were six 
miles apart. The national forces reached Frederick on the twelfth, and 
McClellan accidentally came into possession of a copy of General Lee's 
order book, which contained the movements and operations of the next 
few daj'S. In this book McClellan learned that Lee intended to take 
possession of the heights around Harper's Fern,-, where fourteen hundred 
raw national troops guarded the L^'nited States arsenal. The ferr}^ is in 
a narrow valley, at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah. 
Upon three sides are the heights. If these were occupied, it would be 
subjected to a fire to which there could be no effective reply. Jackson's 
corps, now fifteen thousand strong, was to pass through Turner's Gap, 
make a wide detour, cross the Potomac above the ferr\% and, going 
down the river, seize Uolivar Heights on the west. A part of Long- 
street's corps was to go by way of Crampton's Gap, and seize Maryland 
Heights on the east ; while yet another detachment was to move up the 
Potomac and seize Loudon Heights on the south. When Harper's 
Ferry was captured, the whole army was to be re-united at Hagerstown. 

McClellan had reason to be gratified at the reception which he met 
at Frederick. But the serious work before him left him no time to 
enjoy the festivities prepared for him. Walker had already gained 
Loudon Heights. Maryland Heights were also occupied. Miles, who 
commanded the force at Harper's Fern,-, remained stupidly in the trap, 
and was obliged to consent to Jackson's terms of unconditional surren- 
der. More than fifteen thousand men laid down their arms, and were at 
once paroled. The Confederates also gained a large number of guns 
and muskets. Jackson's own division was allowed no time for rest, but 
was ordered to join Lee, who was hard pressed fifteen miles away. 
They began their march at midnight, and in the grey of the seventeenth. 



THE BLOODY FIELD OF ANTIETAM. 573 

such of the men as had held out joined Lee, and were given their places 
in line of battle. What had happened with Lee was this : He had learned 
that McClellan knew of his plans, and realized, of course, that he 
would try to thwart them. McClellan arrived at Turner's and Cramp- 
ton's Gaps on the morning of the 14th. Lee had learned of his 
movements, and had a defence at each gap. Turner's Gap was flanked 
by two old roads that crossed the mountain a mile north and south of it. 
Using these and clambering up from rock to rock, the Union troops 
reached the crests, opposed at every step by the Confederate riflemen 
between the trees and ledges. There was a bloody and persistent fight 
all day, with the Union forces constantly gaining ground, and at dark 
the field was won. The Confederates withdrew in the night, and in the 
morning the victorious columns passed through to the western side of the 
mountain. In this battle McClellan lost fifteen hundred men killed or 
wounded. The Confederates lost about the same number, and in 
addition fifteen hundred were made prisoners. The fight at Crampton's 
Gap was quite similar. These two actions, fought September 14, 1862, 
aie known as the Battle of South Mountain. 

Lee then withdrew across Antietam creek, and took up a strong 
position beyond that stream. Lee's army numbered now only a little 
over forty thousand. The stragglers were numerous and with little 
wonder. Lee might console himself, however, with the reflection, that 
the men who had stood by him were his best men, and that he could 
bring the very flower of his forces into the coming battle. The 
Antietam was crossed by four stone bridges and a ford, and all except 
the most northern bridge were strongl)- guarded. The ground consisted 
of rich meadows, dotted with cornfields and groves. On the i6th 
McClellan threw his right wing across the Antietam by the northern 
unguarded bridge, intending to engage the enemy's attention there, and 
thus to force the other bridges and cress with his forces. An artillery 
duel was kept up through the day across the creek, in which the Con- 
federate generals acknowledged that their batteries were no match for 
their opponents. The skirmish brought on by Hooker's crossing the 
upper bridge was soon ended by the gathering darkness, and the men 
rested where they were. In the night McClellan sent reinforcements to 
Hooker. Sumner was put in readiness to follow at an early hour, and 
preparations for a battle were made. Meanwhile Lee had also made his 
preparations. All but two thousand of his forces had come up, and 
when the morning of September 17th dawned. Hooker assaulted Johns- 
ton at sunrise. A more beautiful spot could hardly have been imagined, 
35 



574 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

or a more peaceful one. But now it was desecrated by two determined 
armies, both bent upon a battle, in which there could be no surprises, 
no shirking or evading — nothing but misery and death. Early in the 
day Hooker was seriously wounded and taken from the iield, while 
Sumner crossed the stream and came up with his corps. His men drove 
back the enemy, and were apparently advancing to victory, when two 
fresh divisions were brought over from the Confederate ranks and thrust 
in a gap in Sumner's line. The Confederates were driven back to their 
former position after a bloody struggle, and fighting of this sort went on 
all forenoon. Lee was forced to bring into action every available man, 
while on the other side Porter and Burnside, with their strong divisions, 
lay idly by and were not called into action. It was 4 o'clock in the 
afternoon before Burnside led his men across the Antietam to aid in the 
attack. He succeeded in gaining a strong position where he could 
enfilade the Confederate lines. But at this moment General A. P. Hill 
came up from Harper's Ferry with four thousand men. These flung 
themselves fiercely into tne attack, and Burnside's corps fled in disorder 
to the creek, which they crossed the next morning. The entire Union 
loss in the bloody battle of Antietam was two thousand and ten killed, 
nine thousand four hundred and si.xteen wounded and one thou.sand 
and forty-three missing. The entire Confederate loss was not less than 
twenty thousand. 

This terrible destruction of life had been almost useless. The battle 
of Antietam was not a decisive one, but it was very encouraging to the 
North, and President Lincoln, emboldened by it, put forth a hint of the 
proclamation of the abolition of slavery, saying that if on the first of 
the ensuing January the Rebellion should still continue, he should, in 
virtue of his power as Commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy of the 
United States, order and declare that all persons held as slaves in the 
rebellious sections were to be free from that time forever, and that the 
Executive Government of the United States should recognize and 
maintain their freedom; and, also, that such persons of suitable condi- 
tion should be received into the armed service of the United States. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Baiivard's "Tragic Scenes in the History of Maryland," 

Logan's "Great Conspiracy." 

Williams' "Negro Troops in the Rebellioa." 
Fiction— Mrs. R. Hare's "Standish," 

J. H. Hosmer's "Thinking Bayonet.'* 

S. Lanier's "Tiger Lilies." 

J. H. Mathew's "Guy Hamilton." 
Poetry— G. W. nerve's "Ballads of the War." 

E. V. Mason's "Southern Poetrv- of the War." 

H. MeU-ille's "Battle Pieces." 



CHAPTER XCI. 



i$ 



m^\ 



S 1$ 



TUl 



V* 



BURNSIDE rfADE CXJMMANDER OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC — TPIK 
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMA- 
TION — BATTLES OF PERRYVILLE, lUKA, CORINTH, 
MURFREESBORO AND CHAN- 
, CELLORVILLE. 




N November, 1862, General Burnside succeeded 
]\IcClellan in command of the Army of the 
Potomac. President Lincoln had shown the 
utmost patience with McClellan. Twice he had 
\asited his headquarters to see for himself the 
condition of the army, and to find, if he possibly 
could, why a general with an anny outnumbering the 
enemy two to one, should have permitted that enemy to be 
so aggressive. In short, Mr. Lincoln was determined to 
put an end to the Rebellion and bring the South to terms. 
General McClellan did not believe in punishing the 
South, but only in repelling an invasion of those States 
that still remained in the Union. He had followed Lee 
as far as the Potomac, and then sat quietly down and 
called for unlimited reinforcements. He complained that his men 
wanted shoes, and that his horses were fatigued. Weeks of beautiful 
fall weather passed without tempting him to any exploits. On the 
twenty-sixth of October, he began to cross the Potomac, but it was ten 
days before his anny was all on the south side of the river, and then he 
renewed his delays. It was, therefore, a great relief to all the loyaj 
people of America when McClellan was removed. 

Ambrose E. Burnside was a graduate of West Point. He had 
commanded cavalry- in the Mexican war, served faithfully, thus far, in 
the Rebellion, and was the inventor of a breech-loading rifle. The 
command of the Army of the Potomac liad been offered to him twice 
before, but he had refused it on the ground that he was not competent 



576 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

to command such a large army. When he accepted it, he did so with 
reluctance. At this time the right wing of Lee's army, under Long- 
street, was near Culpepper, and the left, under Jackson, was in the 
Shenandoah valley. They were so far apart that it would take two 
days for one force to march to the other, and McClellan said that it had 
been his intention to get between them. Burnside did not continue this 
plan, but set out for Richmond, by way of the north branch of the Rap- 
pahannock and the city of Fredericksburg. He spent ten days in 
reorganizing his army into three grand divisions, under Sumner, Hooker 
and Franklin. On the 15th of November he began marching, and on 
the 20th the whole army was at Falmouth, waiting for the pontoon 
train, which was to meet the army at this point, to take them across 
the river. They did not arrive for a week, and, in the meantime, Lee, 
to protect Richmond, placed his army on the heights south and west of 
Fredericksburg, and began to fortif}' them. His line was about five 
miles and a half long; his position well selected and fortified. Burn- 
side had taken possession of the heights on the ri\-er, that he might 
defend the passage of his troops, with a large number of guns. But he 
did not attempt to cross the stream until the loth of December. His 
plan was to lay down five bridges — three opposite the city, and the 
others two miles below. The work was begun in a thick fog, but 
before the bridges had covered half the stream the fog was dispersed, 
and the movements of the national army revealed to the Confederates. 
A detachment of Mississippi riflemen had been concealed behind stone 
walls, in cellars, and ever}' other protected place, and now picked oflf, 
with fatal accuracy, the men who were laying the bridges. The 
unfortunate soldiers fell, one after another, and were carried down the 
river with the current. Even the bravest finally shrank from the task 
of completing the bridge, and the work had to be discontinued. At 
the lower bridges the sharpshooters were dislodged after a time, and the 
bridges completed, but along the front of the town they were well 
sheltered, and the national guns could not be made to reach them. 
Burnside tried bombarding the town, throwing seventy tons of iron 
into it, and setting it on fire, but the sharpshooters were not dislodged. 
At last, three regiments, the Seventeenth Michigan, and the Nineteenth 
and Twentieth Massachusetts, volunteered to cross the river in pontoon 
boats, and drive the sharpshooters from their retreats. They did it, 
under a murderous fire, and captured a hundred of the sharpshooters 
before they could escape to the hills. The bridges were then completed, 
and on the 12th of September the entire army was on the Fredericksburg 



"all us niggahs is free!" 577 

side of the river. Lee had concentrated his whole army on the fortified 
heights; Longstreet was on his left and Jackson on his right. His 
army was in good spirits and determined to succeed. Burnside's orders 
at tlie beginning of the day were somewhat inconsistent, and his 
commanders were confused and irritated by them. 

General Meade's division was the first to advance. It did so under 
a heavy Confederate fire, broke between two divisions of the first 
Confederate line, captured many prisoners and some battle-flags, and 
scaling the heights, came upon the second line. This drove them back, 
but they were protected from pursuit by Birney's division. Generals 
French and Hancock attacked with Sumner's division. They moved 
through the town and deployed in columns under the fire of the 
Confederate batteries. The hottest fighting took place at the foot of 
Mary's Hill, just below the city. This hill falls off suddenly to a 
sunken road, faced on the city side by a low stone wall. The hill was 
crowned with batteries, and this sunken road was used as a defence of 
the hill. French and Hancock, as they went on bravely with their 
divisions, were quite unconscious of the sunken road that lay by the 
wall. Their division had the distinction of never having turned their 
backs to the enemy, and they were as determined now as men could be. 
The front to be carried was so narrow that scarcely more than a brigade 
could be brought up at once, and as these rushed on, brigade after 
brigade was swept back till fully four thousand men were killed and 
wounded. Burnside was watching the fight from across the river and 
said to Hooker, ' 'That crest must be crossed to-night. ' ' All who heard 
him protested, but Burnside insisted that it must be done, and as night 
was approaching Hooker made ready to attack. He began by a fierce 
artillery fire, but this made no more impression, so he said, "than if it 
had been made against a moimtain of rock." The Confederate fire 
from the crest had ceased, for their ammunition had given out. At 
simset Hooker ordered Humphreys, with four thousand men, to make 
an assault with empty muskets, as there was no time to load and fire. 
They rushed on toward the low stone wall. The sunken road could 
not be seen by them, but within it were troops standing four deep and 
perfectly protected from the fire. So numerous, indeed, were they 
that only a part of them fired and the rest loaded muskets. When 
within a few rods of this road, a solid sheet of lead and fire was poured 
upon the advancing column. In fifteen minutes seventeen hundred of 
the four thousand assailants were killed or wounded. Then the 
depleted columns were withdrawn and the battle was ended. The 



57S THE STORV OF AMERICA. 

Confederate loss had been, in all, but five thonsand four hundred and 
nine; the Union was thirteen thonsand four hundred and eighty-seven. 
In the night the Union troops brought in their wounded and buried 
some of their dead. Burnside would have liked to make a fresh attack 
the next day, but the other generals dissuaded him, and the army was 
withdrawn to the north bank of the Rappahannock. The Confederates 
bco-an to regard themselves as almost invincible, but had they stopped 
to consider they would have seen that troops who could stand such 
disaster without panic or protest, were men whose staying qualities 
were more than a match for them, and who were bound to succeed in 
the end by force of their intrepidity and immovable courage. But it 
was the misfortune of the Union army to be poorly commanded. 

The warning of President Lincoln concerning the emancipation of 
slaves was unheeded, and on the ist of January, 1863, he issued a 
proclamation for the emancipation of about three million slaves, and 
announced that black men would be received into the military and 
naval service of the United States. Twice before emancipation of this 
nature had been made concerning limited territory — the first one by 
General Fremont, the second by General David Hunter. On both 
occasions Lincoln had annulled the order. It may seem strange to 
manv at this day that Lincoln should have delayed so long before 
declaring emancipation. He was himself opposed to slavery, but his 
chief desire was to preserve the government. He wished to force the 
seceding States to return to their allegiance, and lie meant to do this 
before everything else. Two years of the war had passed, therefore, 
before the main cause of that war was acknowledged by either side. 
The Confederates, with their strong confidence in their prowess, smiled 
at the emancipation of the slaves. They did not believe that it could 
ever be effected. But they were angered and anno>ed beyond endur- 
ance at the anouncement of the President that hereafter persons of color 
should be used in the army and navy. Previously, the Union forces 
iiad shown a consideration which was almost superstitious in this matter. 
The people of the North had so long respected all Southern claims 
that even in the hour of conflict they still had regard for them, and were 
not willing to offend popular prejudice by using the black man on the 
battle field. When General Hunter had organized a regiment of black 
troops, designated as the First South Carolina Volunteers, and the first 
bod\- of negro soldiers mustered in the Union service during the war, ■ 
there was the greatest alarm in Congress. A representative from 
Kcntuckv introduced a resolution asking for information concerning 



"all us niggahs is free!" 579 

regiments of fugitive slaves. The Secretary- of War referred him to 
Hunter himself Hunter said: "No regiment of fugitive slaves has 
been or is being organized in this department. There is, however, a 
fine regiment of persons whose late masters are fugitive rebels; men who 
everywhere fly before the appearance of the Union flag, leaving their 
servants behind them to shift as best they can for themselves. In the 
absence of any fugitive master law, the deserted slaves would be wholly 
without remedy, had not their crime of treason given the slaves right 
to pursue, capture and bring back these persons of whose protection they 
had been so suddenly bereft." 

But though Lincoln was cautious and slow in stating his position, 
there was not a man in America who doubted that he would stand by it 
when once it was made public. The wisdom shown in his great caution 
was proved by the criticisms which he received, even at the North, for 
the proclamation. The Democratic ranks were immediately swelled. 
It was only the men of strong opinions and moral courage who stood 
by the much-tried President at this time. But fortunately he was not 
a man who needed the approval or encouragement of others. When 
once he was sure that he was right, nothing could affect him, and 
though the criticisms of his friends may have grieved him, they did not 
alter his course. Thus began the year 1863. 

On December 31st and January 2d there was a great battle in the 
West. The Confederate Congress, in 1862, had passed a conscription 
act, forcing ever\' man of military' age into the ranks. Rlilitarj' age at 
that time was an expansive period, and boys were taken from school 
and sent to camps of instruction. General Beauregard had been 
succeeded by General Bragg, who, with forty thousand men, marched 
northward into Eastern Kentucky and defeated a Union force near 
Richmond and another at Alunfoi^dsville. He then took the liberty of 
appointing a Governor for Kentucky, assuming it to be a State of the 
Confederac)', and forced Kentuckiaus into his anny. As he went 
through the country he plundered farmers and villages, but, with 
singular inconsistency, tried to arouse enthusiasm among the Kentuck- 
ians. It is said, however, that he did not even secure enough recruits 
to iill the place of his dead and wounded. He was marching back into 
Tennessee when General Buell, with about fifty-eight thousand men, 
hurried after him. At Perry ville, October 8, 1862, Bragg turned and 
gave battle. At first the Union forces suffered severely, and their raw 
troops were put to a test which they could not stand, but General 
Philip H Sheridan, with his experienced men, repelled the assault, 



580 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

and when night came the Confederates had been driven back. In the 
night, Bragg moved off with his whole army, leaving one thousand of 
his wounded behind. General Halleck, at Washington, then planned 
a campaign for Buell's army in East Tennessee, to which Bragg had 
retreated. For certain reasons Buell refused to carry out these plans, 
and he was removed from command, his place being given to General 
William S. Rosecrans. 

Farther south there had been troubles at about the same time. A 
Confederate army of forty thousand men, under Generals Price and 
Van Dorn, crossed from Arkansas into Mississippi, in September, with 
the intention of capturing Grant's position at Corinth, and, breaking 
through the Union line of defense, to co-operate with Bragg. luka was 
seized by Price, and Grant sent out a force against him under Rose- 
crans. On the 19th of September the battle of Tuka was fought, after 
which Price retreated and joined Van Dorn. These tried to capture 
Corinth, on October 3d, and in the first day's fighting they succeeded 
in forcing Rosecrans to his intrenchments. But the following morning 
Rosecrans received reinforcements, and the Confederates were repelled 
all along the line and driven into a disordered retreat. As Rosecrans 
neglected at Corinth, as well as at luka, to pursue the enemy. Grant 
dismissed him from service. The Confederates were also displeased 
with their general. They had been very anxious for the capture of 
Corinth, since it contained immense quantities of supplies. General 
Van Dorn was removed and the command of the Confederate troops 
given to General John C. Pemberton. 

Bragg, meanwhile, had taken up an excellent position at Murfrees- 
boro, forty miles from Nashville. Here he fortified a strong position on 
the shallow, fordable stream known as Stone river. Murfreesboro 
counted itself quite safe from attack, and indulged in the gayeties 
which usually follow the arrival of unemployed troops in a town. 
General H. Morgan, the leader of the famous guerrilla band, was married 
in Murfreesboro by that ministerial warrrior, Leonidas Polk, who had 
the distinction of being bishop and general at the same time. Jefferson 
Davis was present at the wedding, and danced with the rest upon the 
United States flag, with which the floor was carpeted, to signify that 
the Confederacy had it literally under their feet. This gayety was broken 
in upon suddenly by the appearance of Rosecrans, with forty-three 
thousand men, within sight of Bragg' s intrenchments. The following 
day — three days after Christmas — Bragg crossed the river before sunrise, 
and broke upon the right of the national column. Throughout the 



"ALL US NIGGAHS IS FREE!" 581 

morning success was with the Confederates, but in the afternoon the 
greater cahnness and endurance of the Northern forces began to tell, 
and when the day closed Rosecrans had not moved from his position, 
though he had lost many men, twenty-eight guns, and had the uncom- 
fortable consciousness that the enemy's cavalry was between him and 
his communications. The armies rested by common consent the next 
day, but, on the second day of the New Year, Rosecrans sent a division 
across the stream to strike at Bragg's communications. The command 
of Breckenridge was sent to attack this division and succeeded in 
driving it back to the river, when Breckenridge was surprised with a 
terrible artillery fire, and in twenty minutes lost two thousand men. A 
charge of the Union infantry followed up this advantage and ended the 
battle of Murfreesboro. Rosecrans hastened to take possession of some 
high ground with his batteries, with the intention of shelling the town, 
but the Confederate army retreated. The Union loss in killed and 
wounded was eight thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight and in 
prisoners about twenty-eight hundred. Bragg lost ten thousand men. 
After Burnside's failure at Fredericksburg he was removed from the 
command, given a subordinate position, and General Joseph Hooker 
superseded him. Hooker was a graduate of West Point, had been 
through the Florida and Mexican Wars, and also the Peninsula cam- 
paign with McClellan. He was a man of almost reckless bravery, and 
had gained the nickname of "Fighting Joe" among the boys. Lincoln 
eloquently prayed him to "beware of rashness, but with energy and 
sleepless vigilance, go forward and give us victories. " The discipline of 
the Army of the Potomac was soon restored under Hooker, and as the 
spring of 1863 opened, the outlook for the Union cause was good. 
Hooker proposed to cross the Rappahannock and strike Lee's left. He 
crossed quickly, and, with forty-six thousand men, reached Chancellors- 
ville before Lee was aware of his movements. This place was not a 
village, but a single house, named after its owner. From it to Fred- 
ericksburg was a stretch of open country, and west of it a dense thicket, 
known as the "Wilderness" — a name which later grew to have a tragic 
signification. On May ist Lee brought up nearly his whole army, trying 
to find out Hooker's exact position. His daring approach seemed to awe 
Hooker, and so far from acting with rashness, he used too much caution, 
and drew back some of his more advanced positions. He formed his 
army in a circle and awaited an attack. His left and centre were strongly 
posted, but his right was unprotected, and this Lee saw immediately 
when he opened battle on the morning of the 2d. He sent Jackson 



S82 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



on one of those- sudden dashes which were so fatal to his oppo- 
nents, and they rushed over the crest of a hill upoa Hooker's 
right. Before them came a drove of wild animals scared from 
their thickets. The Union column broke at that point, and it 
it looked as if the day was likely to turn against them. General Alfred 
Pleasanton, with two regiments of cavalry and a batter^', was ordered 
to hasten to a high position at Hazel Grove. At the same time a 
strong force of Confederates made for it. To gain time, Major Peter 




Keenan, with the Eighth Pennsylvania cavalry, about four hundred 
strong, was ordered to charge upon the Confederate infantr}' and delay 
them a moment till Pleasanton could gain the desired point. Keenan 
and his men knew that they were ordered to certain death, but they did 
not hesitate. The enemy stopped, astonished at the audacity of their 
assailants, and Pleasanton, with his twenty-two guns, gained Hazel Grcveu 
loaded them with double charges of cannister and turned a storm of 



"ALL US NIGGAHS IS FREE!" 583 

iron upon the columns of the Confederates. As the da}- was near its 
close Stonewall Jackson was killed accidentally by some of his own men. 
The next morning, May 3d, the battle was renewed under Stuart, 
the brilliant young cavalry leader, and Lee attacked in front with all his 
force. General Hooker was rendered insensible by a shot from a can- 
non ball that struck the pillar of the Chancellor House, against which 
he was leaning. After this the Union .side fought in broken detachments 
and without order. In the midst of this L,ee learned that the Union 
division, under Sedgwick, had defeated the opposing force, captured 
Fredericksburg Heights and was marching upon the Confederate rear. 
Lee therefore drew off a large detachment of his army and turned upon 
Sedgwick, who was checked with considerable loss, and crossed the 
river after nightfall. In the midst of a great storm which followed, the 
Union army crossed the Rappahannock, leaving their dead and wounded 
on the battle field. In the battle of Chancellorsville, the Union loss 
was about seventeen thousand, and the Confederates about thirteen 
thousand. 

FOR FUHTHER READINC, : 
H'STORY — Palfrey's "Antietaiu and Fredericksburg." 

Doubleday's "Chancellorsville and Gettysburg." 
Cook's "Life of Robert E. Lee." 
Hosmer's "The Color Guard." 
Fiction — F. A. Loring^'s "Two College Friends." 
H. Morforrt s "The Days of Shoddy." 
H. Morford's "Shoulder Straps." 
H. Morford's "The Coward." 
M. J. Magill's "Women. '■ 



CHAPTER XCII. 



'jTHE battle of GETTYSBURG AND THE SIEGE OF VJiCKSBURG. 



HE 3d and 4th of July, 1863, are memorable days 
in the War of Secession. One marked Lee's 
defeat at Gettysburg, tlie other Pemberton's sur- 
render at Vicksburg to the invincible Grant. 
Grant and Sherman had planted their determined 
armies before the city of Vicksburg in the middle 
of May, and the countrj' divided its attention between 
this interesting game at the West, and Lee's aggression? 
at the East. The triumphs at Fredericksburg and 
Chancellorsville had given the men of the South great 
confidence in their powers. Public opinion was forcing 
Lee to invade the North, and Hooker, who watched him 
closely, perceived bj^ the aStli of May — and sent word to 
the President to that effect — that a northern movement 
might be expected from the Confederates. On the 3d of 
June the prophecy was fufilled. 

Hooker learned that the dashing Stuart, with the entire Confederate 
cavalry, was at Culpepper, and the Northern general therefore hastened 
to send all of his cavalry, under Pleasanton, with two brigades of 
infantr>-, to attack it there. The Union troops advanced in two columns, 
but failed to unite, and partly through this failure were obliged to with- 
draw. This engagement is known as the battle of Fleetwood. It 
taught the Union troops the need for improving their cavalrj', and this 
improvement became rapid and marked until in time the Northern 
cavalr\' was vastly superior to that of the South. Hooker was anxious 
to meet Lee's northern movement with some brilliant action, which 
should discourage the Confederate army, and inspire the Northern 
one with confidence. But General Halleck, the military advisor at 
Washington, was nothing if not cautious, and Hookei's suggestions 




THE DEADLY PARALLELS. 587 

were disapproved of and criticised, till that important general threw up 
his coniniand. General George Gordon Meade was appointed in his 
place. Meade was in his prime, was a good engineer, a determined 
general and a man of experience. He viewed the disposition of the 
Confederate force with some alarm. Longstreet was skirting the Blue 
Ridge. A large part of the Confederate troops were in the Shenandoah 
valley. The Confederate cavalry had already crossed the Potomac, and 
the people of that region were in terror. Harper's Ferry was threat- 
ened, and Meade feared that the eleven thousand men who defended it 
would be caught in the same trap that Mills' men had been ensnared 
in previously. The first thing which he did upon his appointment was, 
therefore, to order the evacuation of Harper's Ferr}-, and to hasten the 
garrison to Frederick, as a reserve. As soon as General Lee realized 
that Meade was inclined to act with decision, he hastened to call his 
forces together at Gettysburg. This town was approached by many 
different roads, and was, therefore, a good point for concentration. 
Meade followed after Lee cautiously, intending to bring on an engage- 
ment somewhere near Gettysburg. At this time — the last of June — 
Lee had seventy-three thousand five hundred men, and Meade about 
eighty-two thousand, while both generals counted eleven thousand cav- 
alry, and were possessed of more cannon than they had any need for. 
The country around Gettysburg is broken into many ridges which run 
north and south. On one of these ridges, just west of the village, there 
stood a theological seminarj', and between this ridge and the next is 
Willoughby Run, a quiet little stream. Here a detachment of the 
Union army, under General Reynolds, encountered the Confederates 
on the 29th of Jun^. At the very opening of the engagement Gen- 
eral Reynolds was killed by a sharpshooter, and the command fell 
upon Abner Doubleday. Both forces were anxious to reach a high 
piece of ground which was cov^ered with woods, and commanded the 
field. The ''Iron Brigade," a most dreaded body of Union troops, 
succeeded in capturing it, and the battle began in earnest. The 
struggle was largely for the road which led from that point to 
Gettysburg, and around this the fight was especially obstinate. The 
Union line was indiscreetly stretched out and weakened. Lee was 
being continually reinforced and succeeded in breaking through the 
centre of the line, throwing a part of the Union forces into disorder. 
But the retreat was made slowly, and the ambulances and artillery 
protected. In the midst of this confusion General Hancock came 
with orders from Meade to assume command. His presence restored 



588 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

confidence, and he hastened to form a line along the crest of a ridge, 
placing ail the available troops in position. This closed the first day's 
battle. During the night the Union troops were reinforced. Lee spent 
the hours of rest urging his generals to get the army together as rapidly 
as possible, saying that he did not wish to attack the Union troops in 
their strong position on the heights till all his forces were up. The 
second day's battle began with a mistaken arrangement of troops on the 
part of the Union forces. Between the two great ridges ran another 
ridge, which is often described as being like the diagonal portion of a 
capital N. General Sickles advanced his men to this diagonal ridge. 
The position was an unfortunate one. This was perceived immediately 
by the Confederates, and made the first point of attack. General Sickles 
lost a leg, and the situation of the Union troops was made still more 
difficult by this catastrophe. The Union line was driven back, but 
only to force it into a stronger and better position from which it could 
not be dislodged. 

That day is full of stirring events. One of them was the fight 
between two brigades to reach Little Round Top, a height on the ridge 
which formed the Union line. General Weed's brigade, of New York, 
fought against Hood's Texans for the position — the men engaging in 
one of the most frightful hand-to-hand contests of the war. The men 
of both armies lay scattered dead and dying among the rocks. All 
attempt to fire was abandoned, and the fight was kept up with clubbed 
muskets, bayonets and stones. Four distinguished Union oflScers were 
killed, among them General Weed. Finally, a large part of the Texans 
were captured and the rest forced to retreat. 

After the sun had set and the twilight was deepening, occurred the 
last thrilling incident of the day. It was a charge of Sumpter Hill, by 
two Confederate brigades, led by what was known as the Louisiana 
Tigers. They had never failed at a charge, and were determined not 
to do so now, although they were facing a perfect stornt of artillery and 
musketry. They actually marched up in the face of that fire till they 
reached the guns, and made a hand-to-hand fight for them. The Union 
troops were reinforced at this moment, and the Confederates fled down 
the hill. Of the over-valorous Tigers, twelve hundred out of the seven- 
teen hundred had fallen, and they were known no more among the 
organizations of the Confederacy. 

On the morning of the third day Lee decided to try piercing the 
centre of Meade's line, since he had tried both flanks and failed. 
Meade anticipated him, however, and attacked early in the morning. 



THE DEADLY PARALLELS. 589 

Once more the lines were drawn up on the two parallel ridges, and the 
day began with a terrible artillery duel. For hours there was nothing 
but a deafening roar, a blinding storm of iron imder a cloud of smoke. 
At length Meade's chief of artillery ordered the fire to stop, that the guns 
might cool. Lee naturally supposed that the enemy had exhausted his 
artiller}', and fourteen thousand of his best men moved forward steadily 
for a desperate charge. The Union guus reopened fire, and plowed 
through the Confederate columns. But these columns did not halt. 
They closed up and marched on over that mile of ground which lay 
between the ridges. All along the main line of the Union troops lay an 
infantry force, and as the Confederates neared, these sprang to their 
feet and launched a terrific volley of musketrs' into the right flank. 
The noble columns of the Confederates began to melt, but among them 
were those who would not yield. They came to the very breastworks 
and some of them leaped over them. But they saw at last that their 
enthusiasm had carried them too far, and some of them threw them- 
selves upon the ground and held up their hands for quarter. The fight- 
mg stopped. The Union troops took many prisoners and battle-flags, 
and rested to care for their wounded and bury their dead. There had 
also been a movement between the cavalry, in which neither side had 
gained much. This closed the 3d of July. On the 4th, Lee began his 
retreat, in the midst of a terrible storm and over roads which were 
almost impassable. With them wen<: the terrible train of wounded, 
suffering past all expression in the storm. To the soldierly mind it 
seems reprehensible that Meade did not pursue them; to the merely 
humane mind it seems as if it would have been little less than fiendish 
to have done so. 

Gettysburg was the turning point of the war. It is said that the 
Confederates lost nearly thirty thousand. The Union loss was twenty- 
three thousand one hundred and ninety killed, wounded and missing. 
The discrepancy in numbers was not so great as to make the cause of 
the South seem hopeless, but there were peculiar characteristics in the 
struggle and the time which made the men of the South fear, and the 
men of the North hope, that the Rebellion would soon be the "lost 
cause. ' ' 

It is necessary now to look toward the West, and follow up the 
course of events which led to the surrender of Vicksburg. This city 
stands on a high bluff which overlooks the Mississippi. That mighty 
river makes a sharp bend at this point, and sweeps about a long, nar- 
row peninsula. This place commanded two railroads, which were oi 



590 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

great importance to the Confederates, and as they had ]ost New Orleans, 
Baton Rouge and Memphis, it was of the greatest importance that they 
should hold Vicksburg. Farragut had gone up the river and demanded 
its surrender, after the taking of New Orleans. The demand was 
refused, and as the admiral had no land force to work with him, he 
could not enforce it. After this it was made strong with fortifications 
Extensive batteries were planted on the bluffs, and it became almost 
impossible for any sort of craft to run down the river. General Grant 
received a dispatch from General Halleck on the I2th of November, 
1862, placing him in command of all troops sent to his department, 
and telling him to fight the enemy wherever he pleased. After a con- 
sultation with Sherman, Grant decided to move south with his thirty 
thousand men and fight an equal force commanded by General Joseph 
C. Pemberton, on the Tallahachie. Sherman, with his thirty thousand, 
was to move from Memphis down the eastern bank of the IMississippi, 
and with the assistance of Porter and his gunboats, try to capture 
Vicksburg from the rear. Grant then began moving slowly, wishing to 
keep his enemy as far north as possible, and Sherman and Porter hast- 
ened to carry out their orders. But the plan was entirely ruined by the 
effective opposition of two Confederate cavalry detachments, under 
Generals \'an Dorn and Forrest. Grant had over two million dollars' 
worth of supplies at Holly Springs, and on the 20th of December \'an 
Dorn made a dash at this place, capturing it and its garrison. He also 
burned the stores and the railroad buildings. Forrest tore up a portion 
of the railroad which lay north of Grant's army, thus cutting off all 
communication with the North. Grant was therefore obliged to give 
up his part of the plan, and move back toward Memphis. Sherman 
and Porter did not learn of this disaster, and went on with their prepa- 
rations. On Christmas day the Union troops were well placed and 
began preparing for attack. A large part of them were opposite the 
bluffs north of Vicksburg. These bluffs they crowned with artillery, 
and as Sherman felt sure that Grant was holding Pemberton, and that 
the force on Vicksburg Heights could not be large, he had no hesitation 
in opening attack. On the 29th of December the battle was opened 
with a heavy artillery fire, followed b)- musketry and a rush of the men. 
The guns at the foot of the bluff swept them, and a cross fire from the 
heights poured down upon them. But quite a large detachment of 
Union troops succeeded in reaching the bluff. ( )nce there they could 
not return, and they scooped niches in the bank with their hands and 
hid themselves, while the enemy came to the \-ery edge of the hill and 










St I .f 1 1*11 1 I l^l I'l I, II 



THE DEADLY PARALLELS. 591 

fired down upon them. They were obliged to remain in this very 
uncertain position until nightfall. Sherman lost one thousand eight 
hundred and forty-two men in this assault, while the Confederates suf- 
fered but slightly. The other plans which he laid for assault were 
defeated by accidents of weather, and as he was in a country which was 
inundated with water every year to the depth of ten feet, here-embarked 
his men and ster :d down the river, anxious to know what had hap- 
pened to Grant. 

At the beginning of 1863 General McClernand was giveu command of 
the two corps commanded by Generals Sherman and Morgan. The first 
movement made by this united force was against Arkansas Post. This 
was a Confederate hold on the Arkansas, which made it dangerous for 
boats on the Mississippi, near the mouth of the former river. Shennan 
saw there could be little safety till the post was captured. He therefore 
persuaded McClernand to attack it with the whole army, including 
Porter's command. On the loth of January they were below the fort, 
and had driven back the pickets. The Confederates aroused themselves 
for defense, and spent the night throwing up a long line of works. 
The next day the Union troops swept forward to the attack and were 
aided by the guuboats on the river. This fire continued but a few 
moments, when white flags and rags fluttered all along the Confederate 
lines. Immediately the firing ceased, and the garrison, numbering 
about forty-eight hundred, were taken prisoners. The fort was 
destroyed. McClernand was not able to pursue his plans further, for 
Grant commanded him to hasten back to the Mississippi. Grant had 
now been given personal command over the operations on the Missis- 
sippi. His first act was to divide his force into four corps, commanded 
by Generals McPherson, Hurlburt, Sherman and McClernand. Hurl- 
burt's force was left to hold the lines east of Memphis, and all the other 
troops were joined in the river expedition. The plan was now to besiege 
Vicksburg. To follow up the forty-seven days of siege would be tedious 
and painful. Now the men dug canals, now they mined. At times an 
expedition picked its way through the deadly swamps by the light of 
tallow candles. Again they were hemmed in the barricaded rivers, 
with the enemy in front and behind them. Grant tried half a dozen 
plans, and failed in all. The Confederates showed not only courage, 
but the greatest ingenuity, and they kept themselves apprised of Grant's 
every movement. On the night of April 16th, the Union fleet ran by 
the batteries of Vicksburg, and returned the heavy fire directed against 
them. Grant searched for some time before he found a suitable place to 



592 



THE STORY GF AMERICA. 



cross the Mississippi, and finally decided upon Bruinsburg. McCler- 
nand's corps went first, and marched on Fort Gibson on the 30th of 
Aoril. The enemy was found in a strong position three miles west of 
that fort, and after ahard day's fight, the Confederates retreated, burning 
their 1)ridfes behind them. Grant established his base at Grand Gulf, 




where there were fortifications which the Confederates had deserted. 
He sent a division after the retreating Confederates, and pressed on 
with all the rest of his army. These numbered about forty-one thou- 
sand men, and were increased a few days later to forty-five thousand 
Pemberton had about fifty-one thousand. 

Simultaneous with these preparations was Grierson's brilliant raid 



THE DEADLY PARALLELS. 593 

tlirou^h the Southwestern States. Colonel Benjamin H. Grierson com- 
manded a cavalry of seventeen hundred men. These rode through the 
State of Mississippi doing what damage thej- could to bridges, railroads 
and supplies, and dismaying the people by their rapid and unexpected 
movements. For sixteen days they plunged through rivers, swamps, 
forests and fields, and at the end of that time rode into Baton Rouge, 
with the men half dead from fatigue aud lack of sleep. 

Grant engaged in a number of heavy skirmishes as he moved toward 
\'icksburg, and took possession of two towns, in one of which were the 
factories which turned out goods for the Confederacy. These Sherman 
absolutely destroyed. On the 15th of IMay occurred the battle of 
Champion's Hill, which was the bloodiest of the campaign. At the 
end of the battle Pemberton retreated across the Big Black river, leav- 
ing his dead and wounded behind him — over three thousand. Another 
heavy skirmish occurred on the bank of the Big Black river, and the 
Union troops added eighteen guns to the thirty which they had captured 
at Champion's Hill. Bridges were now constructed that the men might 
cross the stream. These were made of rafts, of trees and cotton bales, 
and Sherman and Grant sat side by side on a log, watching their men as 
they passed by night over the swaying structures. Vicksburg was well 
protected on the land, as well as on the water side, and Pemberton 
hastened to strengthen himself in the village, while Grant followed 
close behind. Sherman went to Haine's Bluff, where he had been 
defeated before. The other commands stretched out from Sherman's 
left. Grant feared an attack from the rear, for General Johnston's 
force was behind him, and he therefore hastened to make an assault, 
with the intention of carrying the works by storm. This was on the 
2 2d of May. His men rushed up the breastworks and succeeded in 
planting some flags, but not in holding them, and Grant was finally 
forced to admit the assault a failure, and withdraw his men. Then he 
began the siege by regular approaches. Day and night the guns poured 
shells into the city, till the citizens dug caves in the soft clay banks 
and took refuge in them. Ver}- hungry were the people of Vicksburg, 
and still hungrier the exhausted soldiers, but it was not till the 4th of 
July, 1863, that Pemberton yielded to the demand for unconditional 
surrender. The Confederate army was fed from the knapsacks of the 
Union troops, and immediately paroled and furnished with means for 
reaching their homes. 

The news ^f this important victory' was received everywhere in 
the North wi^'i the greatest satisfaction and demonstrations of rejoicing 



594 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

by the supporters of the Union cause. It was, indeed, an iuiporiaiit 
event in the history of the war, as it gave the Union army undisputed 
possession of the Mississippi river to the Gulf. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Bates' "Battle of Gettysburg." 

Coppee's "Grant and His Canipaigrns." 

Glazier's "Three Years in the Federal Cavalry." 

Headley's "Grant's Sherman." 

Longborougli's "Cave Life in Vicksburg.'' 

Bullock's "Secret Ser\'ice of the Confederac" '* 

Bumham's "United States Secret Service. 
Fiction— W. H. Peck's "Confederate Flag on the Ocean," 

M. Reinick's "Great Banle Year." 

M. Remick's "Forward with the Flag." 
Poetry— Bret Hartes "John Bums of Gettysburg." 



CHAPTER XCIII. 



,\i iarif s. 



WHY THE WAR DID NOT END AFTER GETTYSBURG THE NEW YORE 

RIOTS— ATROCITIES IN THE SOUTH — SOUTH- 



ERN PRISON PENS. 



^OW that two great Confederate armies had sur- 
rendered it would seem to the observer as if there 
was little excuse for continuing the war. But 
from its beginning the American nation has been 
ruled by popular opinion. IMost of its wars have 
^, been for principle, and it has delighted in nothing 
^^,- ^=^, more than in great controversies. The popular conscience 
W ^('■^\\ is a thing which has constantly to be taken into consid- 
eration. The "Southern idea" was not yet conquered. 
It flourished in the North as well as in the South, and 
every thinking soldier and politician knew that, should 
the war be discontinued at this point, it would only mean 
a renewal of the old troublous legislation, and in the 
end another resort to arms. Practically, the Confederacy 
was becoming weak. Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and 
West Virginia, all slaves States, sympathized with the Government. 
The largest city of the Confederacy had long been held by Union troops. 
But it was not territoiy and men alone which were to be conquered, but 
ideas as well. In the North, a large number of men made themselves 
conspicuous by leading a party opposed to the Government, and by 
delivering speeches which were as treasonable as they were heartless. 
Among these was ex-President Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire. 
These men misrepresented the Union cause, the patient, and much-tried 
President, and the spirit which prompted a continuation of the war. 
These speeches inflamed the common people, and brought about, among 
other catastrophes, the New York riots. 

Drafts had been ordered in several of the States, for the volunteer 




596 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



system had not latterly filrnished enough men. A law provided that 
any man whose name was drawn, and who did not wish to go into the 
service, could get a substitute, or pay three hundred dollars to the 
Government and be released. In the South, ever}- man could easily 




HORACE GREELEY. 



go into the service, for there were slaves at home to keep the farms 
tilled and the stores open, but in the North it was necessary that a large 
portion of the men should always remain at home, and the substitute 
system was arranged to accommodate this need. The opposition party 



THE MARTYRS. 597 

misinterpreted thisarran<;enient and said that the Government demanded 
three hundred dollars, or the life of the man whom it drafted. On the 
other hand, the arrangement had been made simply as a protection for 
these men, and when the clause was repealed to satisfy the opposition 
party, the price of substitutes went from three hundred to a thousand 
dollars — a sum which few workingmen were able to pay. In April, 
1863, a levy of three hundred thousand men was called for, with the 
alternative of a draft, in case the quotas were not filled by volunteers. 
That of New York fell short, and a draft was begun. New York was 
largely Democratic, and several of the most influential papers were in 
favor of the opposition. From the very beginning of the draft, excite- 
ment was noticeable in the city, and the marshals who tried to take the 
names and addresses of those subject to call were threatened with 
violence. On the 13th of July the draft-wheel was set in motion, at the 
corner of Third avenue and Forty-sixth street, and in a short time the 
building was surrounded by a surging, loud-voiced crowd. In a short 
time they had stopped the street cars and made a blockade in the streets. 
They finally entered the marshal's office, driving the policemen and 
officers out at the back windows. They then burned the building and 
prevented the firemen from throwing any water upon it. The superin- 
tendent of police was stoned and clubbed till he was a shapeless mass of 
bruises, and the defence of the city for the remainder of the riot was 
conducted by Commissioner Thomas C. Acton and Inspector Daniel 
Carpenter, .\nother marshal's office was entered in the same way, and 
the whole block of stores about it was burned. The police and the mob 
encountered each other through the day in a street fight, and the police 
were defeated. Some of them were stabbed by people in the crowd, 
others stoned, and many shot. The mob succeeded, before the close of 
the afternoon, in getting possession of the gun factory-. As evening 
approached a great procession marched down Broadway, with "no draft" 
inscribed upon its banners, and armed in a most motley manner. 
Inspector Carpenter, with two hundred policemen, who had orders to 
take no prisoners, but to strike quick and hard, met them on Broadway. 
A few minutes of fierce fighting followed, and the mob fled. For two 
days longer the riot continued. The mob murdered eleven negroes, who 
had committed no ofience except that of being black. They sacked and 
burned the Colored Orphan Asylum, and the two hundred little children 
barely escaped by the rear doors, as the mob broke in at the front. 
They surged around the office of the Tribune, which was edit'-d by 
Horace Greely, and tried to set fire to it, but the printers ran board 



595 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



troughs out of the -windows with the tntention of dropping bombs from 
them upon the crowd below. The mob guessed at their ominous 
significance and hastened away. On the second day a small military 
force assisted the police. When it was seen that no quarter could be 
expected from the mob, the police and military fought withotit com- 
punction, and killed wherever they could. In one disreputable 
neighborhood, the police were fired upon from the windows and roofs, 




THE TOMBS PRISC 



YORK CITY. 



and they entered the tenement houses in squads, searched them from 
top to bottom, killed the people with the bayonet or club, and flung 
them out of the windows or over the bannisters. Those three days were 
indescribably horrible. Many of the incidents will not bear relating. 
Colonel Henry J. O'Brien, of the Eleventh New York Volunteers, 
was captured by the mob, and tortured in the most terrible way for 
hours, and finally killed by some maddened women. It was thought 



THE MARTYRS. 599 

that men of wealth and standing were disguised among those who led 
the mob. By the end of the three days, between two and three million 
dollars' worth of property had been destroyed, fifty policemen had been 
injured, and eighteen people killed by the rioters. On the other hand 
more than twelve hundred of the mob had been slain. 

Throughout the South the cruelest outrages were perpetrated upon 
Union men who chanced to live in a Southern district. It is said that 
in Texas alone, between two and three thousand citizens were hanged, 
who were known to sympathize with the Union cause, and to refuse to 
uphold secession. The Governor of Texas permitted these barbarities, 
and encouraged the people of the State to commit them. One woman 
was hanged to a tree in sight of her little children for wishing that the 
Union army would hurr}' to Texas and end the war, that her husband 
might come home. In the border States, these cnielties were very 
frequent, especially in East Tennessee. Not only were the lives of 
quiet citizens taken by men in the Confederate uniform, but houses 
were burned, children tortured, and women subjected to every sort of 
suffering. The papers of the South advised "bushwhacking," and 
every sort of partisan fight. The blact flag was not unfrequently 
raised, and the people who fought under it gave no quarter to any one, 
regardless of se.x, age or condition. The Confederate Congress went so 
far as to organize bands of partisan rangers, who were entitled to the 
same pay, rations and quarters as other soldiers. These were known as 
Guerrillas, and their purpose was to terrorize the country and murder 
and steal, but to claim the protection of the Confederate government, 
as honorable prisoners of war, whenever they were captured. The very 
least of the crimes committed by these bands was to destroy everything 
in and about the houses by which they passed, and to steal the horses 
and cattle. That there were instances of intolerance at the North, no 
one pretends to deny, but it principally took the form of social ostracism. 

It seems hardly necessary to go over the dark chapter which records 
the doings in Southern prisons. The sufferings of the men there were 
notorious. The civilized world has never seen such premeditated and 
deliberate cruelty. Most of the commissioned officers captured by the 
Confederate army were placed in Libby warehouse, at Richmond, and 
at Columbia, South Carolina. The non-commissioned officers and pri- 
vates were kept in camps, at Audersonville and Milan, Georgia; at 
Tyler, Texas, at Salisbury, North Carolina, at Florence, South Caro- 
lina, and at Belle Isle, in the James River, at Richmond. With the 
exception of Libby, these were open stockades, with but little shelter. 



6oo THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

That at Andersonville, which is particularly famous for its horrors, 
consisted of twenty acres of ground, afterwards enlarged to thirty, 
enclosed in a palisade of pine logs fifteen feet high. One hundred and 
twenty feet outside was another palisade, and between the two walked 
the guards. A slight railing, known as the "dead line," ran inside of 
the inner stockade, about twenty feet from it. An}' prisoner who came 
too near this line was immediately shot. A tiny stream of slow-running 
water was the only supply the men had for drinking, cooking or wash- 
ing. There was no need for selecting the stockades in a place without 
trees, as there were plenty of trees within sight. The whole was built 
under the direction of General William S. Winder, who had stated it as 
his intention to build the pen so as to destroy more Yankees than could 
be destroyed at the front. Mr. Davis and the Confederate Congress 
knew of the sufferings of the prisoners at Andersonville, and resisted 
the appeals of more humane men among the Confederates to have them 
lessened. At one time there were thirty-three thousand prisoners in 
the stockade, which gave a space of about four feet .square to each man. 
Here the men wasted to skeletons, and died of the most terrible dis- 
eases. Many of them went mad, others became imbecile; many were 
shot wantonly; not unfrequently they walked to the dead line for the 
express purpo.se of inviting death. The)' called it "being exchanged." 
Many escaped from the various prisons, but though the)- were aided by 
the negroes, they were usually tracked and brought back. Bloodhounds 
were kept for this especial purpose. By 1 864, the prisons were crowded 
to overflowing, owing to the fact that exchanges of pri.soners had been 
stopped. This was because the Confederate authorities would not 
exchange any black soldiers or their white officers captured in battle, 
and the United States Government, being bound to protect equally all 
who entered its sersice, refused to exchange at all. The people of the 
South never felt it necessar\' to show any honor in fighting the blacks. 
This was shown in a most cowardly and inhuman way, at Fort Pillow, 
April 12, 1864. This fort was forty miles above Memphis, on the 
Mississippi. It stood upon a high bluff with a ravine on each side. A 
little village and .some Government buildings nestled in the lower 
ravine. The place had a garrison of five hundred and fift)- men, nearly 
half of whom were colored, commanded by Major L. F. Booth. At 
sunrise the fort was attacked by the Confederate General Forrest, with 
five thousand men. A brave advance was made, which was assisted by 
the gunboat .Vew Era^ which swept the ravine. Major Booth was 
killed, but the fort stood finn, and the besiegers finally sent in a flag of 



TH1-; MARTYRS. 



60 1 



truce demanding a surrender. Under cover of this flag they moved up 
into positions nearer the fort, and then sent in a second flag. Surrender 
was refused, and they took advantage of their close position to the fort 
to rush over the works with a cry of "no quarter." The garrison threw 




roRT Pir.Low. 



down their arms and surrendered, but no mercy was shown them. 
The sick and wounded were murdered in their tents; the women and 
children were shot or put to the sword. At least three hundred persons 
were butchered after the surrender. It goes without saying that the 



6o2 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

more honorable officers of the Confederate army were as shocked as che 
rest of the civilized world at Forrest's treacherous action. 

Another reason that the exchange of prisoners had been discontinued 
was that the Confederates did not obser\'e their paroles. The thirty 
thousand men taken by Grant at Vicksburg, and the six thousand taken 
by Banks at Port Hudson, in July, 1863, were released on parole, with 
the understanding that they were not to fight again during th^; war unless 
properly exchanged. Three months later the Confederate commissioner 
of exchange declared them all released from their parole, ond they were 
restored to the ranks. 

President Lincoln's kind heart was greatly distressed over the compli- 
cations of this prison question. On one hand he grieved to think of the 
thousands of men actually rotting in the pestiferous Southern prisons, and 
on the other hand, he objected to exchanging' the well-fed Confederate 
prisoners for the skeletons sent up from the Southern stockades. In 
vain did the people of the North try to send supplies to their suffering 
friends in Libby and Andersonville, and the rest of the prisons. The sup- 
plies seldom or never reached the men, and at Libby, where the boxes for 
the prisoners arrived at the rate of three hundred a week, they were packed 
up in warehouses within sight of the famished and shivering wretches who 
could not reach the things prepared for them. The total number of 
soldiers and citizens captured by the Confederate armies during the war 
was 188,145. About half of these were actually confined in prisons, 
where the number of death was 36,401. The number of Confederates 
captured by the Northern forces was 476, 169, of whom 227, 570 were actu- 
ally confined. The percentage of death in the Confederate prisons was 
over thirty-eight; in the Northern prisons it was thirteen and five one- 
hundredths. That the Confederate soldier was often without necessary 
provisions is sometimes urged as an excuse for the treatment of the pris- 
oners in his hands. But if prisoners could not be provided for, then 
they should not have been taken, and it should be remembered, too, 
that the prisoners would not have suffered nearly so much as they did, 
had the supplies sent them from the North been delivered. 

FOR FURTHER RE.\DING: 
HISTORY — Foote's "Fort Pillow Massacre." 

Burbiere's "Scraps from the Prison Table." 4 

Harding's "Belle Boyd in Camp and Prison." 
Glazier's "Capture, Prison-Pen and Escape.'* 
Stuart's "Sufferings of Prisoners of War." 
Cavada's "Libby Life." 
Harris' "Prison Life in Richmond." 
Fiction— Anna Dickinson's "What Answer.'' 
Mrs. Terhune's "Sunny Bauk." 
J. T. Trowbridge's "Cudjo's Cave.'' 



liltii[l':t:J7rr.i;"!V!il!ii!il:iT!l!::iSli;iii:'l!;Ti;il!i|i|i!lllilll|i!liailJ^ 




CHAPTER XCIV. 



THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTON — DUPONT'S DEFEAT — GILMORE'S SIEGE- 
THE "SWAMP ANGEL" — MORGAN'S RAIDS. 



siege of Charleston touched the Confederacy at 

its tenderest point. The idea of secession had been 

born and nursed in Charleston, and the people of 

the South felt an exceeding tenderness for it on 

that account. For the same reasons the people of 

the North were especially desirous to have it suffer 

the utmost penalty of war. At one time the Go\'- 

ernment had sunk several old whale ships, loaded with 

stone, into the channel, for the purpose of closing the 

harbor — a harbor most useful to the Confederac}'. But 

in a short time these old hulks sank harmlessly into the 

sand, or were swept awa^', and it was necessary^ to keep a 

dozen war vessels to sustain the blockade. As the main 

< channel was protected by Confederate batteries, this was 

no easy matter. After a time this channel was closed by 

the occupation by Union troops of Morris' Island, but even this did not 

keep the blockade runners from slipping in by the other passes. The 

blockading vessels were openly attacked in Januar}", 1863. 

The attack was made by two Confederate ii;on-clads, which soon 
disabled two Union vessels and were only driven away when the rest of 
the fleet came to their aid. The Government was now more determined 
than ever to capture the port, and use the harbor as a refuge for Union 
vessels. A strong fleet was fitted out for this purpose, and placed under 
command of Rear- Admiral S. F. DuPont. This fleet consisted of seven 
monitors, an iron-clad frigate, an iron-clad ram, and several wooden 
gunboats. Choosing a fortunate day, DuPont steamed in to attack the 
forts on April 7, 1863. 




604 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Nothing had been left undone for the defense of the city. Numer- 
ous batteries had been erected. Fort Sumpter was occupied, and many 
■powerful guns of English manufacture placed where they would be of 
the most use. Piles and chains obstructed the channels, which were 
otherwise endangered to the Union troops by innumerable torpedoes, 
some of which were arranged to explode whenever a vessel should run 
against them, while others were to be fired by electric wires from the 
forts. The main channel between Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumpter was 
crossed by a heavy cable supported by empty barrels. In the south 
channel a wide opening had been left in the row of piles, and offered a 
temptation to the Union vessels, which it was hoped they could not 
resist, for beneath the water were several tons of powder connected with 
an electric wire. These dangers were not unsuspected by DuPont, but 
he had no hesitation in sending his monitor Weehawkeii out on the 
morning of April 17 th, to prove what the situation might be. As soon 
as the IVeehawken had become slightly entangled among the network 
of chains — she was incumbered with a great raft pushed before her to 
explode the torpedoes — the batteries opened all around her, and she and 
the other monitors which hurried to her aid were the center of a terrific 
shower of iron and bursting shells. One monitor, the Keokuk, which 
had approached quite near to the enemy, was struck nearly one hundred 
times. That evening she sank in an inlet. Most of the other vessels 
were badly injured, and the fleet had to confess itself defeated. 

Two months later the Union forces had a victor)' on the sea which 
somewhat counterbalanced this defeat. The Atlanta, a Confederate 
ironclad, was sent out to sink the monitors and raise the blockade of 
Charleston. She dropped down the channel on June 17th, and following 
her came two steamers loaded with citizens, among whom were many 
ladies. These felt a very natural interest in her, as the ladies of 
Charleston had contributed their jewels to pay for her completion. 
The Weehawken was the first monitor to approach her. Five shots 
were fired from her enormous eleven-inch and fifteen-inch guns. Those 
five shots, each directed at a vital point of the Atlanta, disabled her, and 
she hung out a white flag and surrendered. DuPont's fleet took her to 
Philadelphia, where she was exhibited as a curiosity. She was provis- 
ioned for a long cruise, and carried a huge torpedo from the end of a 
beam thirty feet long, projecting from her bow under water. 

Shortly after this, General Ouincy A. Gilmore was sent from the 
North, with a large force, to take the city of Charleston. This city, 
bordered by miles of swampy ground, had many natural protections 



THE SWAMP ANGEL. 605 

against an assaulting enemy. Gilmore decided to approach the city by 
way of Folly and Morris Islands, where he could be protected by the 
monitors. His first work was to erect powerful batteries on Folly 
Island. On the most northern point of Folly Island was the Confed- 
erate battery Gregg. South of this was Fort Wagner, and still farther 
south were other works. Gilmore' s battery on Folly Island had been 
erected behind a grove of trees, and on the morning of July loth, these 
were suddenly cut down, and Gilmore opened fire upon the most south- 
ernly work on Morris Island, while the fleet — now commanded by 
Admiral Dalhgren — bombarded Fort Wagner. Troops were landed 
imder protection of this fire, but as the day was unbearably hot, no 
advance was made on Fort Wagner until the following morning. The 
assault was repulsed and the Union troops retired to their earthworks. 
A week later another assault was made, being led by the first regi- 
ment of colored troops (the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts) that had ever 
been raised on the authorization that accompanied the proclamation of 
emancipation. They led the advance by their own request, with an 
evident desire to settle, once for all, the question of negro bravery. 
Though fire from all the Confederate batteries was opened upon them 
and their ranks thinned every second, they marched steadily on, crossed 
the ditch before Fort Wagner waist-deep in water, while musketry' 
poured down upon them and hand-grenades were exploded in their 
midst, and even climbed up to the rampart. Here they were hurled 
back. Their young commander. Colonel Robert G. Shaw, and fifteen 
hundred of their men were killed. The experiment was too costly to 
repeat. General Gilmore now approached Fort Wagner by regular 
parallels. By August 17th, a dozen breeching batteries of enormous 
rifle guns were established and directed against Fort Sumpter, which at 
the end of a week was a shapeless mass of ruins. The parallels were 
pushed forward still further toward Fort Wagner, partly through ground 
so low that the higher tides washed over it. The ironclad frigate New 
Ironsides assisted in the bombardment, and strong calcium lights were 
thrown upon the fort, and kept an eternal day there. The Confederates 
suddenly abandoned Fort Wagner, and Batterj' Gregg, at the north of 
Morris Island, was also deserted. Fort Sumpter still furnished a deso- 
late shelter for some of the Confederate infantry, and these defended it 
against a few hundred sailors from the Union fleet, who tried to capture 
it. To bombard the city itself was the next move. General Gilmore 
selected a site on the western side of Morris Island, and placed the work 
in the hands of a captain who was told that he must not fail. The 



6o6 THE STORY OF AMERICA 

ground was soft mud sixteen feet deep, and the task of establishing a 
battery there seemed impossible. But piles were driven and a platform 
laid upon them, a parapet built of sixteen thousand bags of sand, and 
an eight-inch rifle gun was dragged across the swamp and placed upon 
the platform. All of this work was done in the night, and when 
accomplished was still at the disadvantage of being five miles from 
Charleston. But the "swamp angel," as the soldiers called the gun, 
would be able to reach the lower part of the city. L,ate in August it 
opened fire. As a protection to the city, the Confederate authorities 
selected from their jjrisoners fifty officers, and placed them in a district 
reached by the shells. With what mingled feelings these imprisoned 
Union officers awaited the first rumble of the "swamp angel" can be 
imagined. By placing an equal number of Confederate officers under 
fire, the Government forced the removal of its own. At the thirty-sixth 
discharge the "swamp angel" burst, and was never replaced. 

So wide was the theatre of action in the Rebellion that it is impos- 
sible to make a consecutive story of it, since it is constantly necessary 
to return and take up the broken threads of the narrative at neglected 
points. 

In the West, during the spring and summer of 1863, there were other 
events of interest besides Grant's siege of Vicksburg. In a war of less 
magnitude they would have been of great interest. As it was, they 
were thought little of, and soon forgotten. For weeks Generals Rose- 
crans and Bragg sat warily watching each other. Detachments from 
both armies made destructive raids and opposed each other in numerous 
minor engagements. Alorgan, the Confederate guerrilla, won a reputa- 
tion for his raid across Ohio, with a force of three thousand cavalry. 
After committing many atrocities, he was at last met and defeated by 
the home guards of Ohio. The incidents of his raids are romantic, 
and have been the subjects of many poems and tales. 

FOR FURTHER READING : 
History— Batten's "Th-o Years in the United States Army." 
Earlvs "Last Year of the War." 
Polla'rd's "Last Year of the War." 
Fiction-— J. T. Trowbridge's "The Three Scouts." 
J. T. Trowbridge's "The Drummer Boy." 
W. H. Thomas' "Running the Blockacfe." 
Poetry— George H. Boker's "Black Regiment." 
Phoebe Carj-'s "Hero of Fort Wagner." 



CHAPTER XCV. 



CAMPAIGN AT THE WEST BETWEEN GENERALS ROSECRANS AND 
BRAGG — BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA — BATTLE OF CHAT- 
TANOOGA — THE SANITARY AND CHRISTIAN 
COMMISSIONERS. 



ATE in the summer of 1863, Rosecrans, who had 
been quietly keeping Bragg on the defensive, 
began to move. He forced Bragg to fall back 
from one point to another, all the way from Tul- 
lahonia to Chattanooga. Rosecrans wished to 
get possession of Chattanooga, and when Bragg 
crossed the Tennessee, and once more turned to 
face the Union army at that point, Rosecrans set down 
l) to force him out of it. This he did by a strategy, and 
the Union troops hastened to take possession of the 
town. Rosecrans supposed that Bragg was in full 
retreat, but the Confederate general received reinforce- 
ments, and turning at Lafayette, waited for Rosecrans, 
and on September 19th and 20th was fought the battle 
of Chickamauga, on the river of that name. Long- 
street had joined Bragg on the i8th, and the latter general now had 
about seventy thousand men under his command. Rosecrans had about 
fifty-fi\e thousand. Bragg was the attacking party. His plan was to 
make a feint on the Union right, and at the same time to fall heavily 
upon the left, crush it, seize the roads that led to Chattanooga, and thus 
shut off Rosecrans' supplies. But the Union left was commanded by 
General George H. Thomas, who is said to have been one of the best 
corps commanders produced by either side in the whole war, and espe- 
cially formidable in a fight where stubbornness and endurance were the 
qualities most needed. Throughout the day there was a series of bloody 
charges. General Leonidas Polk was directly opposed to Thomas, and 




6o8 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

he led on his men lercely hour after hour. Upon both sides there was 
terrible mortalit)-, t.nd large numbers of prisoners were taken. When 
night closed the s-.tuation was altered but little. The next day the 
battle continued to sway back and forth between Polk and Thomas. In 
the afternoon, however, the tide of battle took another direction. A 
fatal gap was made in the right wing of the -Union lines, brought about 
by a carelessly written and misinterpreted order. Longstreet hastened 
to pour six divisions of his men through this gap. Rosecrans became 
bewildered, and drove fiercely to Chattanooga to make arrangements 
for getting his broken forces there. Thomas still stood firm, although 
the rest of the army was in disorder, and the Confederates, now sure of 
victory, poured up with a reckless disregard of life. As dusk fell, the 
ammunition was exhausted, and the last furious charge of the Confed- 
erates was repelled with the bayonet. From this time on Thomas was 
called the "Rock of Chickamauga. " In the night he fell back to 
Rossville, where Sheridan joined him in the morning, and together 
thev marched to Chattanooga to strengthen the defenses of that city. 
Here they found the rest of the army under Rosecrans. The Union 
loss in the two days' battle of Chickamauga was sixteen thousand two 
hundred and thirty-six. The Confederate loss was between nineteen 
and twenty thousand. With the exception of Gettysburg, it was the 
most destructive battle of the war. Bragg advanced to positions on 
Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, putting the town in a state of 
siege. He stopped the navigation of the river below, and cut off" all of 
Rosecrans' routes of supply, except one long and rude wagon road. 
For over a month these opposing armies rested and reorganized. The 
departments of the Ohio, the Cumberland and Tennessee were united 
under the title of the Military Division of the Mississippi, of which 
General Grant was made commander, and Thomas was put in the place 
of Rosecrans in command of the Army of the Cumberland. On the 
23d of October Grant arrived at Chattanooga. He found the men on 
short rations, discouraged and restless. Great numbers of horses and 
mules were dead, and Chattanooga was seriously threatened by Bragg' s 
army. The first thing which Grant did was to open a better line of 
supply. He had a road built to Bridgeport, where steamers could reach 
it. In five days this line was completed, and the "Cracker Line" as 
the soldiers called it, was opened, and supplies of all sorts were abundant. 
The Confederate line was stretched out twelve miles long. It ran 
across Chattanooga valley, and rested its flank on the northern end of 
Lookout jMountain and Missionary- Ridge. The Confederates were also 



"THE RIVER OF THE DEAD." 609 

intrenched upon the crests of these mountains. Longstreet, with 
twenty thousand men, had been detached from Bragg's army and sent 
against Burnside, at Knoxville. Sherman had joined Grant and swelled 
the force to about eighty thousand men. Sherman was placed on the 
left wing on the north side of the Tennessee, opposite the head of Mis- 
sionary Ridge; Thomas in the centre across the Chattanooga valley, 
and Hooker's men swept around the right at the base of Lookout 
Mountain. It was one of the most beautiful spots which the war 
desecrated. Sherman, who was famous for laying bridges, constructed 
two across the Tennessee on the night of November 20th, and the next 
day he crossed the river and advanced rapidly upon the enemy's works 
at Missionary Ridge. The ground made fighting very difficult, and 
Sherman only succeeded partly in his undertaking. Hooker swept 
around the base of Lookout Mountain, and ordered his men up the 
steeps. They pushed on toward the heights in the face of the Confed- 
erate troops, made their way through the clouds that hung below the 
crest of the mountain, and disappeared above them to the very summit. 
Such of the enemy at that point as were not taken prisoners escaped 
down the mountains. This is known as Hooker's battle above the 
clouds. On the following day (the 25th), Grant ordered Thomas to 
press forward. He did so, walking right into the line of the Confed- 
erate works at the base of Missionary Ridge, and following the retreating 
Confederates closely up the slope. He swept on till he reached the 
summit and turned Bragg's own guns upon his defeated men. The 
Union lost about six thousand men, and the Confederates about ten 
thousand men in this battle. Bragg took the remainder of his army to 
Dalton, Georgia, where the command was assumed by General Joseph 
E. Johnston. After the close of this romantic campaign, a large detach- 
ment of men was sent to the relief of Burnside, at Knoxville, and 
Longstreet, who was opposed to this force, then withdrew to Virginia. 
Long before this time the war had been robbed of some of its horrors 
by the efforts of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions. It was here 
that the women played their not unimportant part in the war. From 
the ver)- first they had been anxious to assist the cause. Their personal 
sacrifices were great. Not only did they cheerfully give up the men 
dear to them, but thousands of them supported themselves in order that 
their husbands might leave them. They sacrificed many comforts, and 
organized many money-making schemes to swell the army fund. With 
the first call for troops in April, 1861, the women held meetings in 
many places fcr the purpose of organizing their efforts and resources. 



6lO THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Out of such meetings finally grew the Women's Central Association of 
Relief, which had its birth in New York, under a constitution written 
by Dr. Bellows, who was chosen its president. A committee was sent 
to Washington to offer the services of the organization to the Govern- 
ment, and to learn in what way it could be most useful. The 
Government did not receive the offer kindly. Even Mr. L,incoln 
thought that such an organization might embarrass, rather than aid the 
cause. But permission was at length obtained for the formation of a 
commission of inquiry and advice in respect to the sanitary interests of 
the United States forces. This commission met with every sort of 
discoiiragement. The officers imited in looking upon the matter with 
distrust. The first work of this organization was to have the vohmteer 
forces reinspected, and many of the men, physically unfit for service, 
discharged. Its chief purpose was to form depots for receiving supplies 
of clothing, medicines and delicacies for the camps and hospitals, and 
forwarding them hastily. Local societies were formed by women all 
throtigh the North, and managed entirely by them. Of the fifteen 
million dollars' worth of articles received and distributed, more than 
four-fifths came from these seven thousand local societies. The 
commission soon won the admiration of everyone in the military 
service. It helped select sites for camps, regulated drainage, inspected 
cooking, constructed model pavilion hospitals to prevent the spread of 
contagion, and established a system of .soldiers' homes, where the sick 
and convalescent could be cared for on their way to and from their 
homes. The hospitals, from being dirty and ill-cared for, became 
models of order and cleanliness. Hospital steamers were fitted up and 
put on the Mississippi and its tributaries, to ply between the seat of war 
and the points from which northern hospitals could be reached. A 
hospital car was invented in which the stretchers that the wounded were 
broi:ght upon from the field could be hung, and thus become a sort of 
hammock. The car was built with extra springs, that the jolting might 
be reduced, and trains of them were run regularly with physicians and 
stores on board. The commission had several large depots at con- 
venient points, where articles were assorted and labeled, and the army 
officers were kept informed of the articles which could be supplied. 
Gardens were planted by the commission and vegetables raised for the 
use of the soldiers in the field. Supplies of all sorts were kept in 
constant readiness, in case the Government supplies should be delayed. 
Sometimes the agents of the commission were actually on the battle 
field with their supplies, and at the front rescuing the woimded. From 



"THE RIVER OF THE DEAD." 6ll 

almost even- home in the North came something to aid the commission; 
if not money, then food, clothing, lint, and all sorts of valuables 
which could be sold, such as diamonds, watches, live stock, carriages, 
etc. Fairs were held, at which large amounts of money were raised. 
From the State of California alone came one million three hundred 
thousand dollars. This was sent largely by men who, being too far 
from the seat of the war to engage in the conflict, wished to aid the 
Government so far as lay in their power. This generous contribution 
from the loyal people of California proved of timely need to the com- 
mission in their work of ameliorating the condition of the soldiers in 
the field. 

In course of time the Christian Commission was organized. This 
met with the approval of the military officers, but did not awaken much 
enthusiasm among the people at first. In Ma3', 1862, it was able to 
send out but fourteen delegates, ten of whom were clergymen, but these 
were received with such favor by the men, that four hundred delegates 
were sent to the ami)- before the end of the year, and more than a 
thousand were engaged in the home work. Bibles and hymn books 
were distributed by the tens of thousands, and newspapers and maga- 
zines placed in ever}- camp. Twenty-three libraries were formed, over 
one hundred and forty thousand dollars expended in money, and an 
equal value of stores distributed. Chapel tents and chapel roofs were 
soon furnished to the armies, diet kitchens established in the hospitals, 
and schools opened for the children of colored soldiers. The writing 
of letters for the wounded men in the hospitals was not the least 
of the work. A coffee wagon was invented and given to the commis- 
sion. Coffee could be made in large quantities in this as it was driven 
along. The commission supported its own delegates absolutely, and in 
the course of its existence sent out six thousand delegates. One 
hundred and twenty of these were women employed mainly in the diet 
kitchens. Dr. Bellows was president of the Sanitary Commission, 
Frederick Olmsted secretary, and George T. Strong treasurer. The 
executive committee of the Christian Commission had George H. Stuart 
as its chairman, Joseph Patterson as treasurer, and Samuel Moss for 
secretar}-. Numerous books have been written on the women who 
volunteered as nurses in the ser^'ice of the Government. Miss Clara 
Barton, now at the head of the Red Cross organization, entered iipon 
hospital work at the very beginning of the war, and at the close of the 
conflict spent several years searching for the missing men of the Union 
armies. The first woman who volunteered her services was Miss 



6l2 THE STORY OF AMERICA. • 

Dorothy L,. Dicks, to whom all women wishing to act as nurses 
reported from the beginning of the war. Miss Amy Bradley had charge 
of a large camp for convalescents near Alexandria, and helped twenty- two 
hundred men collect back-pay due them, amounting to over two 
hundred thousand dollars. The wife of General Francis Barlow spent 
three years in hospitals and died in the service. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 

History— McKay's "Stories of Hospital and Camp." 
Worthington's "Women in Battle." 

Brockett's "Woman's Work in Camp. Field and Hospital." 
Harding's "Belle Boyd in Camp and Prison." 
ChampHn's "Christian Work on the Battle Field." 

Poetry— K. Moore's "Lyrics of Loyalty." 



CHAPTER XCVI. 



'Inruiarh ^ 11)6 Ifjfl 'Mlnnk" 



GRANT GIVEN ABSOLUTE COMMAND — THE BATTLE OF THE WILDER- 
NESS — "FORWARD BY THE LEFT FLANK" — SECOND BATTLE 
OF COLD HARBOR. 



IN THE 19th of March, 1864, President Lincoln 
and General Grant met for the first time, and 
Grant was given his commission as Lieutenant- 
General and entrusted with all the armies in the 
field. Thoughtful people had seen for a long 
time the sore need of a single military head for the 
armies. From the first, the Union armies had sel- 
dom been as well led as the Confederate, and had been 
placed at a disadvantage by working disjointedly and 
in parts. As soon as the need for a supreme head 
was really felt, all ej'es were turned toward Ulysses 
S. Grant as the man best fitted by his independence 
and decision to fill the place. Sherman was now 
put in special charge of operations in the West. Halleck was made 
chief of staff, and his duties henceforth were few. Meade was con- 
tinued in command of the Army of the Potomac. General B. F. 
Butler, with the Army of the James, was held for active service in the 
field. Grant planned a campaign in which he considered the Arm\- of 
the Potomac his center; the Army of the James, under General Butler, 
his left wing; the Western armies, under Sherman, his right wing, and 
the army under Banks, in Louisiana, a force operating in the rear of the 
enemy. The plan was for all to move simultaneously, and each com- 
mander was given an objective point. 

The bulk of Lee's army was upon the western edge of the Wilder- 
ness, a wild, desolate region twelve or fifteen miles square, lying south of 
the Rapidan. Here, it will be remembered, the battle of Chancellorsville 




6l4 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

had been fought in Alay, 1S63. The ground had once been mined for 
iron ore, and the woods cut for the furnaces of the smelters. A thick 
second growth of underbrush had sprung up which was indescribably 
dense, and the whole region presented a melancholy and deserted aspect. 
The Army of the Potomac lay north of the Rapidan, opposite the 
Wilderness. It was organized in three infantr}' corps, the second, fifth 
and sixth, respectively commanded by Generals Winfield S. Hancock, 
G. K. Warren and John Sedgwick, and a cavalry corps commanded by 
General Philip H. Sheridan. General Meade was still in command of 
the whole. The ninth corps, under Burnside, nearly twenty thousand 
strong, was at Annapolis, with its destination unknown. Grant told his 
secrets to no one, for the whole war had been injured b\' treacher}' at 
Washington, from sources which could only be guessed at, but which 
kept the Confederates acquainted with every movement of the Union 
armies. The x\rmy of Northern Virginia, as that portion of the Con- 
federate army opposed to I\Ieade was known, consisted of two infantry 
corps, commanded by Generals Ewell and Ambrose Hill, with a cavalr\' 
commanded by General Stuart, the whole under Robert E. Lee. 
Longstreet was within reach and furnished an offset to Burnside' s corps. 
Before daylight on the morning of May 4th, the Army of the Potomac 
marched in two columns for the lower fords of the Rapidan. Lee was 
unable to dispute the passage of the river, and may have been quite 
willing to permit the Union army to entangle itself in the Wilderness. 
Lee was acquainted with every road and by-path of that perplexing 
region, and believed that he could make up for his deficiency in num- 
bers by bewildering his opponents. Grant wished to hurry the Army of 
the Potomac past the Wilderness in one day, but Lee proposed to strike 
upon the flanks of Grant's long columns and cut them in two, as they 
marched by two winding roads. On the morning of the 5th a body of 
cavalry came into collision with Ewell. Meade had no idea that it was 
the opening of a serious battle, and thought that a detachment had 
been left by Lee merely to mislead. But reinforcements kept coming 
up on both sides, and the fight never ceased until 4 o'clock in the after- 
noon, when both sides drew back to intrench themselves. On the 
morning of the 6th, both Lee and Meade were eager to attack, and they 
moved almost simultaneously. Throughout the day the fortune of the 
fight fluctuated. Hasty intrenchments were made, lost and retaken on 
both sides. About 4 o'clock a fire sprung up in the dry forest, and the 
wind blew the smoke and flames right in the faces of Hancock's men, 
who were intrenched behind a breastwork of pine logs. The Confed- 



"FORWARD BY THE LEFT FLANK." 615 

erates swarmed over, but in spite of their determination and of tlie cruel 
flames, they were driven back to their own lines. Darkness fell and 
closed the battle, although Ewell made an attack after dark upon a 
portion of Sedgwick's corps, capturing two brigades which numbered 
three thousand men, with hardly any loss to himself The Union loss 
in killed and wounded was fifteen thousand, besides five thousand 
prisoners. The Confederate loss was about ten thousand killed and 
wounded and a few prisoners. But the advantage was practically on the 
side of Grant. The Confederates had withdrawn to their intrenchments, 
and from that time to the end of the campaign they seldom showed any 
desire to leave them. Lee had conducted the battle in that desolate 
jungle with the greatest skill, but he now had a general opposed to him 
who could endure misfortune without being panic-stricken; who knew 
how to turn everything to his own advantage, and whose obstinate 
determination was invincible. Lee himself exclaimed after the blood}' 
battle of the Wilderness: "Gentlemen, at last the Army of the Potomac 
has a head." On the 7th, Sheridan cleared the road for the southern 
movement of the army, and Grant gave orders to move forward by the 
left flank to Spottsj'lvania. To withdraw an army in the presence of a 
powerful enemy and send it forward to a new position is one of the 
most difficult feats of war. Grant did this several times before the end 
of the campaign, and always by withdrawing the corps that held his 
right flank, and passing it behind the others while they maintained their 
position. Lee became aware of Grant's movement, and also moved 
toward Spottsylvania Court House, until there was a race for the posses- 
sion of that place. A part of the Union troops had held back to guard 
an attack upon the rear of the moving column, so that finally all of 
Lee's troops stood intrenched at Spottsylvania. Here, on the 8tli of 
May, the two armies faced each other and waited — the Army of Northern 
Virginia desperate, the Army of the Potomac determined. On this same 
day Grant sent Sheridan, with his cavalr)-, to ride around Lee's army, 
tear up railroads, destroy bridges and depots and capture trains. 
Sheridan had been considered a dull man at West Point, and in a class 
of fifty-two had ranked thirty-four. He was very young at the time, 
and lacked the confidence of the ofiicials at Washington, but Grant 
believed in him thoroughly, and Grant's instinct in selecting his lieuten- 
ants was always to be trusted. On receiving Grant's orders, he dashed 
ofi' with his well mounted men, and succeeded in destroying ten miles 
of railroad, several trains of cars, cutting all the telegraph wire and 
recapturing four hundred prisoners who had been taken in the battle of 



6x6 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the Wilderness, and were on their way to Richmond. The Confederate 
cavalry, under General Stuart, set out to intercept him, and succeeded 
in getting between him and Richmond. Sheridan's troops met them 
seven miles north of the city, at Yellow Tavern, and after a hard fight 
defeated them. General Stuart was mortally wounded in this engage- 
ment, and by his death the Confederacy lost its best cavalry leader. 
Sheridan dashed through the outer defenses of Richmond and took some 
prisoners, then finding the remainder of the defenses too strong for him, 
he cross the Chickahominy and rejoined the army on the 25th. 

As the Union army came into position before the intrenchment of 
Spottsylvania, Hancock's corps held the western end of the line, 
Warren's stood next, then Sedgwick's, and then Burnside's. On the 
8th of the month General Sedgwick had been killed by an unerring 
sharpshooter who appeared to be posted in a tree, and in the course of 
the day killed at least twenty men who attempted to place the batteries. 
General Horatio G .Wright succeeded Sedgwick in command of the sixth 
corps. On the evening of the 9th a division of Hancock's had a short 
engagement and suffered considerable loss without accomplishing any- 
thing. The next two days were spent in maneuvering and fighting 
without decisive results. On the nth of January, Grant sent a dispatch 
to the War Department, saying: "We have now ended the sixth day of 
very hard fighting. The result of this day is much in our favor. Our 
losses have been heavy, as well as those of the enemy. I propose to 
fight it out on this line if it takes all summer." The Confederate loss 
had been, in fact, far less than the Union, for the Confederates were 
fighting behind intrenchments. These intrenchments were very strong, 
and search as he might. Grant could find no weak point. 

In the grey, foggy morning of May 12th, Hancock's corps dashed 
upon Lee's center, which was a salient angle thrust forward from the 
main line. Hancock succeeded in sweeping back the Confederate 
pickets by mere force of the charge. He passed the abatis and carried 
the breastworks, making prisoners of three thousand of Ewell's men. 
Little was gained, however, by the carrying of this salient, which was 
an outwork of no great importance. Ewell, strongly supported, stood 
beyond a second fortification, and Hancock was unable to move him. 
The battle of this day is not easy to describe. The men charged over 
and over again; the losses were heavy on both sides; little was gained, 
and no action of great peculiarity marked the day. During the next 
week Grant received reinforcements and resumed his flanking move- 
ments. Lee tried an attack, but was repelled. On the morning of the 



"FORWARD BY THE LEFT FLANK'!" 6:7 

2 2d, that general looked in vain for the army of the Potomac. It had 
disappeared. Lee could easily guess its destination. He broke up 
his camps and threw himself across its line of advance toward 
Richmond. When Grant reached the North Anna, he found Lee 
awaiting him upon the other side, and disposed to seriously oppose 
his crossing the river. The corps of Hancock and Warren were 
sent across the river at points four miles apart, and Lee wedged his 
force between two columns. Grant saw that one of these might be 
snattered, and drew them both back, resuming his old flanking move- 
ments on the 26th. Lee was quite heavily reinforced while on the 
North Anna, and at the close of May was back at the Chickahominy, 
where a battle had been fought two years before. Lee was there before 
Grant and behind strong fortifications. On the 3d of June, in the 
drizzling rain of the early morning, the second battle of Cold Harbor 
began. General Barlow's division stormed and carried the first line of 
Confederate intrenchments. From a second line a shower of lead was 
poured upon them, and when they fell back they left half their number 
behind them. Two more attempts were made, both equally unavailing, 
except that a considerable number of prisoners were taken. The entire 
loss of the Union army at Cold Harbor, in the first twelve days of June, 
was ten thousand and fifty-eight, and among these were many valuable 
officers. There had been an almost constant skirmishing. From the 
dusk of the morning till the dusk of the evening the continual crack of 
the rifle was heard. The Confederate position was ver}- strong. The 
line was from three to six miles from the outer defences of Richmond, 
the right resting on the Chickahominy, and the left protected by the 
woods and swamps about the headwaters of several small streams. 
The only chance for attack was in front. On the 3d of June, at half 
past 4 o'clock in the morning, the second, sixth and eighteenth corps 
moved forward rapidly together, to try what could be done by an attack 
on the front. Barlow's division of Hancock's corps struck a salient, 
and fought hand-to-hand till they captured it, taking nearly three 
hundred prisoners, and three guns, which they promptly turned upon 
the enemy. But beyond the first line no division, however determined, 
could go, and trenches were rapidly dug, behind which the men could 
pro^'ect themselves. Thus closed the twelve days' fighting. 

It was evident that nothing could by done by an attack on Lee's 
front, and Grant decided to put his army into a new position. He sent 
part of his cavalr>' to the James, above Richmond, for the purpose of 
destroying portions of Lee's line of supplies from the Shenandoah valley, 



6l8 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

and then prepared intrenchments from his position at Cold Harbor to 
the point where he expected to cross the Chickahominy. Grant was 
then in readiness to march his army from before the face of the enemy 
for fifty miles, to cross two rivers and bring it into a new position. 
The bridges on the Chickahominy had been destroyed, but each column 
carried a pontoon train. The long lines of infantry, artillery and trains 
crossed over the river at many different points, and an army of more 
than one million was placed iu a position threatening the Confederate 
capital, and the Confederates saw that the end was near and certain. 
Through the rest of the war they fought with a passion which showed 
their desperation. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Dowu's "Four Years a Scout and Spy." 
Edwards' "Noted Guerrillas." 
Eggleston's "A Rebel's Recollections." 
Grant's "History of the Rebellion." 
Lemour's "Morgan and His Captors." 
Fiction— "The American Mail-bag." 

E. Eggleston's "Roxv." 
Poetry— J. G. Whittiers "In War Time." 



CHAPTER XCVII. 



il^a ionfabsrab Srtti$Br$. 



THE CONFEDERATE PRIVATEERS — FIGHT BETWEEN THE " KEAR- 
SARGE" and "ALABAMA" — THE INTERNATIONAL 

COURT OF ARBITRATION SHERMAN AND THE 

WESTERN CAMPAIGN. 



N 1856, a treaty was signed at Paris bj' the great 
powers of Europe, by which they agreed to give 
up the right of privateering. The United States 
offered to sign this on condition that a clause be 
inserted declaring that private property on the 
high seas, if not contraband of war, should be 
exempt from seizure by the public armed vessels of an 
enemy, as well as the private ones. This amendment was 
declined by the European powers, and the United States 
therefore did not become a party to the treaty. When 
the War of Secession began, the Confederate authorities 
stated their intention of arming private vessels to pre3' 
upon American commerce, and the United States Gov- 
ernment then offered to accept the treaty without 
England and France, however, refused to permit our 
Government to join in the treaty then, if its provisions against priva- 
teering were to be understood as applying to vessels sent ont under 
Confederate authority. The Confederacy was therefore unhindered in 
its privateering enterprises, and not onl}' kept a score of cruisers roam- 
ing about the seas to prey upon United States commerce, but had the 
satisfaction of knowing that more would be built for her at any time 
she wished, in the best ship-yards of England. Among her cruisers 
were the Shenandoah, which made thirty-eight captures, the Florida, 
which made twenty-six, the Tallahassee, which made twenty-seven, tlie 
Tacony, which made fifteen, and the Georgia, which made ten. vStill 
more famous than these were the Siirnpter and Alabama. The Alabaitia 




amendment. 



520 THE STORV OF AMERICA. 

had been built for the Confederate Government in 1862, at Birkenhead, 
opposite Liverpool. She was an excellent sailor, carried both canvas and 
steam, was two hundred and twenty feet long, and, though of wood, a 
very formidable vessel. The British Government was notified by the 
American Minister at London that such a ship was being built in an 
English yard, in violation of the neutrality laws, and demanded that 
she be prevented from leaving the yard. But the English Government 
was not over-anxious to prevent her escape, and moved so slowly that 
the cruiser escaped to sea. Her crew were mostly Englishmen, but she 
was commanded by Raphael Semmes, who had served in the United States 
Navy. She roamed about the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the 
Gulf of Mexico for nearly two years, and captured sixty-nine American 
merchantmen, most of which were burned at sea, while their crews 
were put on shore at some convenient port or sent away on passing 
vessels. The Alabama was always kindly received in foreign ports, for 
she was helping to ruin American commerce. None of the war vessels 
which had been sent after her had been able to capture her; because of 
the rule that when two hostile vessels are in a neutral port, the first that 
leaves must have been gone twenty-four hours before the other is 
permitted to follow. But in June, 1864, the United States man-of-war 
Kearsarge, commanded by John A. Winslow, found the Alabama in 
the harbor of Cherbourg, France. Winslow did not go into port at all, 
and thus escaped the twenty-four-hour rule. The Alabama had no 
desire to escape the Kearsarge, and her commander sent out a note 
asking Winslow not to go away. The request was quite unnecessary. 
The Kearsarge waited patiently, till on Sunday morning, June 19th, 
the Alabama, watched and applauded by thousands of Englishmen and 
Frenchmen, sailed out to crush the Kearsarge. The vessels were a very 
fair match in point of size and armament When they were seven or 
eight miles from the coast, the Alabama opened fire, and the two vessels 
steamed round on opposite sides of a circle half a mile in diameter, 
firing their starboard guns. The gun practice on the Alabama was 
very bad; that on the Kearsarge was excellent. She threw balls in at the 
port-holes of her enemy, and swept away whole crews of gunners. She 
felled the mizzen mast with a shot, and pierced the hull below the water 
line, letting floods of water into the hold. Before an hour had passed 
the Alabama struck her colors, and her officers threw their swords into 
the sea in token of surrender. While the Kearsarge was lowering 
boats to take off the crew, the Alabama, with a shudder and a plunge, 
went to the bottom of the English Channel. The Kearsarge succeeded 



THE CONFEDERATE CKUISEKS. 621 

in rescuing some of the men, and an English yacht saved Semmes and 
about forty of his crew, but a considerable number were drowned. 
Captain Semmes had been defeated once before by the Kearsargc, when 
he commanded the Sumpter. That vessel, after a career in which she 
succeeded in capturing many American vessels, was blockaded by the 
United States steamers Kcarsarge and Tuscarora, in the harbor of 
Gibraltar, in February of 1862, and was there abandoned by her captain 
and crew. 

In 1872, the International Court of Arbitration, sitting in Geneva, 
Switzerland, decided that the British Government, for neglecting to 
prevent the escape of Confederate cruisers from its ports, must pay the 
United States Government fifteen million five hundred thousand dollars. 
This sum fell far short of the damage which had been done, but the 
United States cared less for the money than for the establishment of the 
principle. 

While the army of the Potomac was putting itself in position for a 
death-grapple with the army of North Virginia, important movements 
were going on at the West. The purpose of these was to secure the 
Mississippi river absolutely, and to set free the large garrisons required 
to hold the important places on its banks. General Sherman set out 
from Vicksburg on the 3d of February, 1864, with a force of over 
twenty thousand men. His destination was Meridian, over one hundred 
miles east of Vicksburg, where two important railroads cross each other. 
The Union troops entered the town on the 14th, and destroyed the 
Confederate arsenal and store-houses, as well as the machine shops, the 
stations and railways. The rails were heated and then bent and twisted, 
and were popularly known as "Jeff Davis' neckties," and "Sherman's 
hair-pins." The roads were thoroughly destroyed, every mill and 
factory ruined, and only the dwelling-houses left untouched. A 
detachment of cavalry, which Sheridan had sent out to destroy Forrest's 
Confederate cavalry, having failed in its purpose, Sherman thought best 
to return to Vicksburg. He was followed to that city by thousands of 
negroes, who could be turned back neither by persuasion nor threats, 
and who saw in Sherman a deliverer whom it was their duty and pleasure 
to follow. On the west side of the Mississippi, General Banks attempted 
to perform a service somewhat similar to that of Sherman's, for the 
purpose of widening the gap in the Confederacy. He set out with 
about fifteen thousand men, in March, for Shreveport, at the head of 
steam navigation on the Red river. Here he was to be joined by ten 
thousand men, under General A. J. Smith, who had been detached 



622 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



from Sherman's army for the occasion, and Commodore David Porter, 
with a fleet of gunboats and transports. Smith and Porter arrived 
prompth- at the rendezvous, captured Fort De Russe}-, below Alexan- 
dria, and after Banks' arrival, the army moved along the river roads 
within sight of the gunboats. This march was continued for many 
davs, the monotony being broken by an occasional skirmish w'ith small 
bodies of Confederate troops, and slight demonstrations from the gun- 




PICKING COTTON. 



boats. The army was strung out for twent>- miles on a single road, and 
walked along easily, not unpleased with the comparative quiet. They 
were punished for this carelessness by coming suddenly upon a strong 
Confederate force, commanded by General Richard Taylor, near the 
Sabine Cross-roads. Neither commander intended that there should be a 
battle, but the men of both sides became much excited, and it was 
necessary on both sides to keep bringing forward men, tmtil at last Banks' 
line suddenlv gave wav. The cavalr^• and teamsters rushed in confusion 



THE CONFEDERATE CRUISERS. 623 

awd fear before the victorious Confederates. Three miles in the rear, 
the nineteenth corps stood the tide of the rout, and successfully repelled 
the Confederates. Banks fell back to Pleasant Hill, where, on the 
following day, he had nearly his whole force in line. The Confederates 
made an assault late in the afternoon, and were repelled. Banks 
followed this up by an attack on his own part, and recaptured several 
of the guns he had lost the day before. Banks had been ordered to 
return Smith's borrowed troops, and, therefore, could not follow up his 
victory, but fell back to the river Ecore. Here it was found that the 
river had so fallen as to make it impossible for the fleet to pass down 
the rapids, and it was feared that the boats would be taken and 
destroyed. They were saved by the ingenuit}- of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Joseph Bailey, who, though scoffed at b}- the army engineers, built a 
dam across the riv'er in eight days, in which he left a narrow passage, 
though which the water rushed like a mill-race. Within a few days the 
entire fleet passed through this swirling stream of water and steamed 
down the Mississippi. 

Fifteen thousand troops, under General Steele, had marched from 
Little Rock toward Shreveport, to reinforce Banks, but were defeated 
by the same force of Confederates who had engaged in the battles of 
Sabine Cross-roads and Pleasant Hill. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Cannon's "Casual Papers upon the Alabama." 

Semnie's "Cruise of the .\labaina." 

Ammen's "The Atlantic Coast."' 

Mahan's "The Gulf and Inland Waters." 

Soley's "The Blockade and the Cruisers." 
Fiction— W. H. Thome's "Running the Blockade." 
Poetry— T. B. Read's "Kearsarge and the Alabama." 



CHAPTER XCVIII. 



SHERMAN'S MARCH TO ATLANTA — THE BOMBARDMENT OF KOBILE — 
DESTRUCTION OF THE "ALBEMARLB." 




HESE two expeditious only heralded the great 
campaign which Sherman was to undertake with 
his army, and which was to be simultaneous with 
that carried on by Grant in Virginia. Its import- 
ance was almost as great, its difficulties as numer- 
ous. The object was to move forward to Chattanooga, 
reach and capture Atlanta, which was important as a 
railroad center and for its manufacture of military sup- 
plies, and thus sweep a great swath through the Confed- 
eracy. General Joseph E. Johnston, one of the best 
generals in the Confederate service, had been left to 
guard this section of country, and Sherman realized that 
his skillful opposition could only be overcome with 
great difficulty. Chattanooga is a hundred miles from 
Atlanta, through a country' of many hills and streams, 
well adapted for an army acting on the defensive. Johnston was the 
man to make the most of this. He had an army numbering fifty-five 
thousand, while Shenuan had one hundred thousand. But the practical 
difference was not great, for Sherman was not only to act on the offen- 
sive, but to leave heavy detachments behind him from day to daj- to 
guard his communications, for all of his supplies were drawn from 
Nashville, over one single-track railroad, which was liable to be broken 
at any time. Thus Sherman was obliged to stretch out his army like a 
great elastic string, while Johnston could keep his well massed, and 
would also have the advantage of fighting on the defensive. Sherman's 
men were well supplied, but were permitted to take nothing which 
should hamper them in their daring march. General Thomas was the 
only man in the army who was allowed a tent. Sherman himself had 




[xmj>""^'mMJ>m 



^^^TTT^m- 




GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN. 



"after you, pilot!" 625 

neither tent nor wagon train. Every man, from Sherman down, car- 
ried five days" provisions on his back. 

On Ma)- 5th, the army left Chattanooga and followed the line of 
the railroad sonth toward Atlanta. Sherman sent McPherson south- 
ward to march through a gap in the mountains, strike Resaca and cut 
the railroad over which Johnston drew all his supplies. McPherson 
reached Resaca, but found such a force there that instead of attacking 
boldly, he fell back to the gap and waited for the rest of the army to 
join him. By this time Johnston had learned what was going on, and 
had concentrated his forces in a strong position at Resaca, where Sher- 
man faced him on May 14th. The day was given up to skirmishing, 
for neither general was willing to fight at a disadvantage. Sherman 
threw two pontoon bridges across the river that he might send a detach- 
ment to break the railroad, and McPherson gained a position where his 
guns could destroy the railroad bridge in the Confederate rear. Johns- 
ton thought it best to hasten away from a place in which he was 
becoming so cramped, and on the 15th crossed the river and moved 
southward, burning the bridges behind hiin. By pontoons and fords, 
Sherman's forces hurried after. When Sherman was a young lieuten- 
ant he had ridden through the country from Charleston, South Carolina, 
to Northwestern Georgia, and he still remembered how the land lay 
and the rivers ran. He knew that Allatoona Pass, through which the 
railroad south of Kingston runs, was very strong, and could be easily 
held by Johnston. He therefore directed his columns in such a way as 
to threaten Marietta and Atlanta, so as to cause Johnston to withdraw 
from Allatoona and leave the railroad, which, as Sherman's army 
advanced into the country, became more and more necessarj' to it. 
Johnston moved westward to meet this movement, and the forces met at 
the cross-roads by New Hope Church. For six days there was constant 
skirmishing around this place, and in the end, though little had been 
gained, the advantage was with Sherman. He succeeded in securing 
all the wagon roads from Allatoona, and in sending out a strong force 
to occupy the pass and repair the railroad. Johnston took up a new 
position on the slopes of the Kennesaw, Pine and L,ost mountains. 
From here, he could see everything that was done by Sherman's army. 
That army did not try to get out of sight, biit moved closer and closer, 
by intrenchments. For several days heavy rains kept Sherman from 
acting, but as soon as fair weather came, steady skirmishing was kept 
up between the two lines, and the loss of men on both sides was 
beav}-. 



626 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

On June 14th, the Confederate army suffered the loss of General 
Leonidas Polk, who stood by a battery on the crest of Pine Mountain, 
with a group of officers examining the field with their glasses. 
General Polk had been for twenty years the Protestant Episcopal Bishop 
of Louisiana, and in his death the Confederacy lost one of its most influ- 
ential men. On June 15th, Sherman found that Johnston had with- 
drawn from Pine Mountain, and promptly occupied the ground himself, 
taking a large number of prisoners. On the following day the enemy 
had abandoned Lost Mountain and retreated to works prepared for them 
by gangs of slaves, on the i<Cennesaw, where they were able to cover 
Marietta and the roads to Atlanta. On the 27th, Sherman decided to 
attack the enemy in his intrenchments, and launched heavy columns 
against them, while a steady fire was kept up all along the line. This 
experiment cost Sherman over twenty-five hundred men, and gained 
nothing, for though his men charged valiantly, only a few reached the 
enemy's works, and these were killed or captured. Sherman therefore 
decided on an action which required the utmost boldness, and which 
was against the rules of warfare, to-wit: He left his communications, 
took ten days' provisions in wagons, and moved his whole army south- 
ward to seize the road below Marietta. He did this by moving by the 
right flank, in the same cautious manner that Grant had done in his 
difficult march from the Wilderness to the James river. Johnston fell 
back to the Chattahoochee, but instead of crossing the stream, put him- 
self behind a magnificent piece of field fortification which a thousand 
slaves had been working on for a month. But Sherman held the river 
above and below and was able to cross when he chose, and Johnston, 
realizing Sherman's advantages, crossed in the night with his entire 
army, and burned the railroad and other bridges behind him. On the 
17th of July, Sherman cautiously followed, moving his army by a grand 
right wheel, toward the city of Atlanta. At this point, Johnston, who 
had so cautiously and skillfully evaded his opponent, was removed, and 
the command given to General John B. Hood, a man capable of reckless 
fighting, but lacking Johnston's skill and wisdom. Sherman knew 
that sudden sallies were to be expected now, and on July 20th, as the 
Union troops were entering Atlanta, Hood's men left the intrenchments 
prepared for them along the line of Peach Tree creek, and attacked. 
At the end of two hours the enemy was driven back to his intrench- 
ments, leaving hundreds of dead on the field. A day or two later the 
Confederates fell back to the immediate defenses of the city. 

On the 22d, Hood moved out with a part of his army, and attacked 



"AFTER YOU, PILOT!" 627 

a detachment of Sherman's men, who had been left without proper 
protection upon a hill. The forest hid him till his men burst upon the 
camp, and the troops were taken entirely by surprise. But under the 
direction of General Logan and others, the surprised forces rallied and 
repulsed seven fierce charges. A counter-charge finally drove back the 
Confederates. The Union loss in the battle of Atlanta was three 
thousand five hundred and twenty-one men killed, wounded and 
missing, and ten guns. The Confederate loss was larger. General 
McPherson was killed in the woods, where he had ridden alone at the 
first sound of battle. He was a young man, and a brilliant one, popular 
with the soldiers, and of no little assistance to Sherman. General 
Howard was promoted to McPherson's place, in command of the Army 
of the Tennessee, and General Hooker resigned, because he thought 
that the position should have been given him. General Henry W. 
Slocum was given Hooker's command of the twentieth corps. On the 
28th, when Sherman moved again by the right. Hood made a heavy 
attack, which Logan repelled with a loss to himself of five hundred and 
seventy-two men. Sherman constantly sent out cavalry expeditions to 
break the railroads south of Atlanta, but as fast as he broke, the Con- 
federates repaired them. Kilpatrick's cavalry rode entirely around 
Atlanta, defeated a combined cavalry and infantry- force, and thought 
he had done damage enough to the railroad to keep supplies from 
entering the city for ten days, but before twenty-four hours the enter- 
prising Confederates had trains running into the city again. Finding 
that these raids accomplished but little, Sherman again moved by the 
right, and swung his army into position south of Atlanta, and then 
advanced toward the city. The greater part of Hood's force escaped 
eastward on the night of September ist, and, a few days later, Sherman 
made his headquarters in the city and took permanent possession. 

Grant and Sherman had planned to have the city of Mobile taken 
by forces moving east from New Orleans and Port Hudson. The 
principal defences of Mobile Bay were Fort Morgan, on Mobile Point, 
and Fort Gaines, three miles northwest of it. The passage between 
these two forts was obstructed by many piles and a line of torpedoes. 
The eastern end of this line was marked by a red buoy, and from that 
point to Fort Morgan the channel was open to allow blockade runners 
to pass. The plan was to have Farragut's fleet pass these forts, subdue 
the Confederate fleet inside, and take possession of the bay. A land 
force to co-operate with him was furnished, under General Gordon 
Granger. Farragut's fleet consisted of four iron-clad monitors and 



628 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



seven wooden sloops of war. Each sloop had a gunboat lashed to her 
side, to help her out in case she was disabled. On the 4th of August 
all the ships were under way, the Brooklyn going first and carrying an 
apparatus for picking up torpedoes. The forts and the Confederate 
fleet opened fire upon them half an hour before they could bring their 
guns to answer. Farragut's flag-ship, the Hartford^ suffered especially. 
She received a one-hundred-and-twenty-pound ball in her mainmast, and 




had great splinters .sent flying across her deck, which killed and wounded 
many of her crew. But the Hartford and the other vessels weathered 
the storm, and as they came abreast of the fort, poured in terrific broad- 
sides of shot and shells, and soon quieted the Confederate batteries. It 
was known that the red buoy marked the line of torpedoes, and the 
captains had been particularly warned not to pass east of it. Bui 
Captain Craven, of the monitor Tcciimsch^ disregarded this order in his 



"after you, pilot!" 629 

impatience to attack the Confederate ram Tennessee^ and his \-essel 
struck a torpedo which exploded. As the vessel was rapidly sinking, 
Captain Craven and his pilot met at the foot of a ladder which afforded 
the only escape. The pilot moved aside for his superior officer to pass. 
Craven knew that it was his fault that the accident had occurred, and 
said, "After you, pilot;" "but," said the pilot, "there was nothing aftei 
me, for the moment that I reached the deck, the vessel seemed to drop 
from under me and went to the bottom." 

Farragut was lashed in the rigging of the Harlfoyd^ and ordering 
steam on his vessel, led the whole line past the dangerous torpedoes. 
He succeeded in sending the Tennessee^ the Confederate iron-clad, off 
for a time, and sent his gunboats in pursuit of the enemy's gunboats. 
These succeeded in destroying or capturing all of the Confederate 
vessels except one. The iron ram Tennessee then steamed boldly into 
the midst of Farragut's vessels, trying to ruin them with her powerful 
ram and firing in ever)' direction. She was so heavy and cumbersome 
that the Union vessels were able to a\-oid her by skillful management, 
and the monitors poured solid shot against her armor. When at length 
they shot awaj- her smoke-stack, life on her became unendurable, and 
she surrendered. It was a glorious victory, but Farragut, coming down 
from the shrouds, thought less of the triumph than of the twenty-four 
dead sailors — long his companions — who were laid out on the deck 
of the Hartford^ and over whom the brave old sailor wept some bitter 
tears. 

In October the Confederate iron-clad Albemarle was destroyed on 
the Roanoke river. Lieutenant William B. Cushiug, of the navy, 
ventured with a vohmteer crew, in a small steam launch, to put a 
torpedo under her overhang. This exploded and sent her to the 
bottom, destroying the launch also. The crew of the launch, with the 
exception of Cushing and one sailor, were lost. 

KOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Andrew's "Campaign of Mobile." 
Logan's "Tlit- Great Conspiracj'." 
POETKY— L. C. Redden's "Idyls of Battle." 

H. H. Browuell's "Farragut's Bay Fight. 
Fiction— G. W. Nichol's "The Sanctuary." 



CHAPTER XCIX. 



1|ram jttlada b i^a ^tn. 



THE MARCH FROM ATLANTA TO THE SEA — THE ENTRANCE TO 
SAVANNAH — THE SIEGE OF RICHMOND — BURNSIDE'S 
^. C\ BLUNDER — ^THE BURNING OF 

CHAMBERSBURG. 

rj 

HERMAN converted Atlanta into a purely 

military post, and ordered all the inhabitants 

to leave the town. Hood lingered about the 

neighborhood till the first of September, and 

then set out to Tennessee with the purpose of 

destroying the railroads, by which the national 

army was supplied. Shennan guessed his designs, 

hurried a detachment to check him, and some fierce 

fighting took place about AUatoona. Hood continued 

his retreat, and early in December reached Nashville. 

Thomas was awaiting him at this place, and, after two 

days of sharp conflict, the Confederates were utterly 

routed. 

Shennan now set out on his march from Atlanta to 
the sea, a distance of two hundred and twenty-five miles, in a straight 
line. His object was to destroy the railroads in Georgia, which would 
deal a more fatal blow to the Confederacy than even the seizure of the 
Mississippi had done. He made the most thorough preparations. His 
army was weeded out; all the sick and disabled sent north; every 
luxury dispensed with, and every necessity provided for. The presi- 
dential election was at hand, and before the army departed, commis- 
sioners came and took the votes of the soldiers. Every detachment 
of the army was given the most minute instructions, and on the twelfth 
of November, as the army whirled out of Atlanta, the road was 
destroyed behind them, the depot, machine-shops and locomotive house 
torn down, and fire set to the ruins. Ever}* man in the army was a 




FROM ATLANTA TO THE SEA. 63 1 

veteran. There was tlie most perfect confidence in Sherman. Each 
man was, to an extent, in his confidence; knew what he was to do, 
why he was to do it, and was determined to perform his part. "The 
armv was to live, for the most part, upon the country. The soldiers 
were forbidden to enter dwelling-houses, but foraging parties were to 
daily gather sufficient vegetables and drive in any stock which was in 
sight of the encampment. At least ten da\s' provisions were to be kept 
in the wagons. Whenever the anny was unmolested no houses or 
mills were to be destroyed, but if guerillas were to appear, or if the 
line was especialh- annoyed, the ami}- commanders were permitted to 
order a retaliation. 

Frantic appeals were put forth to the people of Georgia, by the 
Governor of the State, to sta}- the march of this ann>-. The Secretarj' 
of War sent word that the enemy could now be destroyed, if the people 
would only arise and protect their native soil. But there were no 
people, or at least no men, to arise. Almost every able-bodied man in 
the State was in the war. Thus Sherman's great army swept on 
through the heart of the Confederacy, meeting with no opposition worth 
speaking of until the heads of the columns were within sixteen miles of 
Savannah. Here the roads leading to the city were found to be 
obstructed by felled timber, with earthworks and artillen,-; but 
Sherman's forces, who had torn up more railroads, cleared more roads, 
and built more bridges than any other portion of the national army, 
were not easily stayed by a few felled trees and some earthworks. When 
torpedoes and shells were found buried in the ground, the Confederate 
prisoners were made to remove them. Fort McAllister, fifteen miles 
below Savannah, was the only real obstacle in the way. This hindered 
communication with the fleet, and it was therefore necessary to carr}- it. 
This Sherman did on the thirteenth. He then demanded tlie stirrender 
of the city. This was refused by General Hardee, who was in com- 
mand at that point. Sherman prepared for a regular siege, but on the 
twenty -first of December, 1864, Hardee left the city, marching his 
force toward Charleston, and Shennan entered it the following day. 
Shennan wrote to the President: "I beg to present you, as a Christmas 
gift, the city of Savannah, with one hundred and fifty heavy guns, 
plenty of ammunition, and about twenty-five thousand bales of cotton." 
The President received this message on Christmas eve, and it was the 
first word which he had heard from that vast anny for over a month. 
Shennan' s entire loss in the march had been seven hundred and sixty- 
four men. He had struck directlv at the source of the Confederate 
39 



632 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

supplies, and had accomplished a great purpose with but little destruc- 
tion of life. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Lincoln was rechosen President, in spite of the 
personal abuse that was heaped upon him, and the declaration of a 
large portion of the North that the war was a failure. That it was not 
so, was owing largely to the combined action of Sherman and Grant. 
In Virginia, events had so shaped themselves that the campaign took 
the form of a siege of Richmond. Lee was confident in his belief that 
his seventy thousand men could hold this well-fortified city against 
any force that could be brought against it, so long as his army was fed. 
To reach Richmond, it was necessary for Grant to carry Petersburg, 
which was the focus to which several roads converged. Five railroads 
entered this point, besides several plank roads and turnpikes. These 
railroads formed the main means of supply for the Confederate force, sfter 
those of the valley of the Shenandoah had been thoroughly interrupted 
— and Grant saw to it that they were interrupted. Petersburg was not 
strongly fortified, and on the 14th of June a feeble movement was made 
by General Smith against the place, which was not successful. Dn the 
i6th Grant himself superintended a forcible attack. The Confederates 
made a stout defense, but late in the day rushed back in full flight. Thev 
were stayed, however, by a single fresh brigade, and night put an end to 
the fighting. In the darkness, Beauregard drew off his disordered 
troops to an unfortified position, and worked them all night throwing 
up intrenchments. Lee, now realizing the importance of Petersburg, 
hurried large reinforcements down from Richmond. On the r/th the 
contest for the Confederate lines was renewed, and Hancock and Burn- 
side carried it at a cost of four thousand men. On the following day 
the Confederates moved back to their inner lines, which were too strong 
to be attacked, and Grant contented himself with enveloping Peters- 
burg with his army. The siege was regularly opened on the 19th of 
June. Grant's first attempt against the railroad was on the 21st of 
June, against the Weldon road, which was the most important one. 
The two detachments which were sent out for this purpose were nearly 
at right angles with each other, but were not in connection, and did not 
sufficiently guard their flanks. A heavy Confederate force, under Gen- 
eral A. P. Hill, coming out to meet the movement drove straight into 
the gap between the forces, and succeeded in capturing seventeen 
hundred men and four guns. The fighting was not severe, but the 
movement against the railroads was checked. Hill withdrew to his 
intrenchments. The Union lines were re-established on this flank, 



FROM ATLANTA TO THE SEA. 633 

and nothing of importance occurred here till the middle of August. 
But near the center of the line in front of Burnside's corps there was 
great interest felt in a tunnel which was being dug by a regiment of 
Pennsylvania miners. These were directed under the nearest point of 
the Confederate works, and the digging was begun in a ravine, to be out 
of sight of the enemy, the earth being carried in cracker-boxes and 
hidden under the brushwood. This mine, planned by Burnside, was five 
hundred and twenty feet long, with lateral branches at the head forty 
feet in each direction, and charged with eight thousand pounds of gun- 
powder. It was exploded on the afternoon of July 30th. A great mass 
of earth, two hundred feet long, sixty feet wide and thirty feet deep, 
shot up into the air and fell, leaving a crater into which fully fifty thou- 
sand Union troops poured. These were unable to climb its sides, and 
the Confederates, after the first shock of horror had passed, poured a 
plunging fire over the brink. Not till eight terrible hours had passed 
were the troops ordered to leave the crater, which they did by one nar- 
row passage. The Union lost four thousand men in this engagement. 
The Confederates not more than one thousand. Burnside, distressed past 
expression at the failure of the movement, begged to be relieved from 
his command, and his corps was given to Parke. 

Lee had become so confident of his position at Richmond that he 
sent a considerable force to the aid of Early, who, for some time had 
been operating in the valley of the Shenandoah. The defenses of 
Washington had been nearly stripped of troops to reinforce the Army 
of the Potomac, and Early hoped to take the National Capital by a 
sudden dash. On the loth of July he came within six miles of Wash- 
ington without meeting much show of resistance. There was great 
alarm in the capital. The citizens. Government clerks and Govern- 
ment officials armed themselves to defend the city. Fortunately, Early 
halted for two days, and in the meantime Grant sent the sixth corps 
from before Petersburg, and the ninteenth, by water, from Hampton 
Roads. These reached Washington just in time to save it, and on the 12th 
Early retreated across the Potomac with a great quantity of booty. 
Little attempt was made to follow him, and within two weeks he made 
a raid into Pennsylvania. His cavalry, three hundred strong, entered 
Chambersbiirg on the 30th, and stated that unless two hundred thou- 
sand dollars in gold was immediately paid, the town should surely 
be burned. As this amount of money could not be produced by the 
citizens, the village was given to the flames. All these disasters Grant 
clearlv saw were owing to the want of an efficient commander for that 



634 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

department, aud he hastened to Harper's Ferry, accepted Hunter's 
resignation, and appointed Sheridan to the command of all the troops 
in West Virginia and about Washington. 

FOR FURTHER READING. 
History— Boyiiton's "Sherman's Historical Raid." 
Co.v's "Marchiug to the Sea." 
Cannou's "Grant's Richmond Campaign." 
Taylor's "Four Years with General Lee." 
Poetry— C. G. Halpin's "Song of Sherman's Army." 
J. G. Whittier's "Howard at Atlanta." 




SH1_1<1DAN'S FAMOUS KIUl. 1 RDM W IM II 



) CKDAK CREEK. 



CIIAITKR C. 



SHERIDAN AND THE SHENANDOAH CAMPAIGN SHERMAN'S MARCH 

NORTHWARD FROM SAVANNAH THE BURN- 
ING OF COLUMBIA. 



^HEN Sheridan was placed in command of the 
army of the Shenandoah he was but thirty-three 
years old, and Secretary Stanton objected to him 
on the grounds that he was too young for so im- 
portant a command. He had not been a brilliant 
scholar at West Point, but in the army his record 
was good. He had, in short, a genius for fight- 
_ Under his direction the cavalry of the Union ser- 
vice became unconquerable. Grant, whose instinct was 
sure in the selection of his assistants, persisted in giving 
the command to him. His instructions were to push up 
the Shenandoah valley, and leave nothing to invite the 
enemy to return. Such stock and provisions as could 
not be used were to be destroyed. The Shenandoah 
valley ran like a fertile road between the mountain walls, 
and down this the Confederate force could be launched at almost any 
time upon Washington. So fruitful was this valley that it furnished 
the chief source of supplies for the Confederate army, and was a strong- 
hold almost impossible to carr>' from the sides. To enter it from the 
end and follow a Confederate army through it was a hazardous matter, 
but Sheridan undertook it with enthusiasm. Early's main force was on 
the south bank of the Potomac, above Harper's Ferr>', and upon 
Sheridan's approach he hastened to recall his cavalry, who were gather- 
ing wheat upon the battle field of Antietam. Sheridan hastened to 
move his army toward Winchester to threaten Early's communications 
and draw him into battle. Early altered his position to cover Win- 
chester, and waited for reinforcements from Lee's army. Grant warned 




636 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Sheridan that the force would be too strong for him to, attack, and he 
therefore waited till the Confederates should take the offensive, which 
they did on August 21, 1864. 

The engagement was not of much importance. For three or four 
weeks following. Early kept his whole force at the lower end of the 
valley, and amused himself by making raids into Pennsylvania, West 
Virginia and Maryland. The cavalry indulged in many small engage- 
ments, with varying results. Grant and Sheridan agreed thoroughly 
as to the method of conducting the campaign, and they paid no atten- 
tion to the criticisms which they received from every quarter. They 
felt sure that the time would come when Lee would recall part of the 
forces he had sent into the valley, and that Sheridan could then deal a 
severe blow to Early. 

All happened as they expected. On September 19th, Lee re- 
called the command which had reinforced Early in August, and at the 
same time a large part of Early's remaining troops were sent to Martins- 
burg, twenty miles away. Sheridan, who had been watching Early as 
a cat does a mouse, knew that the moment had come to spring. Early 
was east of Winchester; Sheridan along the line of Opequan creek, 
about five miles east of the city. Early in the morning Sheridan set 
his troops in motion. The men crossed the stream, passed through a 
ravine, and by mid-day were in line of battle. In the meantime Early 
had sent to recall his men from ]\Iartinsburg, and his whole force was 
uniting in front of Winchester. 

The battle began along the whole line at once, and never ceased till 
nightfall. As the afternoon drew near its close Sheridan had the 
advantage, and he kept his men to their work with a tenacity which 
discouraged and bewildered the Confederates till the}- fled through the 
streets of Winchester in hopeless dismay and escaped up the valley. 
The Union loss was five thousand; the Confederate loss one thousand 
less, with two generals and nine battle flags. 

Sheridan wrote to Grant that he had "sent Early whirling through 
Winchester. ' ' Early retreated southward and took up a position on 
Fisher's Hill, where the valley narrows till it is only four miles in 
width. Here his men began the construction of intrencliments. Sher- 
idan followed promptly and some of his troops gained an eminence 
overlooking the Confederate intrenchments, and hastened to cut trees 
and prepared batteries at this point. Sheridan carefully reconnoitred 
the position himself, and planned to send the greater part of his cavaln,- 
through the Luray valley to the rear of the Confederates, thus cutting 



WHIRLING THROUGH WINCHESTER. 637 

off their retreat, and at the same time to attack in front with a portion 
of the men, while General Crook, with the eighth corps, should make a 
detour and come in on the enem}'s flank. Just at dusk Crook and his 
men crept silently out of the woods and burst upon Early's left. The 
Confederates were astounded. Their own intrenchments were used by 
the enemy against them, and at the front Sheridan pressed promptly on 
and the enemy fled in dismay. Sheridan's cavalry, however, failed to 
get through to the rear, and retreat was therefore left open. In the 
battle of Fisher's Hill the Union loss was about four hundred, and the 
Confederate about fourteen hundred. Early retreated on through the 
vallev, and Sheridan relentlessly followed until he could safely go no 
farther. 

On October 5th, Sheridan turned about and swept his army like a 
cloud of locusts through the fertile region, destroying everything except 
the dwellings. In his report, Sheridan said: "I have destroyed over 
two thousand barns filled with wheat, hay and farming implements; 
over seventy mills filled with flour and wheat; have driven in front of 
the army over four thousand head of stock, and have killed and issued 
to the troops not less than three thousand sheep." 

Earlv was now reinforced, and he, in turn, pursued Sheridan. On 
October 7th, the cavaln* of both sides indulged in a spirited engage- 
ment, in which the Union forces were victors, and captured over three 
hundred prisoners, eleven guns, and all the wagons of the opposing 
force. Sheridan halted north of Strasburg, at Cedar creek, and put his 
army in camp there under General Wright, while he obeyed a summons 
calling him to Washington to confer about the continuation of the cam- 
paign. As the valley had been laid desolate. Early could find nothing 
for his men and horses to live upon, and he was forced either to leave 
the valley or attack immediately. He decided to attack, and on the 
night of the iSth, his soldiers crept silently upon the flank held by 
Crook's corps, burst upon it with such unexpected fierceness that the 
men had not time to leave their tents, and many of them were stabbed 
while they were still sleeping. The nineteenth corps was also routed 
in confusion, but the sixth stood firm and covered the retreat of the 
rest. Sheridan was returning from Washington, and when he reached 
Winchester, heard of the battle. He dashed on for twenty miles and 
met a stream of fugitives pouring in a headlong rout toward Winchester, 
but when he shouted, "Face the other wa}-, boys; we are going back to 
our camps!" the men turned and followed the little general on his foam- 
covered horse back to the defense. In the afternoon Sheridan himself 



638 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

attacked, sending his gallant cavalry around both flanks, and breaking 
the whole Confederate line. All the guns lost in the morning were 
retaken and twenty-four besides. In the battle of Cedar creek, the 
Union loss was five thousand seven hundred and sixty-four, of whom 
seventeen hundred were prisoners taken in the morning and hurried 
away toward Richmond. The Confederate loss was about thirty-one 
hundred. This practically ended the campaign in the valley. 

The arm}' of the Potomac, before Petersburg, went into winter 
quarters behind its intrenchments, contenting itself with a constant 
picket and artillery fire. During the winter the Confederate army 
suffered greatly. They were sometimes without meat, often without 
other necessities, and always without luxuries. On the 15th of January, 
1865, Fort Fisher, which commands the port at Wilmington, was 
captured by a combined naval and military expedition under General 
Alfred H. Terry. This had been an important avenue of supply to the 
Confederates, and its lo.ss was severely felt. On the 9th of February, 
1865, Lee was made Commander-in-chief of all the militar)- forces of 
the Confederacy. He first appointed General J. E. Johnston as com- 
mander of all the troops in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, and 
gave him orders to drive back Sherman. Shennan's great army had 
left Savannah on the ist of February, sixty thousand strong. The march 
which Sherman now undertook was much more difficult and dangerous 
than that from Atlanta to the sea had been. In the former march the 
army had moved parallel to the courses of the rivers, but in the march 
through the Carolinas all the streams had to be crossed. Further- 
more, Sherman now had for his opponent General Johnston, whose 
ability even Sherman might well stand in fear of General Hood, 
who had been displaced for the reinstatement of Johnston, had met with 
a severe blow from Thomas, at Nashville, on the 15th of the previous 
December, and popular opinion had demanded his removal. There was 
danger, too, that Lee might slip away from his intrenchments, escape 
the watchful Grant, and launch his whole force against Sherman. The 
fleet, therefore, co-operated with Sherman; watched his progress from 
the coast, and finding points where supplies could be reached, and 
refuge taken, should it be necessary. Sherman met with some opposi- 
tion, but reached Columbia in a short time. As this was the capital of 
South Carolina, it was expected that the army would meet with serious 
opposition, but it was found that the cit)- was only protected by Wade 
Hampton's cavalr}-. True, the bridges had been burned, but these 
were soon rebuilt, and on the 17th of February, Shennan's men marched 



WHIRLINC; THKOIGH WIXCUKSTKK. 639 

jto Columbia as Hampton's left it. When they entered, they found 
the air full of burning flakes of cotton, for innumerable bales had been 
piled in the streets and set on fire. The city was in flames in many 
places, and General Sherman ordered his men to aid in extinguishing 
the fire. Sherman has often been accused of burning the place, but he 
positively denies all responsibility for it, though he confesses that some 
of the Union prisoners, who were released upon his arrival in the city, 
may have assisted in spreading the fire after it had begun. The general 
gave the citizens five hundred head of cattle, and did what he could to 
shelter them. However, he destroyed the arsenal and the foundries in 
which the Confederate paper money was printed. Sherman advanced 
into North Carolina, hindered slightly by several conflicts which 
Johnston forced upon him. The march was continued toward Raleigh. 
Thirty-five miles south of that city, on the i6th of March, the left wing 
of the army suddenlv came upon Hardee's forces, intrenched upon its 
path. After some hard fighting the Confederates retreated, each side 
.having lost five hundred men. On the 19th of March another sharp 
engagement took place at Bentonville, in which the Union loss was one 
thousand six hundred and four men, and the Confederates two thousand 
three hundred and forty-two. This closed Sherman's operations, and 
he rested where he was until terms of peace were made. 

FOR FURTHER RE.-^DING: 

History— Whitney's "Who Burnt Cohimbia?" 
Trezeva'nfs ■'Bnnunjrof Cohimbia." 
Newhall's "With Sheridan in Lee's Last Campaign." 
Pond's "Shenandoah Valley in 1864." 
Humphrey's "Virginia Campaign of '64 and '65." 

Fiction— L E. Cooke's "Hilt to Hilt." 

Poetry— T. B. Read's "Sheridan's Ride." 



CH.M'TKR CI. 



®\ Saplain! i^ SHptmn! 



CLOSING OF THE VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN — THE EVACUATION OF RICH- 
MOND — SURRENDER OF LEE AT APPOMATTOX COURT 
HOUSE — ASSASSINATION OF PRESI- 
DENT LINCOLN. 



HE closing campaign in Virginia, and that which 
practically ended the war, was begnn on the 24tli 
of March, 1S65, when Grant ordered that a grand 
movement be made on the 29th against the Con- 
federate right. Lee hoped to prevent the carry- 
ing out of this plan, and on the 25th made a 
sndden attack at Steedman, near the center of the 
Union lines before Petersbnrg. The attempt was a com- 
plete failure, and the Confederates lost three thousand 
men, at a time when they could poorly afford them. On 
the appointed day and hour Grant's movement was begun, 
a ver>' important part of it being assigned to Sheridan, 
who had rejoined the Army of the Potomac. Lee's army 
\ had been extended to Five Forks, and on the ist of April 
Sheridan attacked this point with such vigor that Lee 
greatly weakened himself to defend the place. Grant promptly assailed 
the works at Petersburg, and carried the exterior lines. The end was 
near. Lee and all of his generals realized this fact. Lee telegraphed to 
Davis at Richmond, that Petersburg must be immediately abandoned 
The news reached Jefferson Davis as he sat in church. He rose quietly, 
and leaving, made hasty preparations for going south. The night that 
followed was a terrible one in Richmond. The mob broke loose, 
plundered warehouses and dwellings, and committed all sorts of out- 
rages. General Ewell, who commanded there, set fire to the bridges 
and storehouses. There was a high wind, and in a short time a third 
of Richmond was in flames. Earlv IMondav morning a small body of 




"oh, captain! my captain!" 641 

Union troops took possession of Richmond, the Confederate capital. 
They were met by the civil authorities, who announced that the city 
had been evacuated by the army, and surrendered full\-. At 4:30 in 
the afternoon, the Union flag floated in the murky air above the court 
house at Petersburg. The Confederates had blown up all their works 
and were in full retreat. Lee thought that there was still hope for 
the Confederacy. He desired to gather his widely scattered forces 
together and to make one more effort. In all he still had fort}- thousand 
men. If he could reach Johnston, he thought it might be possible to 
escape pursuit, and undertake a different sort of warfare. Rut he had 
marched out with rations for onl\- one day, expecting to be met with 
large supplies at Amelia Court House. The directions concerning the 
supplies were not explicit, and they went straight on, so that Lee found 
no supplies waiting for him when he reached that place, and had to 
break up his forces into foraging squads. The Union columns were in 
close pursuit, and on the 6th of April, Sheridan struck Ewell's corps of 
the retreating anuy at Sailor's creek, and took seven thousand prisoners. 
Weary, disheartened and hungr}-, the rest of the Confederate army 
pressed on, fighting passionately whenever they had an opportunity. 
On the 7th, Grant wrote to Lee proposing to receive the surrender of his 
army. Lee replied that he did not think the case hopeless, but wished 
to know what terms could be offered. Grant's nickname in the army 
was "Unconditional Surrender," and Lee expected that the terms 
would be severe. But Grant only required that the men surrendering 
should not take arms against the Government of the United States 
until properly exchanged. On the 9th, the two commanders met at 
Appomattox Court House, and terms of surrender were formalh' agreed 
upon. The substance was, that all officers and men should be paroled, 
all public property be turned over, and each officer and man be allowed to 
return to his home, not to be disturbed by the United States authorities 
so long as the paroles were observed and the laws obeyed. The number 
paroled was twenty-eight thousand eight hundred and five. Of these, 
not more than eight thousand had muskets in their hands, for the 
others had flung away their arms in their weary flight. The men were 
permitted to take their horses with them — Grant said they might need 
them for plowing. No cheering, firing of salutes, or auy other sign of 
exultation was permitted, and tlie famished Confederates were fed by 
their victors. 

On the 26th of April, Sheridan, in North Carolina, received the 
surrender of General Johnston upon the same terms, and the surrender 



642 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

of all the Confederate armies soon followed. The number of Johns- 
ton's immediate command surrendered and paroled was thirty-six thou- 
sand eight hundred and seventeen, to whom were added fifty-two 
thousand four hundred and fifty-three in Georgia and Florida. 

In the meantime, the country was shocked by the murder of Presi- 
dent Lincoln. On April 14th, it had been his intention to attend the 
theatre at Washington, with Grant. Grant was unable to attend, and 
Lincoln, rather than disappoint the people, went, accompanied by his 
wife and Major Rathbone. An actor whose moving passion had always 
been an ambition for notoriety, entered his box, shot him, leaped upon 
the stage with a theatrical cry of '■'■Sic Semper Tyrannis! The South 
is avenged," and escaped. 

At the same time that Lincoln was shot, an unsuccessful attempt 
was made upon the life of Mr. Seward, Secretary of State, in his own 
house. Mr. Seward was in bed, suffering from injuries received by a 
fall from his carriage, and the steel casing in which his head was sup- 
ported saved his life. 

It was found that a conspirac)- had long been in progress among a 
few half-crazy Secessionists in and about the capital, and that the mur- 
der of Lincoln was the culmination of this. No man has ever been 
mourned as Mr. Lincoln was. His firmness of character, his kind- 
heartedness, his foresight and justice, seemed at times almost super- 
human. Yet he was a man so eminently of the people, and of such 
democratic sympathy, that no one felt awed by him. He was one of 
the best representatives of pure republicanism, a statesman of the 
noble type which should belong to republics, and a man of such spon- 
ianeous and abundant humor that he appealed immediately to the 
•"ommon heart. A portion of his second inaugural address is worth 
■quoting, as it gives an excellent insight into his calm and judicial 
iharacter: 

"Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration 
which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of 
the conflict might cease when, or even before, the conflict itself should 
cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental 
and astonishing. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, 
and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that 
any man should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their 
bread from the sweat of other men's faces. But let us judge not, that 
we be not judged. The pra)-ers of both could not be answered; that 
of neither has been answered full)-. If we .shall suppose that Ameri- 




' ■'•■■'"'■'■ •'"'• '<^™^'^ I ... .>.,..>^u.. 



"oh, captain! my captain!" 643 

can slavery is one of those offences which in the providence of God 
must come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, 
He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South 
this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, 
shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes 
which the believers in a loving God always ascribes to Hi"m? Fondly 
do we hope, fen'ently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may 
speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continue until all the 
wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unre- 
quited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the 
lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three 
thousand years ago, so still it must be said: 'The judgments of the 
Lord are true and righteous altogether.' With malice toward none, 
with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see 
the right, let us strive to finish the work we are in, to bind up the 
national wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and 
for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish 
a just and a lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." 

Mr. Lincoln was buried at his old home in Springfield, Illinois, 
which he had left four years before. No day passes that his grave is 
not visited, and the ver>' clovers which grow about it are treasured in 
thousands of homes. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Davis' "Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government.*' 
Mahoneys "Prisoner of State." 
Raymond's "History of Lincoln's Administration." 
Boykin's "Evacuation of Richmond." 

Grayson's "Great Conspiracy. Secret of the Assassination Plot.'' 
Poetry— Florence Anderson's "Surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia.'* 



CHAPTER CII. 

**'^$ Snnntil ^arua Mmtx f|a$br$/* 

ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JOHNSON — CAPTURE OF JEFFERSON 
DAVIS — RECONSTRUCTION — IMPEACHMENT OF PRESI- 
DENT JOHNSON — PURCHASE OF ALASKA — 
RETURNING PROSPERITY TO 
THE UNION. 



with Lincoln, now became the President of the 
Republic. He took the oath of office on the 15th 
of April, 1865, thus becoming the seventeenth 
^ Chief Magistrate of the United States. His first 
act was to offer large rewards for the arrest of 
Jefferson Davis, President of the recent Confederacy, 
and his official associates. Davis, with a small escort, 
had fled southward, hoping to reach the Gulf coast and 
make his way out of the country. But on the loth 
of May he was overtaken by a detachment of Federal 
troops, under Colonel Pritchard. He was then at 
Irwinsville, in the heart of Southern Georgia. Colonel 
Pritchard and his men came suddenly upon Davis' 
encampment in the woods, and captured him while he was trying to 
make his escape partly disguised in a woman's waterproof cloak. It is 
said that had not his heavy cavalry" boots showed from below the cloak, 
his identity would not have been suspected. He was taken to Fortress 
Monroe, and kept there for several months under a charge of high 
treason. It developed in time that he had nothing to do with the plot 
for the murder of the President, and as many others were as guilty as he 
of treason, he was set at liberty upon bail. Cornelius Vanderbjlt, 
Horace Greeley and Gerrit Smith, a life-long Abolitionist, went upon' 
his bond. He has never been tried. As for the murderer of Abraham 
Lincoln, he died a wretched death. He was shot while defending his 





JKFFKRSOX Ii.VVlS. 





l.(^^- 




^^^^^J2^t> 



''VK CA^•^OT SERVE TWO MASTERS." 647 

life in a burnini; barn, to which his pursuers had followed him, and 
from which they were trying to drag him. Four of his associates were 
hanged for complicity in the conspiracy, on the 7th of July, 1S65. 
Three others were sent to the Dr}- Tortugas for hard labor during life, 
and another was condemned to six years of hard labor at the same 
place. 

The people of the United States now hoped that these last black 
pages had closed the book of conspiracy, suffering and death which had 
marked the War of Secession. The boys — such as were left of them — 
were sent to their homes. On May 23d, the Army of the Potomac, and 
Sherman's army on the 24th, were reviewed before the Capitol and 
disbanded. In every town there were festivities and rejoicings, and in 
every town, too, there was much sorrow. It had cost the country nearly 
six hundred thousand lives, and more than six billion dollars to destroy 
the doctrine of State Sovereignty. But the United States was now 
estnblished as a nation. Every man within its territory was free, and 
the people of the North were as magnanimous as possible toward the 
men they had defeated. The country was scarred with battle fields 
and graves, but among the judicious there was a desire to forget and to 
heal. 

The task before the National Government was a great one. The 
people had troubled at the thought of it, even with the calm and just 
Lincoln to guide them. Without him, it seemed still more serious. 
To begin with, the financial condition of the country was as bad as it 
well could be. Gold was far below par. The National debt was two 
billion seven hundred and fifty-six million four hundred and thirty-one 
thousand five hundred and seventy-one dollars. The taxes laid upon 
the people were as high as they could well endure — not that they 
complained about them. In the States where the insurrection had 
existed, there was the greatest confusion. The people were divided on 
the question of what should be done with them. There were those 
who thought that treason was a crime which could never be regarded 
as a mere difference of political opinion, and that a crime so serious 
deserved serious punishment. Others believed that since the seceding 
States had been forced to remain in the Union, they should be 
represented upon the same basis, and with the same privileges, as the 
other States. No provisions had been made in the Constitution for the 
readmission of a State that had claimed the right to secede, and had 
withdrawn from the Union. On one hand, there was a fear that the 
negroes of the South, who outnumbered the whites, might take the 



648 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

government of the South into their own hands — a most groundless feat 
to any acquainted with the negro disposition — and on the other hand 
there was a well-based fear that the negroes might be governed and 
controlled by their old masters in a spirit utterly at variance with 
justice and humanity. President Johnson did not understand how a 
State could be punished for treason. He therefore issued proclamations 
of qualified amnesty, removed the blockade from the ports as well as 
the restriction upon commercial intercourse with the border States. He 
appointed resident civilians as provisional governors over North Caro- 
lina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. 
He asked these States to hold conventions, with a view of organizing 
State governments, and for the purpose of securing the election of 
representatives to Congress. The States were required to repeal the 
ordinances of secession, accept the abolition of slavery, repudiate the 
Southern war debts, and ratify, by a vote of the people, the several 
constitutional amendments. Before Congress met, in December, five 
States had formed with constitutions, and elected State officers and 
representatives to Congress. The Republicans were not satisfied with 
what the President had done, and looked to Congress for some modifi- 
cation of his action. 

While Mr. Johnson's reorganization policy was causing those who 
engaged in the rebellion to congratulate themselves upon the ease with 
which they had escaped punishment, eleven different States prepared 
laws which were in direct defiance to liberty. These laws were called 
the "Black Codes" in the North. Mississippi enacted a law denying 
the ex-slave the right to acquire and dispose of public property. In 
several States, it was made a criminal oflfence, punishable with fine and 
imprisonment, for a freedman to leave his employer before the expira- 
tion of the term of service prescribed in a written contract. In one 
State, it was made a criminal offence for a negro to intrude himself into 
any religious or other assembly of white persons, into any railroad car or 
other public vehicle set apart for the exclusive accommodation of white 
people, upon conviction of which he should be sentenced to stand in a 
pillory for one hour, or be whipped not exceeding thirty-nine stripes, 
or both at the discretion of the jury. 

When Congress met in December, 1865, with a Republican majority 
in both Houses, it hastened to appoint a committee to inquire into the 
condition of the States which formed the so-called Confederacy of 
America, and report whether they were entitled to be represented in 
either House of Congress. This committee was known as the Recoi*- 



"ye cannot serve two masters." 649 

struction Committee, and their report was looked for by Congress and 
the entire nation with the utmost anxiety. They did not report till 
the following summer of 1866, and in the meantime the States which had 
seceded were not allowed representation in Congress. The attitude of 
Congress offended the President, and in a speech to the populace in 
front of the presidential mansion, he denounced the Republican part)' 
which had elected him to office. Thenceforth he made constant war 
upon the legislative branch of the Government, and caused such Cabinet 
members to resign as could not agree with him. He refused to pass a 
bill which provided for the reservation of three million acres of public 
land in the South for occupation by former slaves, and also vetoed a bill 
designed to confer the right of citizenship upon the freedmen, and to 
provide means for protecting them in the right. But Congress passed 
this bill over the veto of the President. It also passed the Fourteenth 
Amendment over the President's veto. The Fourteenth Amendment 
declared that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are 
citizens, and forbid any State to make or enforce any law which 
abridged the privileges of these citizens. In February, 1867, a bill was 
entered for the admission of Nebraska, which stipulated that Nebraska 
should never deny the right of voting to any person on account of his 
race or color. The President vetoed the bill, but Congress passed it 
over his veto. 

On the 6th of Februan.-, 1867, a bill to provide efficient govern- 
ments for the States in insuixection was read in the House. The States 
of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, 
Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Texas and Arkansas were divided into 
five militar}' districts, each under the government of a military officer, 
who should govern them by civil tribunals whenever he should decide 
them to be more appropriate than military commissions. The bill pro- 
vided that these States should establish constitutions satisfactory to 
Congress, and not conflicting with the Constitution of the United States. 
The President vetoed this bill, but it was passed by Congress. 

At this time Secretary Stanton was removed by the President from 
his position as Secretarj- of War. Stanton refused to resign, and Con- 
gress supported him in his refusal. For this and other reasons President 
Johnson was impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors. After a long 
trial, which closed on May 16, 1868, the vote for conviction was thirty- 
five and for acquittal nineteen. As it needed the vote of two-thirds of 
the Senators for conviction, the President was acquitted. 

During- Lincoln's administration West Virginia was formally ad- 



650 



THE STORY OK AMERICA. 



nitted '■/) the Uniou as a separate State. This was in 1863. In 1867 
Kebraska was admitted as a State of the Union. The immense region 
called Alaska had also been purchased from the Russian Government, 




in 1867, for more than seven million dollars. Its area is about half a 
million square miles, and this brought the whole area to about three 



"ye cannot serve two masters." 651 

million five hundred thousand square miles, instead of the original eight 
hundred thousand. There were now thirty-seven States and twelve 
Territories, with a population of more than thirty-eight million. 

The year 1866 was marked by the laying of a successful and per- 
manent Atlantic cable. A strong, flexible cable was shipped on board 
the Great Eastern, which, after a prosperous voyage, arrived at Heart's 
Content, Newfoundland. It then returned to the mid-Atlantic, where 
the end of the cable which had been laid in 1865 was grappled, and a 
splice was made. This line has never failed, and marine cables have 
increased rapidly since. 

In 1867 the National Grange, for the promotion of the farming 
interests of the country', was organized at Washington. This order has 
now spread all over the United States, and though the enthusiasm which 
attended its birth has died out, it has done not a little toward elevating 
the condition of the farmer, increasing the value of his products, and 
putting him on a firmer business footing with the consumer. 

The Union Pacific Railroad, which crosses nine mountain ranges 
and links the Atlantic with the Pacific, was completed on May 10, 1869, 
at Promontory Point, Utah. The last tie of laurel wood, with a plate of 
silver upon it, was laid, and the last spike, composed of iron, silver and 
gold, was driven in the presence of many onlookers. The telegraph 
wires were attached to the last rail, and the blows telegraphed to many 
parts of the continent the completion of the road. The total length of 
the road is two thousand miles. Its cost was one hundred and twelve 
million two hundred and fifty-nine thousand three hundred and sixty 
dollars. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History — Partridge's "Making of the American Nation,* 

Loring's "History- of Reconstruction." 

W. H. Bancroft's "Alaska." 

Field's "History- of .American Telegraph.** 
Fiction — A. W. Tourgee's "Hot Plowshares." 

A. W. Tourgee's "Bricks 'Without Straw." 

A. 'W. Tourgee's ".\ Fool's Errand." 

C. Reid's "Valerie Avlraer." 
Poetry— Lowell's "Washers of the Shroud." 

.■Walt whitman's "My Captain." 



CHAPTER cm. 



ADMINISTRATION OF GRANT — THE KU-KLUX KLAN — THE CHICAGO 
FIRE — THE CUSTER MASSACRE — THE PANIC OF 1 873 — THE 

CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION ADMINISTRATION OF 

PRESIDENT HAYES — RAILROAD 
RIOTS OF 1877. 



GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT, whose services 
during the war had so endeared him to the hearts 
of the American people, was elected by the 
Republican party, and inaugurated as President 
of the United States in 1869. During his admin- 
istration all the seceded States became finally 
restored to the Union. The enormous debt incurred 
during the war was very greatly decreased. More than 
one-fifth of it ($600,000,000) was paid. Meanwhile, 
Congress had passed the Fifteenth Amendment to the 
Constitution. This amendment reads: 

I. The right of citizens of the United States to vote 
shall not be abridged by the United States, or by any 
State, on account of race, color or previous condition of 
ser\'itude. 
2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appro- 
priate legislation. 

The South was in a fever of anxiety about what it termed "negro 
supremacy." It claimed that the freedoni of speech and press had been 
overthrown; that the American capital was converted into a bastile, 
and that a system of spies and official espionage had been established, 
to which iio constitutional monarchy of Europe would dare to resort. 
Matters in the South had been complicated by the fact that at the close 
of tjie war thousands of Northern men had settled there. These 
Northern settlers met with a hostile reception, and their iiiverference i» 





/^y^i^^^^^ 



A HUNDRED YEARS OF LIBERTY. 655 

the government of the South aroused the wildest indignation. They 
were termed "Carpet-Baggers," for the reason that they usually stayed 
but a short time in the South, and, metaphorically speaking, carried 
their possessions in a carpet-bag. The more liberal men of all parties 
are willing to admit now that these "Carpet-Baggers" were often 
guilty of ill-timed and officious acts. It was largely their presence in 
the South which called into existence the terrible secret society known 
as the Ku-Klux Klan. In some places this society was known as the 
"Pale Faces," and in others, as the "Knights of White Camelia." 
These wished to frighten the ex-slaves, in order to keep them from 
taking part in the elections; to rid the countr}- of "Carpet-Baggers," 
and to sustain, as far as might be, the former slave-holding power in 
the "irreconcilable South." This order prevailed in all parts of the 
Confederacy, and was so secret that no member knew who any of the 
others might be. When the men met they were always masked. This 
organization sent out armed men, who patrolled communities, intimi- 
dating men, and committing murder and other crimes. As the identity 
of the members could not be proved, they were neither caught nor tried. 
So great was the alarm caused by the Ku-Klux that the Governor 
of Tennessee, in 1868, called an extra session of the legislature, 
to provide measures of protection against the order. A committee 
reported that for six months, saying nothing of other outrages, the 
murders had averaged not less than one in each twenty-four hours. It 
reported that in fourteen counties of North Carolina, there had been 
eighteen murders and three hundred and fifteen whippings. In twenty- 
nine counties of Georgia, there were seventy-two murders and one hun- 
dred and twenty-six whippings. In twenty-six counties of Alabama, 
tvvo hundred and fifteen murders and one hundred and sixteen other 
outrages, and in Louisiana, in 1868, there were more than one thousand 
murders. The particulars of this persecution by the Ku-Klux are as 
wild, romantic and terrible as any tale of feudal and uncivilized times; 
to re-admit the seceded States into the Union under such circum- 
stances, was a delicate and a dangerous task. The chief requirement 
for re-admission was, that each of the States should ratify the Fifteenth 
Amendment. Congress now determined that the amendment should be 
enforced, and authorized the President to use the army to prevent 
violations of law, and make penal any interference, by fraud or force, 
with the right of full and free manhood suffrage. Federal supervisors 
were appointed to oversee elections in cities of over twenty thousand 
inhabitants. This continued for several vears. 



656 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

In 1871, the people of the Northwest suffered a great blow from the 
partial destruction by fire of Chicago, the commercial center and the 
chief port of that district. The fire broke out on the 8th of October, 
and originated from the explosion of a lamp kicked over by an angry 
cow. For two days it raged almost unchecked, and was sustained by a 
fierce wind. It spread over two thousand one hundred and twenty-four 
acres, and destroyed seventeen thousand four hundred and fifty build- 
ings. The loss was almost one hundred and seventy-five million 
dollars, and ninety-eight thousand people were made homeless. At the 
same time a terrible fire devastated Northeastern Wisconsin. Here the 
fire was accompanied by a hurricane, and swept through forests, fields 
and villages, leaving nothing but charred earth in its track. Over one 
thousand lives were lost. The town of Peshtigo was entirely swept out 
of existence. Here the fire rushed upon them with a loud roar, 
apparently almost out of the sky, and without any warning. Six 
hundred'^lives were lost in this town alone. Throughout the northern 
part of Michigan there were similar experiences, and indeed the entire 
Northwest suffered from fires, any one of which would have been famous 
at another time, but which, in a year of general catastrophe, were thought 
little of The season was one of unprecedented dryness, the air was hot 
and the wind high, and this accounted, no doubt, for the frequency of 
these disasters. 

Meanwhile, in spite of all difficulties and drawbacks, the American 
nation had been rapidly progressing. Its triumphs of mechanical 
ingenuity were unequaled. Its literature, its science, its art, were 
beginning to win recognition. Its system of popular education was 
remarkable. It had been proved to the world that a republican govern- 
ment on a large scale was practicable, and that the people were as well 
able to defend their principles as a king to defend his. Even the 
constant arrival of thousands of emigrants unacquainted with repub- 
lican ideas, and full of an inherited dislike for government, was not able 
to seriously hinder the onward sweep of improvement. It was several 
years later before these people became so numerous or their mistaken 
ideas so prominent as to cause concern. 

In the autumn of 1872, President Grant was re-elected. Henry 
Wilson was chosen Vice-President, in the place of Schuyler Colfax. 
Shortly after Grant's second inauguration, in 1873, the Government 
became involved in troubles with the Modoc Indians. At a friendly 
conference, the Indians murdered General Canby and a clergyman, in 
April of 1873. Four of the leaders were hanged in the following 




MASS \Ci^ 1 



A HUNDRED YEARS OF LIBERTY. 65/ 

October for their treachery. But the insincerity was not all upon the 
side of the Indians, and the policy of the Government toward this 
unhappy race of people has always been vacillating and selfish. L,ate 
in June, 1876, General Custer and his command of three hundred men 
were attacked at Little Big Horn river, in Montana Territory, and 
destroyed. Only one man escaped to tell the particulars of the direful 
defeat. The terrible manner in which these men met their death, and 
the indignities which were committed upon their dead bodies, aroused 
the keenest horror, and the management of the Indians from that time 
on has been more severe. 

Mention should be made of two great political parties which had 
been formed, and which, though neither of them have been in power or 
even near to power, have had much influence in political as well as 
moral matters. The Temperance party was organized in 1872, and 
consisted of a national combination of local temperance organizations, 
which had been in existence for many years. This received the name 
of the Prohibition Reform party, in 1876. It awakened much enthu- 
siasm in the cause of temperance, and in the course of time Maine, New 
Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Kansas and Iowa adopted prohi- 
bition principles, making it a punishable crime to sell liquor within the 
limits of the States. A number of other States are known as Local 
Option States, and have prohibitory' districts. The second party 
mentioned is known as the Labor Reform National party. It grew out 
of the combinations of workingmen called Trades' Unions. How this 
party was weakened in later years by the movements of a body of men 
known as Anarchists, and too often confounded by unthinking persons 
with the men of the labor party, must be told in another chapter. 

In 1873 occurred a great financial panic, which spread in the course 
of the year over the whole country'. Firms in every part of the Union 
failed, and business for the time was almost paralyzed. The effect upon 
the laboring classes was most unfortunate. Everyone was afraid of 
losing money and locked it up, when it was most needed by the people. 
Mills were closed, great railroad enterprises suddenly abandoned, and 
speculation ceased. The great credit system was largely at fault for 
this commercial crash, and the business of the country was perilously 
speculative in its nature. It turned thousands of tramps upon the 
country; it ruined thousands of rich men, and, perhaps, among other 
things, it brought a few rich men to their senses, and showed them that 
honest industry is worth much more than a genius for speculation. It 
was four years before the country recovered from the results of this panic. 



6:;H THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

In this year Elisha Gray, of Chicago, invented the instrument which 
became the basis of the modern telephone. The adaptation of it to the 
human voice, in 1873, by Professor Bell, of Boston, completed the 
invention. 

Grant's second administration was marked by some grave political 
scandals, among which was that of the Credit Mobilier. This was a 
corporation which placed a large amount of money in the Union Pacific 
Company, and induced many men of capital to embark in the enter- 
prise, and to take stock both in the Union Pacific Company and in the 
Credit Mobilier Company. Mr. Oakes Ames was a leader in this 
enterprise, and he presented shares of stock to a considerable number of 
members of Congress. It was claimed that he did this for the purpose 
of keeping Congress friendly and favorable to the Pacific Railroad, and 
it occasioned much concern and indignation throughout the United 
States, for it was feared that bribery might become open and frequent 
in Congress, and the liberty of the people seriously endangered. The 
only punishment which Mr. Oakes Ames and his most culpable 
sympathizer, James Brooks, received, was the absolute condemnation of 
the House. Both gentlemen died, within three months after these 
resolutions of condemnation were passed, broken in reputation and 
self-respect. Without doubt, however, bribery of one sort or another is 
frequent at Washington. 

The Democratic party at about this time demanded investigations of 
the New York Custom House, the United States Treasury, the Navy 
Department and various other institutions, but comparatively little was 
proved against the Administration. In the South, matters became so 
grave that General Sheridan was sent to New Orleans to see that law 
and order was enforced there, and to oppose the movements of the 
White League. This league had constantly assaulted and disfran- 
chised the blacks, so that it became necessary to protect the freedmen. 
Shortly after this was done the country became disturbed by another 
scandal. This was an extensive whisky ring, organized to control 
legislation so as to avoid revenue taxes. It consisted of an association 
of distillers, in collusion with Federal officers, and succeeded for a time 
in defrauding the Government of the tax on spiiituous liquors. Follow- 
ing this came the impeachment of William W. Belknap, the Secretary 
of War. He was charged with selling an Indian trading post. Up to 
this time he had been much respected, and it was a great grief to the 
people that he should have been found guilty of treachery. 

It is pleasant to turn from these dark political pages to the centennial 



A HUNDRED YEARS OF LIBERTY. 



659 



celebration of the independence of the United States. There were 
festivals and meetings all over the I'nited States, and a great inter- 




national exhibition was held at Philadelphia in honor of the event 



66o THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Thirty-three nations were represented by their industries, and almost ten 
million people visited the exhibition, so that nearly four million dollars 
were received for admission alone. A great impulse was given to 
American industry, and the United States had much cause to be proud 
of its inventive skill, and some cause, to tell the truth, to be ashamed 
of its art work, which was poor, compared with that of the older nations. 
During the year 1876 Colorado was admitted into the Union as a State, 
making thirty-eight States and eleven territories. ■ 

The next presidential election was attended with much excitement 
Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, and William A. Wheeler, of New York, 
were the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Republican 
party. Those of the Democratic party were Samuel J. Tilden, of New 
York, and Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana. The votes of the States 
were very closely divided between these two candidates, and the decision 
depended upon the votes of two doubtful States. It was generally 
admitted that the Democrats had legally chosen one hundred and eighty- 
four electors and the Republicans one hundred and seventy-three, but 
the four votes of Florida and the eight votes of Louisiana were in doubt. 
If all of these were to be counted for Mr. Hayes he would have a 
majority of one. The Returning Boards of these two States declared that 
Republican electors had been chosen. These Boards were bodies of 
men appointed after the war by the laws of these States, and were 
authorized not only to count the votes actually cast, but to throw out 
the votes of neighborhoods where there had been violence or intimida- 
tion. The Republicans maintained that these Boards had exercised 
their power rightfully, but the Democrats claimed that they had unjustly 
thrown out a great many Democratic votes which should rightfully have 
been counted. The Republicans thought that the fraud and violence 
of the Democrats in some parts of these States had been so great as to 
justify the action of the Returning Boards. The question was a difficult 
one, and there was nothing in the Constitution to aid in its settlement. 
Throughout the country the excitement was great, and many feared 
that a civil war was at hand. Week after week passed by and at length 
the wiser men of both parties in Congress decided that the best plan was 
to appoint an Electoral Commission, to which all doubtful votes should 
be referred. Five Senators, five Representatives and five Justices of the 
Supreme Court composed this body, and it decided by a vote of eight to 
seven that the votes of Florida and Louifiana must be counted as the 
Returning Boards had reported them, because these Boards had been 
legally appointed by those particular States, and the other States could 



A HUNDRED YEARS OF LIBERTY. 66l 

not revise or reject their returns. This decision gave Hayes and 
Wheeler one hundred and eighty-five votes, and Tilden and Hendricks 
one hundred and eighty-four. Hayes and Wheeler were therefore 
declared to be elected, and were inaugurated on ]\Iarch 5, 1877, but 
during the whole of their administration there was a bitter spirit between 
the two parties, and the Democrats could not forget that the Electoral 
Commission had been composed of eight Republicans and seven Demo- 
crats, and that all of these men had voted precisely as their party prin- 
ciples had prompted them to do. Fortunately, Mr. Hayes was a man 
of peaceable and conciliatory disposition. Though not a brilliant man, 
he was ambitious to be a just one. Mr. Hayes began by making up 
his Cabinet from both parties, which was a ver\' uncommon thing. It 
had long been the motto of the parties ' 'to the victor belongs the spoils, ' ' 
and following up this motto the Presidents conferred the offices within 
their appointment upon those who had supported them, regardless of 
their ability or honesty of purpose. Mr. Hayes, therefore, gave offence. 
He withdrew all United States soldiers from the State Houses of any of 
the States which had belonged to the Confederacy, and prohibited the 
interference of United States troops with the elections in those States. 
Many of the people objected seriously to this, and especially to the with- 
drawal of troops from South Carolina, which of all the States of the 
South was the most difficult to control. But the President insisted that 
his principle was right, and that since South Carolina had been read- 
mitted as a State, she could not be treated as conquered territory. The 
effect was indeed beneficial, and the States continued to grow more 
peaceful from that time on. Injustice, intimidation and contempt cer- 
tainly exist still in the treatment of the colored people, but it is hoped 
that by another generation this will die out, and many negroes have 
taken the remedy into their own hands. During the summer of 1879 
there was a great exodus of the negroes from the States of the South to 
those of the Northwest. The negroes were received kindl)- in Kansas 
and Indiana, and have therefore settled extensively in those States. 

During the summer of 1877, our Government engaged in a war with 
the hitherto friendlj- Nez Perces Indians. These were subdued by our 
arms as usual, and made our enemies. 

The Government and banks of the United States resumed specie pay- 
ments on January i, 1879. It was feared among business men that this 
might cause much embarrassment, but the change from paper money 
to silver and gold was accomplished with ease. During Hayes' admin- 
istration there was a great agitation concerning the emigration of natives 



662 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

of China into the United States. The workingmen claimed that they 
lowered the price of American labor, and protested that they could not 
compete with them. The President vetoed the bill restricting their 
emigration, but the newspapers did not permit the subject to die out, 
and in 1888 the bill* restricting emigration was passed. 

It was during Hayes' administration that the agitation of the work- 
ingmen began to have its serious effect. In July, 1877, there was a 
great convulsion among the railroad hands on the central roads of the 
United States. The beginning was on July 17th, when the brakemen 
and firemen on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad refused to work, and 
prevented others from working, because their wages had been reduced 
ten per cent. By the next day the entire road was in possession of the 
strikers. A call for aid was made upon the Government, to which 
President Hayes responded with a body of Federal troops and a procla- 
mation to the rioters to disperse. At Pittsburg, there was a special 
intensity of feeling, and the excitement was great in Chicago. The 
Tradesmen's Union held a meeting and resolutions were passed demand- 
ing concessions from the companies. By the 20th, Pittsburg was com- 
pletely in the power of the rioters, and fifteen hundred trains were 
stopped. At Baltimore, the Maryland regiments were ordered out, and, 
as they were leaving their armory were met by a crowd of several thou- 
sand. These stoned the regiments until they were obliged to fire in self- 
defense. Several men were killed. On the 21st, the State militia of 
Pennsylvania arrived at Pittsburg and a terrible scene of riot and vio- 
lence followed. The militia found their enemies so formidable that 
they took refuge in the railroad rouud-house. From here they fired 
upon the crowd. The mob had sacked the gun stores, and returned the 
fire with enthusiasm. By setting fire to some cars of pretroleum they 
forced the militia to leave the round-house. The fire spread rapidly 
and the railroad property was soon in ruins. Throughout the 2 2d and 
23d the disturbance continued. 

Serious riots broke out in Philadelphia, and the excitement spread 
to Chicago, St. Louis and San Francisco. But before a fortnight was 
over order was restored. Some of the companies compromised with the 
strikers, and others ran their trains with new employes. 

The following year was marked by a terrible plague in the South. 
Seven thousand deaths were caused in the months of August, September 
and October of 1878, by yellow fever. Whole villages were deserted 
by the panic whic)i accompanied it, and the industries of the South, 
still young and uncertain, were almost crushed by the disaster. 



A HUNDRED YEARS OF LIBERTY. 665 

During this year Thomas A. Edison brought the phonograph to the 
attention of the world. This remarkable instrument, which is now 
becoming of practical use, will repeat, after any interval of time, the 
words which have been spoken into it. The mechanical inventions in 
the United States within the last twenty-five years have been unprece- 
dented for their number and their utility. The utilization of natural 
gas for heat and light, the heating of houses by steam, the common use 
of hydraulic power, the progress in mining, and the experiments in 
explosives, not to mention the improvements in looms and all sorts of 
practical machinery, are remarkable. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 
History— Andreas* "Histon- of Chicago." 

Phelps' "Life and Public Services of U. S. Grant." 

Howard's "Life of Hayes." 
Fiction— Mrs. Whitney's "A Summer in Leslie Goldthait's Life." 

J. G. Holland's "Arthur Bomucastle." 

O. W. Holmes' "Elsie Venner." 

H. W. Beecher's "Norwood.'' 

Mrs. Stowe's "Oldtown Folks." 

F. B. Aldrich's "Queen of Sheba." 

F. B. Aldrich's "Margers- Daw." 

Mrs. St. John's "Bella." 
POETRY— Whittier's "Centennial Hymn." 

E. Renaud's "Chicago." 

Longfellow's "Revenge of Rain-on-Face." 



CHAl'TKR CIV. 



>|b §lb !]|a^marfe$l. 



ELECTION AND DEATH OF PRESIDENT JAMES A. GARFIELD ADMIM. 

ISTRATION OF ARTHUR — ^THE ANARCHISTS 








OF CHICAGO. 



'^ N the National Convention of 1880, the Reoub- 
licans nominated James A. Garfield, of Ohio, for 
President, and Chester A. Arthur, of New York, 
for Vice-President. The Democrats nominated 
Winfield S. Hancock, of New York, and William 
H. English, of Indiana. At this election the 
Republicans won by a decided majority, and President 
Garfield was inaugurated March 4, 1881. Garfield's 
administration opened with what was known as a dead- 
lock in the Senate, which was a mere matter of party, 
but which, at the time, caused no little discussion. 
President Garfield announced it as his intention to make a 
great eflTort to rid the United States of the shame of polyg- 
amy, which exists in Utah, and his best efforts would 
doubtless have been devoted to this end but for his untimely death. 
On July 3, 1881, while waiting for a train in the railway station 
at Washington, President Garfield was shot and mortally wounded by 
a half-insane creature, whose name deserves no place in histor}'. The 
President was taken to the White House, where he lay between life ajid 
death for many weeks. He confessed to a great desire for being near 
the sea, and on September 6th, was taken to Elberon, New Jersey. 
Here, on the nineteenth of September, he died, mourned by the whole 
nation. His industrious, wholesome life, and the fact that he had risen 
from a poor boyhood, worked his way through college till he stood at 
the head of it, ser\-ed faithfully in camp till he became a general, and 
maintained his position in Congress with so much dignity that he was 
rhosen President, made him seem to the youth of America the t\pica] 





tzuC//^-^} 



THE OLD HAYMARKET. 669 

man of the Republic. He was mourned in Europe as well as in 
America, and when he died, the British court, as well as the friends of 
the President at Washington, went into mourning. His death was not 
the result of any conspiracy, nor of political hostility, but the act of 
jne egotistical and half-insane man, who was angry at being refused an 
office. The murderer was tried, and hung on June 30, 1882. Mean- 
while, Vice-President Arthur had succeeded to the presidency, taking 
the oath of oifice at New York, September 20, 1881, and again more 
formall}-, two days after, at Washington. No new States were added to 
the Union duriv'g Arthur's administration. The nation was prosperous 
and peaceful, and Arthur's inaugural address was notable by reason of 
its being the first one in twenty years that contained no reference 
to the Southern States as a distinct part of the nation. It was evident 
that the great sectional contest was drawing to an end, and all the 
bitterness of feeling which had attended it was disappearing. 

The histor}- of a nation should not be made up of its wars and its 
disasters. Fy rights, the greater part of its pages should be devoted to 
those intervals of peace when education flourishes, industry increases, 
and the influence of home life is most felt. At such times one may, if he 
chooses, estimate rightly the comparative position of his nation, its 
advantages and disadvantages, and judge rightly its value to the world. 

In 1879, as has been said, specie payment was resumed in the United 
States, and ever since that time the national currency has been at par 
value. Any one who possesses a paper dollar can receive a gold or silver 
dollar for it without difficulty. This placed commerce upon a more 
certain foundation. Industrj- has gradually increased, and we have 
begun to manufacture many articles which we formerly imported 
almost entirely from Europe. Watches, cotton, woolen, silk, tne finest 
musical instruments, carriages, furniture, cutler>', railroad iron, carpets 
and decorative fabrics are among those industries which have been 
taken up at a comparatively recent time, and the products of which are 
sold, not only in America, but on the other side of the water. In other 
ways we are not doing as well as we once did. We no longer possess a 
navy of any sort v/hatever, and no foreign sea is ever decorated with 
the American flag. This has come largely from the fact that iron vessels 
have taken the place of wooden ones, and that England has greater 
advantages for building iron vessels than America possesses. As it is a 
law that a vessel must carr)- the flag of the country it is built in, the 
purchase of vessels will not remedj- this deficiency. 

Another great drawback in this countn,- is the rapid growth of 



670 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

monopoly. The telegraph, the railroads, oil, coal and many other 
necessities are governed by rich corporations, who are able to ask any 
price that they choose, and have the power to keep down all competition. 
A large class of men who follow the teachings of a modern economist 
and philosopher named Henry George, believe that all necessities of 
this sort should be owned and managed by the Government. They 
also believe that land should be public property as much as air or 
water. The great question of the country is at present, and must 
remain for many years, the adjustment of capital and labor. There has 
long been a cry from all parts of the country for co-operative work. A 
foolish and impassioned set of men, most of whom are emigrants from 
the monarchies of Europe, and known as Anarchists, are among those 
who have formed themselves into a part}' to combat monopoh- and 
undue wealth. 

On Ma)- 4, 1886, this discontent culminated in a terrible tragedy 
at the city of Chicago. An open-air meeting was held by the discon- 
tented party at the old Haymarket, on the West Side of the city. As the 
attitude of these men had been threatening for several weeks, a company 
of policemen were sent to preserve order. Their presence and their 
demeanor inflamed the wrath of some madman in the crowd, and a 
dynamite bomb was thrown into their midst, killing one policeman 
immediately and wounded sixty-seven others. The bomb was probably 
thrown by a German named Schnaubelt. This man fled, and was never 
captured. Seven policemen in all died, from the results of the riot. 
The city was seriously alarmed. There were rumors of a great con- 
spiracy. It was whispered that a plot existed to burn the city to the 
ground. A raid was made on the ofiice of the Arbeiter Zeitimg^ the 
organ of the Anarchists. Here dynamite bombs and infernal machines 
were found, as well as a large number of circulars on which there was 
an appeal to the workmen to arm themselves. It is said by the friends 
of the Anarchists that these circulars were not intended for distribution. 
They maintained that some ill-advised person had put that appeal upon 
the circulars without the knowledge of the men who were to speak at 
the Haymarket meeting which the circulars announced. It is said that 
Albert Parsons, one of the best known of the Anarchist leaders, refused 
to speak at the meeting unless other circulars were printed which did 
not contain that seditious injunction. These milder circulars had been 
printed and circulated, and those left in the ofiice, it is said, were to be 
destroyed. But even when this point is conceded, it does not explain 
the presence of dynamite. 




. t^i--^ p f^-^' "jP=^^ "nA-**- 



THE OLD HAYMARKET. 673 

Eight leaders of the Anarchists were arrested on charge of conspiracy 
and murder. They were August Spies, Albert R. Parsons, Samuel 
Fielden, Oscar Neebe, George Engel, Louis Ling, IMichael Schwab and 
Adolph Fischer. It is maintained by the Anarchists that some of these 
men were not acquainted with each other; that they had never met 
until they were brought together in the court-room, and that obviously 
no conspiracy could have existed between them. On the other hand, it 
was maintained by many witnesses that each of these men had been 
heard making incendiary speeches, and evidence was brought before 
the grand jury which convinced that body that a conspiracy had 
actually existed for the destruction of the city. It is, however, 
admitted by all that the excitement of the time caused injustice to at 
least a part of these men. They were far from being equally guilty; 
they had not all acted in complicity, and they should have had separate 
trials. But the terrible sxifferings of the policemen who were the 
victims of these misguided men worked upon the sympathies of the 
people, and interfered to some extent with the cause of justice. On 
August 3d, after a long trial, a verdict of guilty was rendered. Oscar 
Neebe was given fifteen years in the penitentiary'. The rest of the men 
were sentenced to be hung. Before the ominous day of execution 
was reached, a petition, signed by the leading citizens of the city, begged 
a commutation of sentence for Fielden and Schwab, who were more 
temperate and judicious than their compatriots. As a consequence, 
these two men were condemned to life imprisonment. Before the day 
of execution, Louis Ling, the most impassioned and the youngest of the 
condemned Anarchists, committed suicide by setting fire to a dynamite 
cartridge in his mouth. It is held by some of the Anarchists that he 
did not commit suicide, but was murdered by the jail oflScials, who gave 
him a loaded cigar to smoke. He died within a few hours. A short 
time before his death a dynamite bomb was found in his cell. As 
all persons who visited the Anarchists were thoroughly searched before 
(.hey were admitted to the jail, and as ofiicers were present at every 
interview, the way in which that bomb came to be in his cell has 
always been an unsolved mystery. The manner in which it was found 
was suspicious. Ling was awakened from his sleep in the early 
morning, dragged hastily from his room, and confined in another cell. 
The jail officials then produced a bomb, which they claimed was found 
beneath his bed. Their word may be taken for what it was worth. 

On the nth of November, 1887, Parsons, Spies, Fischer and Engel 
were hung in the jail on the North Side of the city. They refused to 



074 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

ask for pardon, and died heroically, sincerely believing themselves to be 
the martyrs of a righteous caust. That their efforts were misguided, 
futile and harmful, the judicious cannot doubt, but that they deserved 
death, may well be questioned. Socialism was incalculabl)- injured by 
the agitation of the Anarchists, and the great question of the ameliora- 
tion of the laboring man's lot was in no way solved, either by their lives 
or their deaths. They are remembered with execration by many, with 
unchecked devotion by a few, and with sincere regret by the majority. 
With the exception of Parsons, they were not Americans, and they 
brought to this country the hatred of government which they had 
acqiiired in Europe. Furthermore, the ruling political party of Chicago 
was Irish, the police force was composed almost entirely of Irishmen, 
and a bitterness of leeling existed between this race and the Gennans 
in the cosmopolitan city of the tragedy. The Anarchists were Germans. 
Both the policemen and the Anarchists went to lengths, which were 
prompted by race hatred. The affair was but in a very small degree 
American, btit the movement was not an unadulterated injury to 
America, for it inspired her broader-minded people with a judicious pity 
as well as a greater caution. Svich men realized that the State should 
not alone cure diseases, but should try to prevent them, and they 
admitted to themselves that had these enthusiastic and impassioned men 
been checked at the proper point, or guided into the right channels, they 
might have been saved from themselves. That they were not altogether 
bad is proven by the fact that a man of clear judgment like William 
Dean Howells, one of the greatest of American writers, chooses to 
publicly and respectfully observe the anniversary of their deaths. 

FOR FURTHER READING- 
Fiction — R. Edwards' "Twice Defeated." 

G. W. Curtis' "Trumps." 

"The Bread Winners." Anon. 

Mrs. Burnet's "Through One Administration." 

R. H. Newell's "Avery Glibun." 

Bayard Taylor's "John Godfrey's Fortune." 

R. B. Kimball's "Henrv Powers, Banker." 

R. B. Kimball's "Undercurrent of Wall Street." 
Poetry— D. Bethune Duffield's "A Dirge." 

N. P. Willis' Poems. 

George .\rnold's Poems. 

O. W. Holmes' Poems. 

T. B. Aldrich's Poems. 




-^^_^ ^^. 



.<:r^^^^ 



CHAPTER CV. 



PRESIDENT CLEVELAND'S ADMINISTRATION — CIVIL SERVICE REFORM 
AND PENSION BILLS — MANY NOTED UNION GENERALS PASS 
AWAY — DEATH OK GENERAL GRANT — PROMI- 
NENT EVENTS OF FOUR YEAR? 
OF DEMOCRATIC 
POWER. 



fFTER twenty four years of power, the Republican 
party was defeated iu the election of 1884. James 
G. Blaine, of Maine, was their candidate fo«- 
President, and John A. Logan, of Illinois, the 
famous general, for Vice-President. The Demo- 
cratic nominees were Grover Cleveland, of New 
York, and Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana. This 
election was marked by a growing spirit of liberality. 
Party lines disappeared to an extent, and there was a 
desire among the more honest men of the nation to 
get rid of what w^c known as machine politics, and 
to vote for the man who seemed most worthy to ex- 
ercise power. President Cleveland was inaugurated 
March 5, 1885, with Mr. Hendricks as Vice-President, 
who, however, died November 28, 1885. After the 
3'ja.th of Vice-President Hendricks, a law was passed by Congress, pro- 
viding that in case of the death of both President and Vice-President, 
the Secretary of State should be the successor to the presidency. A 
law had been previously passed, known as the Civil Service Act, under 
which the appointments to certain offices should thenceforth be made 
by competitive examination. The object of this law was to do away 
with the spoils system, to assure greater permanency, and to prevent 
the selection of politicians in the place of reliable and educated 
persons. 




67S ' THK STORY OF AMERICA. 

President Cleveland was born at Caldwell, New Jersey, March 18, 
1837. Three years later he was taken to Fayetteville, near Syracuse, 
New York, where his father, who was a Presbyterian minister, received 
a salary of one thousand dollars. The boy, Grover Cleveland, was 
given a common school education, and as soon as he was old enough, 
became a clerk in a village store. In 1853, the father died at Holland 
Patent, New York, and his son was thrown upon his own resources. 
He went to New York City, and became a teacher of the blind in an 
institution where his brother held a position. A year later he started 
West, and meeting an uncle at Buffalo, settled there. He studied law, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1859. In 1869 he was elected sheriff 
of Erie County, and in 1881 he became mayor of Buffalo. In 1882 he 
was elected Governor of New York by a sweeping majority, unparal- 
leled in the historj" of American elections. While he still held office, 
in July, 1884, he was called by the Democratic National Convention to 
be the standard-bearer in the presidential contest. 

After the inauguration. President Cleveland's first duty was to 
announce his Cabinet, and the day he took his oath of office he sent 
the following nominations to the Senate: Secretary of State, Thomas 
F. Bayard, of Delaware; Secretary of the Treasury, Daniel Manning, 
of New York; Secretary of the Interior, Lucius Q. C. Lamar, of 
Mississippi; Secretary of War, William C. Endicott, of IMassachusetts; 
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New York; Postmaster- 
General, William F. Vilas, of Wisconsin; Attorney -General, Augustus 
H. Garland, of Arkansas. Before the close of the Administration 
there were several changes in the Cabinet, as it was first framed. 
Charles F'. Fairchild succeeded Daniel Manning as Secretary of the 
Treasury, Mr. Manning having resigned on account of ill health. 
Lucius O. C. Lamar was appointed to the Supreme Bench, and William 
F. Vilas became Secretary of the Interior, Don ]\I. Dickinson taking 
his place as Postmaster-General. 

The most difficult question that confronted President Cleveland 
was the distribution of official patronage. It had long been the custom 
of the Government to give all appointive offices to its own partisans. 
This usage, well established since the time of President Jackson, was 
the origin and cause of much abuse of office in the various departments 
of the Government. Extreme party men maintained the principle, 
"To the victors belong the spoils.'' The best politicians advocated 
civil-service reform, and worked against the old practice of appointing 
men for party service, and not for personal ability. In the evenly con- 



CIVIL-SERVICE REFORM. 679 

tested elections of 1880 and 1884, it became necessary for both parties to 
conciliate civil-service reformers. It was they who threw their influence 
for Cleveland in the hotly contested election, and he went into office 
pledged to carry out the views of those who, trusting the sincerity of 
his belief in civil-service reform, had raised him to power. No Chief 
Magistrate ever had more confusing questions to decide, or a more 
difficult work to take up. In his perplexing position, President 
Cleveland showed rare judgment. His sturdy strength of character 
and natural independence of spirit carried him through many a trying 
ordeal, and his most bitter political opponents could not impugn his 
honesty, integrity and common sense. 

During President Cleveland's administration it was rather strange 
that there should be a revival of interest in regard to the civil war, 
which did not tend to allay sectional feeling between the North and 
the South, iklany of the leading participants in the war contributed 
personal reminiscences of the battles in which they fought, and 
although such authentic accounts of the great civil struggle are invalu- 
able from an historical standpoint, they naturally recalled painful 
memories and delayed a perfect amalgamation between former opponents. 
In 1875, General William T. Sherman had published a book contain- 
ing his memories of the war, and Alexander H. Stevens, late Vice- 
President of the Confederacy, had told the story from the other side in 
a volume called "War Between the States." In 1884 General Grant 
published a series of articles in the Century Magazine, and the 
wide interest they awakened induced him to prepare his now famous 
"Memoirs." 

During President Cleveland's administration many pension bills 
were brought before Congress. These bills occasioned bitter contro- 
versies and helped to foster sectional prejudices. The President had the 
courage to veto the bills that he considered unworthy or tending 
toward an extravagant or unnecessary expenditure of the public funds. 
But while he vetoed many pension claims, he also signed a great number. 
In 1884, when he entered office, there were thirty-four thousand one 
hundred and ninety-two pension claims allowed, and in 1888 the num- 
ber had been nearly doubled, over sixty thousand names appearing on the 
pension list. Notwithstanding these figures, the fact that President 
Cleveland vetoed various pension bills that had passed Congress, caused 
the Grand Army men to look with disfavor upon his re-election, and 
their influence was one of the causes of his defeat in the campaign of 



68o THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

While volumes were being written about the war, many of its heroes 
passed away. In a single year, several Union generals died. At the 
beginning of the summer of 1885, the public announcement that 
General Grant was stricken with a fatal malady saddened the entire 
nation. For many months the hero of Vicksburg and Appomattox 
battled bravely with disease until, on the 23d of July, he sank peacefully 
to rest at the summer cottage on Mt. McGregor. The brave old man, 
after traveling around the world and being entertained by half the kings 
of earth, died in comparative poverty, and, what was worse, with a cloud 
hanging over his name. This, however, was cleared away, and the 
American people honored and loved him at the end as a man true and 
faithful, whose only crime was that he believed others to be as honest 
as himself and trusted too honestly and completely. That he might not 
leave his wife in poverty, he worked constantly upon his memoirs 
through the long, dreadful months when he was suffering intense agony 
from the cancer in his throat which eventually caused his death. His 
last days were cheered by the restored confidence of his countr>'men. 
He died, in the consciousness that his book would insure a life-long 
competence to his family and that his name would be preserved with 
those of Washington and Lincoln. His funeral ceremonies were the 
most solemn and impressive ever witnessed in the United States, and, 
on April 8th, the body of the greatest American soldier was interred, with 
great military pomp, at Riverside Park, near New York City. 

L,ess than three months later. General George B. McClellan died. 
General McClellan was the first commander of the Army of the Potomac 
and at one time general-in-chief of the army. He was subsequently 
Democratic candidate for President, and later Governor of New York. 

General Winfield S. Hancock, senior Major-General of the United 
States Army, was the next to be called away. In 1880, he was the 
Democratic candidate for President, and was defeated by President 
Garfield. 

Before the close of 1886, another Union commander died. Late in 
December, Major-General John A. Logan, United States Senator from 
Illinois, became ill at his home, Calumet Place, in Washington City. 
He had long been a sufferer from rheumatism, brought on by exposure 
in the early campaigns of the war. Few men did more than General 
Logan to strengthen the Union sentiment in the wavering border States. 
Without military training, he rose rapidly in the army and became the 
great volunteer general of the war. When the rebellion broke out, he 
resigned his seat in Congress and joined the Union army. In 1884, 



CIVIL-SERVICE REFORM. 6Sl 

after being defeated in his candidacy for Vice-President upon the 
Republican ticket, he resumed his duties in the United States Senate. 
Mrs. Logan, a woman of rare intellectual power, was always a wise 
counselor and a noble companion to her illustrious husband, and she will 
always occupy a high place in the regard of the American people. 

On November 25, 1885, Thomas A. Hendricks, the Vice-President, 
was stricken with paralysis and died suddenly at Indianapolis. He was 
buried at the beautiful Crown Hill Cemetery, near that city. 

A little later, two other distinguished Democratic leaders joined 
"the great majority." On February 12, 1886, Horatio Seymour died 
at his home in Utica, New York. He had reached the ripe age of 
seventy-six, and his long life had been one of great activity. In 1868, 
he was the Democratic candidate for President against General Grant. 
Samuel J. Tilden, the most distinguished man in Democratic politics, 
died at his home, called Greystone, near Yonkers, New York, August 4, 
1886. He was born February 14, 181 4, and, although in his sevent}-- 
thiru year at the time of his death, his intellectual force was unabated 
and his faculties unimpaired. He faithfully served his party for more 
than fort}' years and held many places of public trust. In 1876, he 
was nominated for President and polled a majority of the popular votes, 
although he failed to receive a majority from the Electoral College. 
After his candidacy for President, Mr. Tilden retired from public life, 
but he continued to be a guiding spirit iu his party until his death. 

In April, 1884, Cincinnati was the scene of terrible riots, which 
grew out of distrust of the courts. A murderer was not, according to 
the judgment of the people, dealt with severely enough, and the "laws' 
delays" had become so frequent that the people protested. Their 
protest took the form of a riot, the only results of which were disaster. 
Many were killed by the militia, the court house was burned, many 
thousand dollars' worth of public property was destroyed, the city 
kept under first mob and then martial rule for several days — and all to 
no end. 

August and September of 18S6 saw the destruction of the beautiful 
city of Charleston by earthquake. A series of shocks, extending over 
three days, devastated the city. Hundreds of people were killed, and 
those who escaped death were rendered homeless. Like Chicago, 
however, the city rapidly rose out of its ruins. 

The summer of 1888 saw a return of the epidemic of yellow fever in 
the South. Thousands of people died, but the percentage of death was 
not so srreat among: those attacked b\' the disease as it had formerlv 



682 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

been. The relief of the sufferers, both in the Charleston catastrophe 
and in the plague-stricken portions of the South, was prompt and cordial, 
and came from all parts of the United States. The generosit}- of the 
North upon these occasions did much to dissipate the bitterness between 
the sections. 

In March, 1887, the country sustained a great loss in the death of 
Henry Ward Beecher, the orator, writer and philanthropist. He was 
taken away from a life that was still busy, notwithstanding increasing 
years and constantly widening fields of labor. No man did more than 
he to broaden popular ideas and teach liberality of thought. His work 
as a moral reformer and political instructor was even more prominent 
than as a preacher and theological thinker. Living in a critical period 
of American history, he threw himself into the anti-slaver}' conflict and 
took first rank on a platfonn that abounded with orators. No subject 
ever evoked more brilliant and forcible oratory than the slavery question, 
and no single voice did more than Mr. Beecher' s to arouse the North 
against the encroachments of slave power. Against every compromise 
measure, he protested in language that was most eloquent and indig- 
nant, yet in his indignation he never lost his moral composure and self- 
restraint. By far the most remarkable of his political addresses were 
those delivered by him in Great Britain in 1863. He spoke in 
Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool and London, and each address was 
prepared with special reference to the audience that would hear it. The 
greatest danger to the national cause in our civil war was from the 
intervention of European powers. England was especially feared. To 
these four addresses, more than any other one cause, America is indebted 
for the subsequent sympathy of the common people of England. Mr, 
Beecher took an active part in several presidential campaign.s. At the 
time of President Lincoln's second candidacy, he made a series of 
brilliant political speeches, and he exerted a powerful influence in secur- 
ing the election of President Cleveland. Born in Litchfield, Connectictit, 
June 24, 1813, Henry Ward Beecher's early education was of the 
severe New England type. He graduated from Amherst, in 1834. 
In 1837, he began his ministry in the small town of Lawrenceburg, 
Indiana. In 1839, he took charge of the Presbyterian Church at 
Indianapolis, and in 1847 accepted a call to the Plymouth Congrega- 
tional Church, of Brooklyn, New York. It was with Plymouth Church 
that his name was henceforth inseparably connected, and during his 
ministry of forty years in its pulpit was a powerful molder of public 
Opinion. While laboring with exceptional vigor in completing bis 



CIVIL-SERVICE REFORM. 683 

long-delayed "Life of Christ," which he purposed to follow with an 
autobiography, Mr. Beecher was suddenly stricken with apoplexy, and 
after lingering for a few days in an unconscious condition, passed away 
on the morning of March 8th. His death produced wide-spread sorrow 
throughout the American nation. In pulpits representing ever\' school 
of thought, sermons on his career and character were preached, and in 
all sorts of organizations, religious and secular, resolutions to his 
memor}- were passed. 

One of the most noted pieces of legislation during President Cleve- 
land's administration was the Inter-State Commerce Law. The bill was 
introduced before the Forty-ninth Congress and attracted much atten- 
tion, as it was intended to benefit the public by reducing railway fares 
and freight charges. After a long fight in Congress, during which time 
the bill was several times altered, it finally became a law. The bill 
provided for uniform freight and passenger rates upon all railroads 
throughout the United States. 

President Cleveland had the satisfaction of knowing that four great 
States were admitted to the Union immediately preceding the close of 
his administration. This was an unusual number to be added under 
one President. These States were North and South Dakota, Montana 
and Washington. Dakota was entitled to admission some time before, 
but unworthy political motives prevented it from claiming its right 
place as a State. 

President Cleveland's administration was notable from a social point 
of view. The inauguration of a Democratic President for the first time 
in a quarter of a century naturally created great enthusiasm. The 
ceremonies were impressive, and the event was celebrated with much 
pomp, although the man who assumed the Chief Magistrate's chair was 
one of the most unostentatious of men. 

President Cleveland being unmarried, his youngest sister, Miss 
Rose Elizabeth Cleveland, became the hostess of the White House. A 
woman of progressive ideas, intellectual and thoughtful, she immedi- 
ately made a pleasant impression upon the public. When her father 
died, she was a child eleven years old, and the care of her education 
devolved upon her mother. She was naturally studious, and early gave 
evidence of a strong and original mind. After graduating from a 
prominent seminary she returned to it as a teacher. Later, she became 
principal of the Collegiate Institute, at Lafayette, Indiana. Her health 
becoming impaired, she withdrew from active school work and became 



684 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

a lecturer upon historical subjects in several large seminaries. She 
made her home at Holland Patent, New York, and at the death of her 
mother she continued to live at the old home until she was summoned 
away from her books to do the honors of the White House, where she 
presided with tact and dignity until the marriage of her brother. Miss 
Cleveland had become known as a writer of essays and literary criti- 
cisms, and while residing at the White House she found time to publish 
a book which met with great success. 

In May, 1886, the approaching marriage of the President was 
announced, and the prospect of a wedding at the White House piqued 
the public interest. The bride-elect, Miss Frances Folsom, had been 
in Europe for some time and she was almost unknown in Washington, 
where she was soon to be the center of official social life. She was 
born in Buffalo, New York, and was the only daughter of Oscar Fol- 
som, a prominent lawyer of that city. In 1870, Mr. Folsom became a 
partner of Mr. Cleveland in the practice of law, and a strong friendship 
sprang tip between the two lawyers. Death soon severed this friend- 
ship, however, for in July, 1875, Mr. Folsom was thrown from a car- 
riage and killed. Mrs. Folsom immediately gave up her home in Buf- 
falo and removed to Medina, where she devoted herself to the education 
of her daughter, who was later sent to Wells College, Aurora. At 
school and college, the future wife of the highest official in the land 
was distinguished for her studious habits and bright mind, and she 
graduated from Wells College with high honors. Mr. Cleveland never 
lost sight of his partner's wife and daughter, and, during her school 
days, the young girl received many tokens of his friendly regard. 

On the evening of June 2, 1886, President Cleveland and ]\Iiss 
Frances Folsom were married. The ceremony was performed in the 
Blue Room of the White House, the Reverend Byron Sunderland, D. D., 
officiating, assisted by the Reverend William Cleveland. As the mar- 
riage ceremony was performed, a salute of cannon was fired from the navy 
yard, and all the bells of the city churches rang greetings. On June 
15th, the President and Mrs. Cleveland held an official reception, and 
the winsome manners of the new lady of the White House won every 
heart. Three days later another reception was held at which not less 
than ten thousand people crowded to meet Mrs. Cleveland, who wore 
her bridal gown and had the Blue Room decorated with flowers, just as 
it had been on the evening of the wedding. 

Although only twenty-two years old and but a short time out of 
school when she became the first lad)- of the land, Mrs. Cleveland main- 



CIVIL-SERVICK REFORM. 685 

taiiied the dignity of her exalted position with such tact and discretion 
that no word of criticism was ever passed upon her. Beautiful, gentle 
and kind, she endeared herself to the people. Highly accomplished, 
unaffected in manner and fascinating in address, she was everywhere 
loved and honored. In 1887, the President and Mrs. Cleveland made a 
tour through the country, going as far north as St. Paul, Minnesota, 
and as far south as Montgomery, Alabama. They were welcomed 
everywhere with great enthusiasm, the cities vieing with one another in 
the preparations for their entertainment. 

In the National Democratic Convention of 1888, President Cleve- 
land was unanimously renominated, but he was defeated in the election 
by the Republican candidate, General Benjamin F. Harrison, of Indiana. 
The reasons for Repviblican success have been studied with much curi- 
osity, and statesmen have had cause to remember the prophecy of 
General John A. Logan. He said that the election of 1888 would 
result in Republican triumph, for the reason that the children born 
after the close of the War of Secession would become of age and that 
they would be Republicans by heredity. 

After the inauguration of President Harrison, Mr. Cleveland resumed 
the practice of law, associating himself with a prominent firm in New 
York City. As President of the United States, he left an honorable 
record. He was an indefatigable worker, spending many hours ever)' 
day at his desk. His administration was noted for the business-like 
methods that he employed. An ardent advocate of tariff reform, he 
devoted much space in his annual messages to the subject. 

FOR FURTHER RE.'tDING: 
Fiction— E. Eggleston's "The Hoosier Schoolmaster.'* 
E. Eggleston's "The Circuit Rider." 

E. Egglestou's "Roxy." 

F. Wmthrop's "John Brent." 
J. W. DeForrest's "Overland." 
Rattlehead's "Arkan.sas Doctor." 
Bret Harte's "Luck of Roaring Camp." 
Bayard Taylor's "Hannah Thurston." 

Mrs. H. W. Bucher's "From Dawn to Daylight." 
Huntington's "Alban." 

F. W. Shelton's "The Rector of St. Bardolph's." 
L. M. Childs' "A Romance of the Republic." 

Mark Twain's "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." 
C. E. Whitehead's "Wild Sports in the South." 
Poetry — Lowell's Poems. 

Bayard Taylor's Poems. 
Bret Harte's Poems. 



CHAPTER CVI. 



JraBifenl ]|Hrri$oit'B JnHugurHliott. 

THE MEMBERS OF THE CABINET AND THE FOREIGN MINISTERS — THE 
CELEBRATION OK THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF 
WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION — THE OPEN- 
\ ING OF OKLAHOMA TERRITORY— 

^ kW" }' -'"^ "^^^ SAMOAN DISASTER. 



HE National Republican Convention, which nomi- 
nated President Harrison, met in the great 
Auditorium building at Chicago, June 19, 1888. 
Its proceedings were watched with wide-spread in- 
terest, as there were man}- candidates for noniina 
tion, and the delegates representing them were the 
most illustrious men of the nation. After several days of 
deliberation, Benjamin Harrison was unanimously nomi- 
nated on the eighth ballot. During the campaign which 
followed, there was less party bitterness than formerly, 
and the contest was not so personal as in previous times 
of political excitement. The tariff question was the 
principal issue. Protection and free trade were to de- 
cide the vote of the people. During his administratiou. 
President Cleveland had been outspoken in his free-trade 
principles, and the Democratic platform advocated a reduction of the 
tariff, while the Republicans cluug to their belief in the efficiency of 
protection. Among the Republicans there were many veterans who 
had voted for Benjamin Harrison's grandfather. "Tippecanoe" clubs 
were formed and the log cabin appeared upon campaign banners. In 
the political processions many aged men marched and shouted for the 
descendant of their former candidate. 

On March 4, 1889, President Harrison and Vice-President Morton 
were given the oath of office. The city of Washington was gayly 
decorated, and thousands of people assembled to witness the inaugura- 
tion ceremonies. President Harrison delivered his inaugural address from 




PRESIDENT HARRISON'S INAUGURATION. 689 

the portico of the Capitol, where Chief Justice Fuller had administered 
the oath of office. The da>- was unfortunately rainy and unpleasant; 
but the crowd, which was one of the largest ever gathered in Washing- 
ton, listened with respectful attention. The inaugural address of 
President Harrison was a modest, thoughtful, well-written and dignified 
document. It was characterized by a patriotic sentiment of Unionism. 
It was of moderate length, and afforded ample opportimity to touch upon 
the questions of conspicuous national importance. The introduction of 
the message was suggested naturally by the political sentiments asso- 
ciated with the centennial of the nation's existence, for it was just one 
hundred years after the framing of the Constitution of the United 
States. The protective system was touched upon. President Harri.sou 
indorsed protection, and looked hopefully to its continuance. In the 
course of the address, the subject of monopolies was mentioned. 
President Harrison uttered a warning against corporations violating the 
rights of the people. He suggested an amendment to the naturaliza- 
tion law.s — an amendment that would insure a closer scrutiny of the 
characters of those who come here, and which would exclude those who 
are likely to become a burden upon public charity. He outlined a 
firm and dignified polic\'. 

A great ball, at which twelve thousand people were present, was given 
in the immense Pension building on the evening of the inauguration day. 
The preparations for the ball were elaborate, and the presidential party 
met with an enthusiastic welcome 

Benjamin Harrison, the twenty-third President of the United States, 
was born at North Bend, Hamilton county, Ohio, August 20, 1833. 
He studied at home until 1841, when he was sent to Farmer's College, 
near Cincinnati. His boyhood was not unlike that of other boys reared 
upon a farm, and was quite uneventful. At fifteen, he entered Miami 
University, at Oxford, Ohio, and was graduated from that institution, 
three years later. While at college, he became engaged to Miss Caroline 
W. Scott, a daughter of Dr. John Scott, who was principal of an 
academy for young ladies. After leaving college, he immediately 
.studied law, and before he had quite finished his legal course he was 
married, on the 25th of October, 1853. -^^ March, 1854, he settled in 
Indianapolis, and there began a brave struggle with the world. Mr. 
Harrison was not burdened with riches, and he and his young wife 
began life in the simplest manner. At first, business was slow in coming, 
and -when appointed crier of the Federal Court, the young law^'er gladly 
accepted the humble office with its slight renumeration of two dollars 



690 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

and a half a day. In i860, he was a candidate before the Republican 
convention for Reporter of the Supreme Court of the State, and 
obtained the office to which he was afterward repeatedly re-elected. 

When the rumors of civil war reached him, Mr. Harrison was 
anxious to be one of the first volunteers. Remembering his wife and 
young children, he hesitated. President Lincoln having issued a procla- 
mation calling for troops, the Governor of Indiana found difficulty in 
filling the quota due from his State. The grandson of General William 
Henry Harrison could hesitate no longer. He immediately raised a 
regiment. While it was drilling, he was commissioned second lieuten- 
ant. When the regiment joined the army, its second lieiitenant became 
the colonel of the Seventieth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Colonel 
Harrison proved to be a brave soldier, and when he was discharged from 
the army in June, 1865, he had risen to the rank of brigadier-general. 
He was the hero of Peach Tree Creek, and was brevetted for his gallant 
acts upon the field. 

In 1876 many influential Republicans in the State insisted that Gen- 
eral Harrison should allow his name to be placed on the ticket for 
Governor. He declined the honor, but was nevertheless nominated. 
The result of the election was unfavorable to him, although he ran 
ahead of his ticket and was defeated by a small majority. Two years 
later he was called upon to preside over the State Convention, and in 
1880 he was chairman of the Indiana delegation at the National Con- 
vention. In 1884, he again represented his State at the National 
Convention which met in Chicago. 

He was elected to the United States Senate in 1880, and served 
until 1886, when he resumed the practice of law in Indianapolis. As 
a law)'er. General Harrison had many natural gifts. He was quick of 
apprehension and broad of judgment. He was naturally analytical and 
logical, a patient student and a deep thinker. In private life, he was 
much esteemed by all who knew him. Modest and unassuming in 
manner, he still showed marked individuality and strong character. As 
a genial friend, a good citizen and a brilliant lawyer, he was highly 
honored in his native State, and his record in the United States Senate 
gave him a national reputation for unswerving loyalty to the interests 
of the people whom he represented. 

Levi P. Morton, the Vice-President, was born at Sherman, Ver- 
mont, May 10, 1824. When ver)- young he entered mercantile life, 
and soon became a partner in the Boston firm with which he was 
engaged. He removed to New York, four years later, continuing as 



PRESIDENT HARRISON'S INAUGURATION. 691 

a merchant until 1863, when he founded the banking house of Morton, 
Bliss & Co. At the same time he established a branch in London 
under the firm name of Morton, Rose &; Co. , and this firm acted as the 
financial agents of the United States Government from 1S73 to 1884. 
In 1878, Mr. ]Morton was appointed Honorary Commissioner to the 
Paris Exposition, and the same year was elected to Congress, where he 
served for two terms. President Garfield tendered him the oflfice of 
Secretary of the Navy, which he declined, preferring to acccept the 
appointment of Minister to France. After the expiration of his term 
as foreign minister, Mr. Morton held no public office until elected Vice- 
President of the United States. 

On j\Iarcli 5th, the day after the inauguration, President Harrison 
sent the names of his Cabinet to the Senate for confirmation. They 
were: For Secretary of State, James G. Blaine, of Maine; Secretary 
of the Treasury, William Windom, of Minnesota; Secretary of War, 
Redfield Proctor, of Vermont; Secretary of the Nav}', Benjamin F. Trac}', 
of New York; Secretary of the Interior, John W. Noble, of Missouri; 
Secretary of Agriculture, Jeremiah Rusk, of Wisconsin; Postmaster- 
General, John Wanamaker, of Pennsylvania; Attorney-General, William 
Henr>' Harrison Miller, of Indiana. 

The nominees were promptly confirmed by the Senate, as there could 
be no objection to any of them on the ground of incompetency or per- 
sonal unfitness. The new Cabinet was regarded by the country 
most favorably. While it contained se^'eral men who had no record in 
public life, it had no member who had not had large experience of 
either a political or business nature. 

James Gillespie Blaine, Secretan,- of State, was born Januarj- 31, 
1830, in Washington County, Pennsylvania. In 1847 he graduated at 
Washington College. He taught school for two years at Georgetown, 
Kentucky, in the meantime studying law. He was admitted to the bar 
in Pennsylvania, but never practiced. In 1853 he located in Maine, 
and assumed the editorship and control of the Ketinebec Journal. Upon 
the organization of the Republican party, he took an active part in 
politics, and soon became the acknowledged leader of the Republican 
party in his State. In 1858, he was elected to the legislature, where he 
served four years, the last two as Speaker of the House. In 1862, he was 
elected to Congress, and at once assumed the lead in national politics. 
In 1869, he was chosen Speaker of the House, which office he held until 
the Democrats assumed control of Congress in 1876. In the same year, he 
was one of the principal candidates for the presidential nomination, but 



692 THE STOKV OF AMERICA. 

was beaten, his opponents uniting on Governor Hayes, of Ohio. In 
July, 1876, he was appointed Senator from Maine by the Governor of 
the State. In 1880, he was again a prominent candidate for the presi- 
dential nomination, but General Garfield was finally sele.cted as a com- 
promise candidate. In 1884, he was nominated for the presidency, but 
was defeated by President Cleveland. No man in the country ever had 
more loyal political adherents than James G. Blaine, and in the conven- 
tion of 1888 his name was again mentioned for nomination. Several 
delegations at first refused to consider any other name but his. Mr. 
Blaine was traveling in Etirope at the time, and when he became aware 
of the indecision of the convention he had his name withdrawn, and 
President Harrison was nominated. 

William Windom, Secretary of the Treasury, was born in Oiiio, ii.i 
1827. -^^ practiced law for several years in his native State, and in 
1855 he removed to Minnesota. During the ten years from 1858 to 
1868, he was a member of the House of Representatives at Washing- 
ton. He was appointed United States Senator to fill a vacancy in 
1870, and the following year was elected for a full term. In 1S76, he 
was re-elected, and was Senator when President Garfield appointed him 
Secretary of the Treasury in 1881. He ser\-ed but a short time, when 
President Garfield was killed. In 1883, he was a candidate for re-elec- 
tion to the Senate, but was defeated. 

Redfield Proctor, of Vermont, Secretary of War, was born in 1831. 
In early life he began the study of law, but closed his books to go to 
the war. His first service was as quartermaster of the Third Regiment 
of Vermont. He subsequenth- was made major of the P'ifth Vermont, 
and finally colonel of the iMfteenth. His health became impaired, and 
after serving at Gettysburg, where his regiment acted as train guard, 
he returned home and engaged in farming. He turned his attention to 
politics in a small way, serv'ing several times in the State Legislature. 
In 1878, he was nominated for Governor and elected. From the time 
of his retirement from that ofiice, he maintained an active interest in 
political affairs, and has been regarded as one of the part}' leaders of 
the State. 

John W. Noble, Secretary of the Interior, was born at Lancaster, 
Ohio, in 1830. His father, John Noble, was a colonel of the United 
States army in the War of 181 2. Secretary Noble was sent to college 
at Oxford, Ohio, and there formed the acquaintance of President Har- 
rison, who was a student at the same time. P'rom Oxford he was sent 
to Yale, where he graduated with high honors; he afterwards studied 



PRESIDENT HARRISON'S INAUGURATION. 693 

law and practiced for two years. In 1S56, he removed to St. Louis. 
He opened a law office there, but the following year removed to Keokuk, 
Iowa, where he practiced law until the war broke out. He enlisted in 
the Third Iowa Cavalry, and was advanced step by step to the rank of 
major. He then went on staff duty, but in a short time returned to 
his regiment in the field. He remained in active duty until the close 
of the war. After the war. Major Noble opened a law office in St. 
Louis. Soon after beginning the practice of law, he was appointed 
United States District Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. 
In 1870 he resigned that office and practiced law in St. Louis until his 
appointment as Secretary of the Interior. 

Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Secretary of the Navy, was born in 
Tioga county, New York. His early life was passed on a farm. He 
studied law, and in 1851 was admitted to the bar. Three years later 
he became District Attorney of Tioga county. He was afterwards 
elected to the New York Assembly. In 1862, Governor Morgan re- 
quested Mr. Tracy to raise a regiment for the counties of Broome, 
Tompkins and Tioga. He raised two regiments and was given com- 
mand of one. When he resigned at the close of the war, he had 
attained the rank of brigadier-general. In 1866, he received the' 
appointment of United States District Attorney for the Eastern District 
of New York, and held the position imtil 1873, when he resigned. 

John Wanamaker, the Postmaster-General, was born in Philadel- 
phia, July II, 1837. His father was of German parentage and his 
mother a descendant of the Huguenots. His parents were poor, and at 
the age of fourteen he went to work in a clothing store, where he earned 
a dollar and a half a week. In five years he was head salesman of the 
house. In 1861, he went into partnership with his brother-in-law, 
Nathan Brown, and soon built up an enormous business. He has 
always been prominent in religious affairs. His historj' is commercial, 
not political. He took no active part in politics previous to the recent 
campaign. He was a member of the Centennial Commission, and was 
chiefly instrumental in raising the first million dollars for the project. 
He was repeatedly solicited to run for Congress and Mayor of Phila- 
delphia, but always refused. 

William Henr\- Harrison Miller, the Attorney-General, was a former 
law partner of President Harrison. He was born in Oneida county, 
New York. His father was a Whig, and an ardent admirer of Presi- 
dent Harrison's grandfather. After being graduated from Hamilton 
College, New York, Mr. Miller studied law under the instruction of 



694 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Judge Waite, of Toledo, Ohio, afterwards Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court. He began the practice of law in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where 
he remained eight years. In 1874 he received an offer of partnership 
with General Harrison, and accepted it. 

Jeremiah M. Rusk, Secretary of Agriculture, was born in Morgan 
county, Ohio, in 1830. He spent the early years of his youth in the 
country, and in 1852 settled on a farm in Wisconsin. In 1861, he was 
elected to the State Legislature. In 1862 he entered the army. He 
had been prominent in securing the enlistment of troops, and as a con- 
sequence was elected major of the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Regiment. 
He served during the Indian outbreak in Minnesota, and also during the 
siege and capture of Vicksburg. He was with General Sherman on 
the famous march to the .sea, being brevetted brigadier-general for 
gallantry at the battle of Talkehatchie. In 1865 he was elected to the 
office of Bank Comptroller, and held that position until the office was 
abolished by an amendment to the constitution. He was elected to 
Congress in 1870, 1872 and 1874. At the close of his last term, he 
retired to his farm until 1888, when he was elected Governor of the 
State of Wisconsin. The Department of Agriculture was formerly 
under ihe supervision of the Secretary of the Interior, and Jeremiah 
Rusk was the first Secretary appointed to the new portfolio. 

The members of the Cabinet who had been most conspicuous in 
the public offices they had held were Secretaries Blaine, Windom and 
Rusk. 

In his appointment of United States representatives to foreign 
countries. President Harrison showed great sagacity. The sons of two 
former presidents were honored. 

On March 27th, President Harrison sent to the Senate the name of 
Robert T. Lincoln, of Illinois, son of President Abraham Lincoln, to 
be Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United 
States to Great Britain, and the appointment was immediately con- 
firmed. Robert Lincoln was born in Springfield, Axigust i, 1843. He 
was the eldest .son of President Lincoln. About a year after his birth, 
his parents moved to Springfield, which continued to be their home 
until Abraham Lincoln went to Washington as President. Robert 
Lincoln received his elementary education at the public schools and 
State University. He was prepared for an extended college course in 
Phillips Exeter Academy, and was graduated at Harvard in 1864. He 
then entered the Harvard Law School, and after a short time applied for 
admission to the anny, and was regularly commissioned as a captaitt 



INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT HARRISON. 695 

He served with honor through several engagements, and witnessed Lee's 
surrender at Appomattox. At the close of the war he took up the study 
of law, was admitted to the Chicago bar, and soon became very 
successful in the practice of his profession. In 1881, President Garfield 
chose him to be his Secretary of War. Sixteen years before Robert 
Lincoln had reached Washington from the battle field in time to stand 
by the death-bed of his father, assassinated while President, and he had 
the sad experience of being in Washington at the time of the shooting 
of President Garfield, a few months after his inauguration. Upon 
the accession of ^'ice-President Arthur to the presidential chair, Mr. 
Lincoln was the only member of the former Cabinet requested to 
retain his portfolio. He remained Secretary of War until the close of the 
administration. 

Frederick D. Grant was sent as Minister to Austria-Hungar}'. He 
was the oldest son of General Grant, and was born in 1850. He 
accompanied his father during the war, and was in five battles before he 
was thirteen years old. He entered the National Military Academy at 
West Point in 1867, ^^^ "^^^ graduated from that institution in 1871. 
He served as lieutenant-colonel upon General Sheridan's staflf. In 
1876, Colonel Grant resigned from the army. He accompanied his 
father upon his trip around the world and assisted in the preparation of 
the "Memoirs." 

Whitelaw Reid, of New York, was appointed Minister to France. 
He was born in Xenia, Ohio, in 1837. When nineteen years old he 
was graduated from Miami University. He taught school a year, and 
in 1857, when only twenty years old, bought the Xenia News. Two 
years later he was a correspondent at Columbus for several papers, and 
became famous as a war correspondent for the Cincinnati Gazette \v 
1861 and 1862, for which paper he wrote over the signature of "Agate. " 
Afterward he became associate editor of the Gazette^ then Librarian of 
the House of Representatives, and in 1865 took charge of the iVcrt' York 
Tribune Bureau in Washington. In 1870, Mr. Reid became attached 
to the Neiv York Tribune., and when Horace Greeley was nominated 
for the presidency he became managing editor. He remained in that 
position until the time of his appointment. He has edited several 
works, "After the War," "The Southern Tour" and "Ohio in the 
War." 

Allen Thorndike Rice, of New York, was sent as Minister to St. 
.Petersburg. Though only thirty-six years old at the time, he had a 
wide reputation as a writer and editor. He was born in Boston. At 



696 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the age of nine, lie was taken abroad, and for five years lived in 
Europe. In 1867 he returned to the United States and remained until 
1871, when he went to England and was graduated at Oxford in 1875. 
On his return to this country he entered the Columbia Law School. In 
1876 he bought the North American Reviezv and became its editor. He 
is noted as having organized, in 1879, and subsequently directed, an 
expedition which was despatched under the joint auspices of the United 
States and France to systematically investigate the remains of ancient 
civilization in Central America and New Mexico. In 1884 he bought 
a controlling interest iti the Le Matin, one of the leading papers of 
Paris, which he successfully managed. He always took an active 
interest in politics, and in 1886 received the Republican nomination for 
Congress, but was defeated. He edited reminiscences of Abraham 
Lincoln and contributed valuable material to literature concerning the 
ancient cities of the New World. 

John A. Enander, of Illinois, was appointed Minister and Council- 
lor-General of the United States to Denmark. He was born in Sweden, 
and was the son of a farmer. In 1869, he came to America, entering 
the College of Augustana. He soon became editor of a Swedish news- 
paper printed in Chicago, and afterwards assumed the charge of several 
Scandinavian periodicals. He became an American in all the word 
implies, a broad and liberal-minded citizen, exercising a good influence 
upon all his countrymen in the United States. 

Albert G. Porter was made Minister to Italy. He was born in 
Lawrenceville, Indiana. During the war he served in Congress for 
three terms. He declined re-election, and devoted himself to the prac- 
tice of law in Indianapolis. In 1880 he was nominated for Governor 
of Indiana, and carried the State by a large majority. Both President 
Garfield and Arthur offered him places in their Cabinets, but he pre- 
ferred to remain in the State office to which he had been elected. 

Thomas W. Palmer, of Michigan, was sent as Minister to Spain. 
He was born in Detroit, and was educated at tlie University of Michi- 
gan. He was elected to the United States Senate and ser\-ed with 
great credit. 

John D. Washburn, of Massachusetts, was appointed to represent 
the United States in Switzerland. He was prominent in Massachusetts 
politics, and served in both houses of the State Legislature. 

John F. Swift, of California, was made Minister to Japan. As a 
learned man and successful author, he was favorably known. Having 
been a great traveler, he was well versed in diplomatic matters. In 



PRESIDENT HARRISON'S INAUGURATION. 697 

18S6 he was the Republican candidate for Governor of California. He 
framed the famous Anti-Chinese Bill, which, when presented to the 
Senate, produced a protracted discussion. 

One of the first events of President Harrison's Administration was 
the opening of the Oklahoma Territory to settlers. The Oklahoma 
Territory was part of the great Indian reservation in the Indian Ter- 
ritory. The lands could only be opened b)- the acceptance and consent 
of the Indians, and this acceptance and consent had to be accompanied 
Vv satisfactory proof that it had been obtained freely and in the man- 
ner and form required by the twelfth article of the treaty of 1876. 

President Harrison having approved the deed by which the Indians 
ceded to the United States all their right and title to the land held by 
them in the Oklahoma tract, there was immediately a great stampede 
of settlers toward the new Territory. The cession ol land made by the 
Creek and Seminole Indians embraced several million acres, between 
the Indian river on the south and the Cherokee outlet on the north. 
One hundred thousand dollars was appropriated by the Government 
towards surveying this land to be opened for settlement. On March 
23d, the President issued a proclamation declaring the land open to 
settlers at noon on the 2 2d of April. During the month following 
this proclamation there was a great rush westward, and the excitement 
was intense. 

For ten years there had been an effort on the part of a certain num- 
ber of settlers to have the territory opened. In 1879, one Captain 
Pa\ ne attempted to take possession of some land on the reservation. 
He met with strong opposition from the Government. Had Payne's 
party been allowed to peaceably settle on the lands which he believed 
to be public property, it is doubtful whether there would have been any 
concerted movement toward Oklahoma. The opposition awakened wide- 
spread interest in the country, and the history of the "Oklahoma boomers" 
lent a sort of fascinating glamour to the country. Captain Payne, the 
head of the original part)-, had been an army scout and guide. He made 
frequent excursions in the Indian country through the years imme- 
diateh- following the close of the war, and so became thoroughly 
acquainted with it. Recognizing this as public land under the treaty 
of 1866, he, in 1879, organized a small colony for the purpose of effect- 
ing a settlement. In December, 1880, the colonists were followed by 
United States troops. Payne was arrested and the colonies were dis- 
banded. Payne was tried and put under bonds not to enter the 
territory; but he was not discouraged. He and his colonists, the "Okla- 



698 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

homa boomers," subsequently made four well-organized expeditions 
into the territory, laid out towns, located farms, built houses and plowed 
fields. Each time Payne was turned out by the militar,' and all his 
improvements destroyed. His last expedition was made in 1884, in 
which year he died. In the fall of 1884, the United States Court at 
Topeka had decided that the lands were public property, and at the time 
of his death Payne had another party organized. A determined pioneer 
became the leader, and started with four hundred and fifty men, but they 
were expelled. After this, more conservative settlers petitioned Con- 
gress, and through their intercessions the matter was formally considered. 
The Goverment was just in the position that it took in protecting the 
rights of the Indians, for neither the boomers nor the horde of specula- 
tors, who defied military rule, had any authority for pressing their 
claims. 

The Oklahoma tract opened for settlement was but a very small part 
of what is known as the Oklahoma region. It contains about as much 
territory as Rhode Island and Delaware combined, and comprises about 
thirteen thousand quarter sections of homestead claims. 

On the evening before the day set for the entrance into the Okla- 
homa Territory, it is estimated that at least fifty thousand people were 
anxiously waiting on the borders of the long-coveted region. Accord- 
ing to law, the land could be pre-empted by the first to stake claims, 
and there was no precedence given to the original settlers who had 
fought for permission to occupy the country. On the long looked for 
2 2d of April the scenes in the Oklahoma country rivaled anything in 
the previous history of the United States. The settlers entered in a 
frenzy of excitement. Wagons and all other incumbrances were 
abandoned, and the pioneers made all possible haste to procure claims. 
In a single day every available piece of farming land was pre-empted, 
and thousands of the settlers were unable to obtain any property. 
Within twenty-four hours several towns sprang up, city officers were 
elected, and the territory that had been a wilderness on the evening of 
April 2ist was a well-populated country before another nightfall. Much 
suffering was experienced by the settlers, many of whom had spent all 
their money in reaching the much talked of country. Food and water 
failed, and himdreds of disappointed pioneers were glad to return to 
their former homes. 

On March 15 and 16, 1889, the United States lost three men-of-war 
in a hurricane. The vessels were lying in the harbor of Apia, in 
Samoan waters. The J^andalia and Trenton were totally destroved and 



PRESIDENT HARRISON'S INAUGURATION. 69^ 

the Nipsic was driven ashore in a badly-damaged condition. A niunbei 
of lives were lost. 

The celebration of the centennial anniversary of George Washing- 
ton's inauguration is one of the most important events in the recent 
history of the United States. The day (April 30, 1889) was made a 
legal holiday and was enthusiastically observed throughout the land. 
In every city commemorative exercises were held. Patriotic addresses 
were delivered in the churches and schools, and men, women and chil- 
dren took equal interest in the great demonstration. The event which 
was thus recalled by a united and rejoicing people was of double 
importance. While the memory of the man, George Washington, was 
thus honored, the installation of the first President as the head of a 
new Government was but the outward sign of that more "perfect 
Union" which the Constitution had been framed to establish. The day 
was really the one hundredth birthday of a great and prosperous nation. 
The annals of the past were full of wonderful occurrences, and the 
people who stood on the dividing line between the first and second 
centuries of constitutional government had cause for deepest thankful- 
ness. Behind them lay many wars and dangers out of which the 
nation had issued in peace and safety. Before them stretched what 
seemed an age of rapid development and undisturbed prosperity. 

Although the centennial anniversary- of Washington's inauguration 
was a day universally celebrated East, West, North and South, the 
principal demonstrations took place in New York City, which was the 
seat of the Government in 1789. In arranging the ceremonies, in 
which the Government officials took part, it was the desire to recall as 
many incidents and imitate as many festivities of the past as was pos- 
sible under the altered condition of the times. On the night of April 
28, 1889, President Harrison and a large party left Washington for 
New York City, traveling the same route as that traversed by Washing- 
ton a century before. When Washington made his memorable journey 
he started on April 16, driving in his coach, which was an imposing if 
not a rapid vehicle. His progress was delayed by repeated ovations at 
every point along the line. 

At Philadelphia, twenty thousand people — an immense crowd for 
the time — greeted him, and a gorgeous banquet was given in his honor 
at the City Tavern. When he reached the bridge at Trenton, he passed 
under a triumphal arch, and young girls, dressed in white and crowned 
with garlands, strewed his way with flowers. President Harrison and 
party did not stop until Elizabeth, New Jersey, was reached. It was at 



700 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

this little city that Washington was entertained by Elias Boudinot, a 
member of the Continental Congress. The Governor of the State 
received President Harrison, and, after a formal "breakfast," a pictur- 
esque procession was reviewed. One of the unique features of tlie pro- 
cession was a company of men, the descendants of the farmers who had 
met Washington at Wheatsheaf They were dressed in Continental 
costume and carried old-time farming implements. On the road 
between Elizabeth and Elizabeth port there was a large arch, upon which 
were stationed young girls dressed to represent the States of the Union. 
After the fashion of the Trenton women in the time of Washington, 
they showered flowers upon the passing President. At Elizabethport, 
President Harrison was taken aboard a fine ship called the Dispatch. 
From Elizabethport, Washington had embarked in a splendid red-cano- 
pied barge, specially built for the purpose; and, surrounded by small 
boats full of men and women singing choruses of welcome, he had 
slowly finished his journey to New York City. The spectacle that met 
the eye of President Harrison as the Dispatch steamed toward New 
York Bay was one that surpassed anything that was ever imagined by 
men of a past generation. Four hundred vessels were drawn up in line. 
Each was bright with bunting, the decorations being elaborate and 
effective. The naval division formed a single column. The Chicago 
carried the flag of the Secretary of the Navy, and the admiral's flag was 
borne by the Boston. The other ships belonging to the navy were the 
Atlanta., Yorktown., Juniata., Essex, Brooklyn, Jamcstoivn and the old 
Kearsarge. The revenue and yacht divisions formed a part of the 
naval parade that was exceedingly brilliant. When the Dispatch 
reached the Chicago, the entire fleet of steamers blew whistles and the 
sound was deafening. The booming of cannon and music from a hun- 
dred bands added to the noise, while on land and shore thousands of 
people cheered the approaching President. 

As the Dispatch anchored opposite Wall street ferry, a barge, 
manned by a crew belonging to the same society as the one which had 
rowed Washington ashore, met President Harrison. The old banner of 
the Marine Society, which had been carried before Washington, floated 
from the boat, and its faded and yellow silk was a silent witness to the 
flight of time. As the President landed on the wharf, the chimes of 
old Trinity Church played the "Doxology." 

New York City was magnificently decorated for the gala days of the 
celebration. The streets were lined and festooned with the national 
colors, and arches were erected across the principal streets. After the 



PRESIDENT HARRISON'S INAUGURATION. 7OI 

great naval parade, the President held a public reception, at the begin- 
ning of which he received the greetings of several hundred school 
children, who carried baskets of flowers and scattered them in the path- 
way of the presidential party. In the evening, a grand centennial ball 
was given at the Metropolitan Opera House. Its splendor was unparal- 
leled by any similar entertainment that had ever taken place in the 
United States. The great opera house was transformed into a blooming 
garden. Roses and orchids were used by the thousands, and rare flowers 
were woven into many odd designs. More than six thousand people 
were present at this ball. 

On the morning of the 3otli of April, the great day of the cele- 
bration, President Harrison attended services at St. Paul's Church, in 
Broadway. He sat in the same pew that Washington had occupied on 
the morning of his inauguration. In the congregation, on this occasion, 
there was a notable gathering of the most distinguished men of the 
nation, and the day added historic interest to the church already 
hallowed by many sacred memories of the past. From St. Paul's 
Church, the President was escorted to the Sub-Treasury building, where 
the literary exercises of the day were held. From a platfonn prepared 
for the speakers, the addresses were made. The exercises of the day 
opened with the appropriate words: 

"Fellow-citizens: One hundred }'ears ago, on this spot, George 
Washington, as first President of the United States, took his oath of 
ofiice upon the Holy Bible. That sacred volume is here to-day, silenth- 
attesting the basis upon which our nation was constructed and the 
dependence of our people upon Almighty God. In the words, t'nen, 
of one of the founders of the Government, with hearts overflowing with 
gratitude to our Sovereign Benefactor for granting to us existence, for 
continuing it to the present period, and for accumulating on us bless- 
ings spiritual and temporal through life, may we with fervor beseech 
Him so to continue them as best to promote His glory and our welfare." 

A poem, written for the occasion by John G. Whittier, the venerable 
poet, was one of the important features of the literary programme. The 
oration of the day was delivered by Mr. Chauncey ]M. Depew, and was 
an eloquent effort. 

After the literary exercises, there was a military- parade that was one 
of the most memorable pageants of recent times. It was many miles 
in length, and was more than six hours in passing the reviewing stand. 

The centennial celebration in New York City closed with a banquet 
at the ^Metropolitan Opera House. The scene was scarcely less brilliant 



702 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

than on the preceding night of the ball. Eight hundred guests were 
present. The speakers of the evening were President Harrison, 
ex-President Cleveland, ex-President Hayes, Chief Justice Fuller, 
General Sherman, James Russell Lowell, Charles W. Eliot, president of 
Harvard College, and Fitzhugh Lee, Governor of Virginia. 



CHAPTER CVII. 



>|$ §vmi SniHrnit^. 



BURSTING OF A RESERVOIR 'N THE CCNEMAUGH VALLEY, PENNSYL- 
VANIA — APPALLING RUSH OF WATER DOWN THE VALLEY — 

DESTRUCTION OF JOHNSTOWN THOUSANDS OF 

LIVES LOST AND MILLIONS OF DOL- 
LARS' WORTH OF PROPERTY 
DESTROYED. 

^HE most av/ful calamity of the Nineteenth Century 
occurred on the afternoon of May 31, 1889. On 
that date, the city of Jolinstown, in Western Penn- 
sj'lvania, was wiped out of existence by an irresisti- 
ble flood, and thousands of people, not only in 
Johnstown, but in other towns in the Conemaugh 
valley; in which the ill-fated city was located, 
Lwere drowned. Johnstown was a post borough of about 
'25,000 inhabitants, and was the largest town in Cambria 
■County, Pennsylvania. It was situated on the Conemaugh 
river, thirty-nine miles southwest of Altoona, and th^ty 
miles from the famous horseshoe curve of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad, near Cresson. It was the eastern terminus of the 
western division of the Pennsylvania Canal, and a large 
station on the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was picturesquely 
situated among a ridge of mountains rich in bituminous coal, limestone 
and fire cla}-, and was the seat of the Cambria iron works, which em- 
ployed 7,000 men in the manufacture of iron and steel rails. It had a 
national and several savings banks, and a number of flour, planing and 
rolling mills and tanneries. It supported two daily and four weekly 
.newspapers, sixteen churches, a convent and an academy. 

The Conemaugh river, on which Johnstown was located, ri.ses in 
Cambria County, and runs through a mountainous country, forming 
the boundary between Indiana and Westmoreland Counties. It unites 
with the Loyal Harra Creek, at Saltsburg, Indiana County, and forms 




704 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

the Kiskiminitas. river, which runs northwestward, forming the 
boundary between Armstrong and Westmoreland Counties. The Kis- 
kiminitas enters the Alleghany river at Freeport. The towns along 
the Conemaugh, from Johnstown down, were Cambria, Sheridan, 
Cooperstown, Sang Hollow, Conemaugh, Mineral Point, Nineveh, New 
Florence, Lacotte, Lockport, Bolivar, Coke Valley, Snyder, Tunnel ton, 
Kelly's, White, and Saltsburg. IMost of these were destroyed in the 
great catastrophe. 

The body of water that did the immense damage at Johnstown cov- 
ered 700 acres. It was two and a half miles long and about three- 
fourths of a mile wide. It was an artificial lake, and lay between two 
high hills, ten miles back of Johnstown. It was the old canal reservoir, 
long since abandoned, and was purchased from the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road, in 1879, by the South Fork Hunting and Fishing Club. The 
reservoir had been constructed by building a high retaining wall at the 
lower end of the basin, and allowing the water from a number of small 
streams to flow into the depression. The space between the hills soon 
filled up, and the retaining wall, which was on the Johnstown side, 
served as a dam. This South Fork Dam, as it was called, had stood for 
so many years that people were confident that it was all right, and no 
fears were entertained as to its safety. This sense of security was to be 
rudely dispelled, and in a most tragic manner. 

At about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of Friday, May 31, 1889, the 
operator at South Fork telegraphed to Johnstown that the great South 
Fork dam was about to burst. Then all telegraphic communication 
ceased, as the wires went down immediately afterward. An hour later 
there came a rush of water into Johnstown that was appalling. It 
poured down Conemaugh' creek in a great wall twenty-five feet high, 
sweeping everything before it. The immense works of the Cambria 
Iron Company, employing 7,000 men, the second largest works in the 
country, was buried out of sight, with the exception of the roofs and 
chimney tops, and the roofs and chimneys soon began to crumble and 
disappear under the battering of the flood. Half the town seemed to 
be lifted from its foundations and swept away at once. The wreckage 
covered the water thicker than the houses had stood before. It was no 
longer a flood of water; it was a town afloat. 

Many had taken warning and fled to the higher grounds, but thou- 
sands of men, women and children were swept away, their heartrending 
cries rising above the crash of the smashing houses. The mass of wreck, 
vater, dead bodies and drowning people rushed down into the mouth of 



THE GREAT CALAMITY. 709 

the gorge at the foot of the valley in which Johnstown stood, where the 
hills came together like a pair of giant arms and choked the stream. 
Tlie stone railroad bridge which spanned the stream at that point stood 
firm as the hills themselves. The result was an awful jam. The 
wreck caught on the masonr\'. It thickened into a dam. It clung to 
the bridge in the hollow of the hill. It gathered strength with every 
piece of wreck, and everything that crushed into it was bound together 
into a tangled wall, closing up half the outlet, around which the moun- 
tain waters hurled their flood. The water burst even the flood limits 
which it had taken for its new banks, and poured a new river into a new 
channel through the heart of the lower jiart of the city. The drift 
piled up against the stone bridge and added its wreck to the heap, until 
it fonned a tangled mass from thirty to sixty feet thick, rising high above 
the water and stretching back three-fourths of a mile along the curve 
of the hill. This, later in the night, took fire, but it probably added 
no pang to the hundreds of unfortunate people who were caught in it. 
The water had left nothing for the fire to do. It could only destroy the 
bodies; the victims' sufferings were over. 

The first news of the terrible calamity to reach the outside world 
came from Sang Hollow, a little town in the Conemaugh valley, down 
the stream from Johnstown. The river rushing past Sang Hollow was 
soon black with drift, and gave the first tidings of what had happened. 
Houses, fragments of bridges, logs, dead bodies and many wrecks of all 
kinds were heaving and darting together on the troubled water. Men, 
women and children, sweeping by on pieces of wreck, filled the air with 
unavailing cries for help. One hundred and nineteen living people 
were counted going by before 8 o'clock, and the agonizing cries that 
came up from the water gave evidence of the awful scenes the darkness 
hid from sight. Very little help could be rendered. No boats could 
live in such an awful torrent of rushing wreck. 

Johnstown was utterly destroyed, only one or two buildings remain- 
ing standing. A dozen little towns in the valley were also completely 
annihilated. Watchers with lanterns remained along the banks until 
da^■-break, when the first view of the awful devastation of the flood was 
witnessed. Along the banks lay the remnants of what had once been 
dwelling-houses and stores. Here and there was an uprooted tree. 
Piles of drift lay about, in some of which bodies of victims of the flood 
were found. Rescuing parties were formed in all of the towns along the 
railroad. Houses were thrown open to refugees, and every possible 
means was used to protect the homeless. For two days there was 



710 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

absolutely no news from Johnstown, no more than if it had never 
existed on the face of the, earth. 

The whole country at once took steps to relieve the necessities of 
the distressed. The generosity of the world was never more sponta- 
neously or nobly displayed than it was in this calamity. Over $1,300,- 
000 was raised for the benefit of the sufferers and to relieve the demands 
of the needy. Pittsburgh alone raised $150,000 the day after the disaster 
occurred. The loss of life was between 5,000 and 8,000, and because 
only 2,500 bodies were recovered, the exact figures as to the number 
lost will never be known. Over 20,000 people were rendered home- 
less, and $38,000,000 worth of property was destroyed. 

Strange to say, the waters had hardly subsided before ghouls in 
human form appeared upon the scene to rob the dead, and steal what 
property they could. Some of these demons were hanged by mobs, 
while others were shot. Such was the influx of the lawless into the 
devastated territory that it was found necessary to call out the militia, 
and several regiments, under General Hastings, preserved order in the 
vicinity for many weeks. 

The first shock over, the feeling of sorrow among the people at 
large gave way to a demand for jt.stice and for a thorough investigation 
into the' cause of the disaster, that the blame for it might be placed 
where it belonged. A coroner's jury was impaneled, and after viewing 
700 dead bodies at Johnstown, it proceeded to take testimony, and was 
over a month at the work. It had been definitely decided that all of 
the trouble had been caused by the breaking of the South Fork dam. 
To establish the responsibility for this was the object, therefore, of the 
inquiry. The South Fork Hunting and Fishing Club members testified 
that when they bought the site of the old reservoir, a section of 150 
feet had been washed out of the middle. This was rebuilt at an expense 
of $17,000, and the work was thought to be very strong. At the base 
the dam was 380 feet thick, and gradually tapered, until at the top it 
was about 35 feet thick. It was considered amply secure, and such 
faith had the company in its stability, that the top of the dam was used 
as a driveway. It took two years to complete the work, men being 
engaged on it from 1879 to 1881. While it was in process of con- 
struction the residents of Johnstown expressed some fears as to the 
solidity of the work, and requested that it be examined by experts. It 
was so examined, the experts reporting it to be all right, although 
pointing out the necessity of stopping all leaks promptly. The mem- 
bers of the club themselves discovered that the s]uicewa\- tliat carried 



THE GREAT CALAMITY. 7II 

off the surplus or overflow from the lake was not large enough in times 
of storm, so five feet of solid rock were cut away in order to increase the 
mouth of the lake. The inquir,' developed the fact, that in 1881, when 
work was going on, the water, which was usually fifteen feet below the 
top of the dam, rose to the top, and threatened to do what it did on the 
dreadful occasion to which this chapter is devoted. The workmen 
hastened to the scene and piled debris of all sorts on the top to prevent 
a washout. It was found by the jury that the five streams from the 
mountain sides, South Fork, Muddy Run, Dunmeyer's Inlet, Rode- 
baugh's Inlet and an unnamed brook, had been suddenly surcharged 
with water, and that this volume, dashing into Conemaugh lake, raised 
the water above the surface of the dam, washed away the top coping, 
followed up this advantage by making a gap, and soon caused a yawning 
crevice that shot the water as from the mouth of a cannon. When 
once uncontrolled, it was probably a question of only a few moments 
to tear down the whole dam. The channel of the Conemaugh river is 
narrow, and the adjacent valley nothing but a gorge. Hence the fearful 
destructiv-eness of the flood. 

The coroner's jury found that the dam had not been properiy con- 
structed; that it had been leaking for some time prior to the catastrophe, 
and that the members of the fishing club were aware of the fact, but 
had taken no steps to remedy the evil. They were, therefore, respon- 
sible for the disaster. The jury, accordingly, in its verdict, rendered 
over a month after the calami t>-, severely censured the members of the 
South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, on whom it placed all of the 
blame. Thus, what was at first deemed an act of Providence, was 
prover to have resulted from the carelessness of man. 



CHAl'TKR CVIII. 



''©f|rnnr^Ij Our ^binintslntlmn;' 

THIi FOUR YEARS OF PRESIDENT HARRISOX'S TERM — COMPLI- 
CATIONS WITH ITALY AND GREAT URITMX 
RECIPROCITY AXD THE PAX-AMERI- 
CAN CONGRESS SECOND ELEC- 
TION Ol' CLE\'ELAND. 

' '"^ ^ HE four years of the term of Harrison's presidency were 
full of important events in the making of our country's 
histor}-. The foreign policy of the administration was 
\igorous and independent, and it won admiration from 
all nations, but there were some narrow escapes from 
an interruption of the many years' successive peace that 
the nation had enjoyed. With Italy, Great Britain and 
Chile were disputes that for a time threatened the 
friendly relations that had existed with those as well as 
all other nations. But of greater importance than the 
war-clouds that hovered were the triumphs of peace that marked the ad- 
ministration. 

The crowning glory of these was the Pan-American Congress, or the 
congress of all-America, which met in Washington and was attended with 
such noble results. In 1826, Gen. Simon Bolivar, the great South Amer- 
ican liberator, inaugurated a movement for an international American con- 
ference, but it was not until more than sixty years later that the effort 
culminated in success. On the second of October, 1889, delegates from 
the eighteen independent nations of the hemisphere, including Hayti, met 
at Washington to confer concerning certain propositions involving their 
common welfare and prosperity. None of the European colonies were 
invited to participate in the conference, for it was felt that their interests 
were not the same. It was thought that .Spain desired to have Cuba and 
Porto Rico included, but they were not invited. The republic of San 
Domingo refused the invitation, and the credentials of the Hawaiian del- 
egates did not reach them in time for them to sit in the convention. The 
\FI'i'_'. 




714 i'HE STORV OF AMERICA, 

sessions of the conference continued until the 19th of April, 1890, every 
topic presented for discussion having been considered and formally dis- 
posed of. These topics were twenty-five in number, and upon nineteen 
of them the action of the congress was unanimous. Among the more 
important results of the congress were these: 

A plan of arbitration was adopted for the settlemeni of differences 
between the American nations. The delegates from Chile, under instruc- 
tions, declined to participate in the discussions, because the proposition 
was contrary to the policy of their government. 

The right of conquest was declared to be inadmissible under .Ameri- 
can public law. 

The establishment of an international American monetary union and 
the issue of an international coin or coins, to be uniform in weight and 
fineness, was recommended. 

The negotiation of reciprocity treaties for the free interchange of cer- 
tain commodities by the American nations was recommended. 

The appointment of an international commission to superintend a sur- 
vey for an intercontinental railway was recommended, each nation to con- 
tribute its share of the expense. 

This great Pan-American Congress was only a deliberative body; that 
is, the delegates were authorized to discuss propositions, and to make 
such recommendations to their governments as they thought proper, but 
the ratification of the governments was necessary to make the recommen- 
dations effective. But with little delay the plans of arbitration and se\- 
eral others of the things suggested were ratified by most of the govern- 
ments, and by this time almost every one of the recommendations has 
been adopted. The inter-continental railway will certainly be an accom- 
plished fact within a few years. Then it will be possible for one to enter 
a palace car at Chicago or New York and without change of cars to ride 
to the other side of the equator, finishing the journey at Montevideo or 
some other far southern city. 

The countries which were represented at this great conference were 
Argentine Republic, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecua- 
dor, Guatamala, Hayti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Salvador, 
Uruguay, Venezuela, and the United States. 

The president of the congress was James G. Blaine, Secretary of State 
of the United States. He had been the prime mover in the arrangements, 
and the congress and the resulting reciprocity treaties were considered 
by him to be the crowning event of his political life. 

The narrowest escape that the United States has had from war with a 
F.uropean nation was during the spring of 1891, when complications arose 
with Italy that immediately threatened to result in an outbreak of hostil- 
ities. The causes that led up to the trouble ended in viiat was known 



THROUGH ONE ADMINISTRATION. 715 

as the New Orleans massacre, in which eleven Italians imprisoned in the 
city jail of that city were murdered by a mob. 

On the night of October 15, 1890, David C. Hennessey, chief of police 
of New Orleans, was murdered in the streets of that city. Two months 
later eleven Italians were indicted as principals and accessories to the 
crime. In the middle of February, 1891, their trial began, and after a 
month the jury found them not guilty. The verdict was universally con- 
demned in New Orleans, and a meeting was called on the 15th of March 
to take into consideration the vindication of the law. The result was that 
a large crowd proceeded to the parish prison, and forcing an entrance shot 
eleven of the accused dead. 

The Italian government by its American minister, Baron Fa\ a, imme- 
diately demanded of Mr. Blaine that the federal administration interfere 
for the protection of the living prisoners and the other members of the 
Italian colony in New Orleans. He demanded also that the mob and 
those who inspired it be speedily brought to justice. 

Mr. Blaine at once telegraphed the governor of Louisiana deploring 
the massacre, expressing the hope of the President that the subjects of n 
friendly power be furnished adequate protection, and that the leaders of 
the mob be promptly brought to justice. A telegram was at the same 
time sent to the United States minister at Rome, instructing him to con- 
vey to the Italian government the profound horror and regret of the 
President, and to assure it that ever}- possible effort u ould be made to 
protect its subjects. 

Correspondence passed between the two governments, and demands 
were made and insisted upon by Italy that assurance should be given by 
the United States that the leaders of the mob should be punished, and 
that indemnity should be paid to the families of the victims. These 
things Mr. Blaine refused to promise until after a thorough investigation, 
and the Italian minister was, therefore, ordered by his government to 
withdraw from Washington. 

When negotiations closed, the Italian government declared, with 
grieved indignation, that the United States had shown its unwillingness 
to do justice and right. An investigation that was completed on the 19th 
of May, gave positive proof that the jury that tried the Italian prisoner.-- 
had been tampered with by the friends of the prisoners, and that the trial 
was a travesty on justice. The result is, that Italy remains in amicabU 
relation with the United States, but that she, nevertheless, feels much 
aggrieved toward this nation. 

During this administration, the seal fisheries dispute between England 
and the United States has been an event of great importance. Congress 
in 1868, to preserve the valuable seal fisheries of Alaska, passed regula- 
tions that the number to be killed each \-ear should not exceed 100,000. 



7i6 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



There was so much poaching in the fisheries that, in 1886, vessels were 
sent to Behring sea, and it was attempted to enfoixe the doctrine tluit 
Behring sea was a marc claitsuin, and that the United States had jurisdic- 
tion over one-half of it. In the enforcement of this claim, three Britisli 
schooners were captured, and with their cargoes were confiscated. The 
following summer, five other British vessels were seized. The British 
government made demands for the release of the prisoners, and presented 
claims for large damages. The vessels were, therefore, released, and an 
effort was made toward arbitration of the difficulty. The result was that 
a modus vivcndi, or temporary arrangement, was made between the two 
governments which restricted both for the time being. For a time it had 
seemed that hostilities might result, but everything ended peaceabh'. 

The revolution in Chile, which had been agitating that country for 
some months, resulted in a victory for the insurgents and the formation 
of a new government. During the month of October, 1891, a riot occur- 
red at Valparaiso, which threatened to involve the United States in a war 
with that South American country. The United States warship, " Balti- 
more," in the harbor of that city, gave shore leave to a number of sailors, 
and while they were on land, in the streets of the city, they were attacked 
by a mob of Chileans, and a number of them were killed after a desperate 
fight. The commander of the ship reported the outrage to the United 
States government, and there was great indignation in this country over 
the outrage. For two or three months there was great excitement in this 
country over the prospect of a possible war with Chile. The construction 
of warships was hastened. The President sent messages to Congress 
regarding the affair, correspondence passed rapidly between the Ameri- 
can minister to Chile and the authorities at Washington, and the excite- 
ment ended only by an abject apology on the part of Chile, and a 
promise by that nation to pay liberal indemnity to the families of 
the murdered sailors. 

These three narrow escapes from war, all with countries far from our 
own land, have impressed our people more and more with the necessity 
for an enlarged and modern navy, and construction has been carried 
along with great rapidity during the past four years. 

The administration of President Harrison was characterized by the 
passage of a great deal of very important legislation. The most impor- 
tant of the measures which passed congress was the McKinley bill, which 
was adopted as a strictly republican measure. It passed the Senate 
September 30, 1890, by a vote of 33 to 27, and passed the House Sep- 
tember 27th, by a vote of 152 to 81. There was much doubt as to the 
effect of the bill. Mr. Carlisle in a speech in the Senate said it would 
make an average rate on imports of 60 per cent., while Mr. Morrill put 
the average rate at less than 50 per cent. While the law increased the 



THROUGH ONE ADMINISTRATION. 



?57 



free list considerably, it raised the duties on wool and woolens, tin 
plate and some other goods, as well as on almost all agricultural prod- 
ucts. The law went into effect October 6, 1890. 

The same session of congress passed an exceedingly liberal number 
of acts in the nature of pension legislation; the principal one of these 
was the disability pension act, which provided that all persons who 
served ninety days or more in the war of the rebellion and were honor- 
ably discharged, and who are suffering from a disability of a permanent 
character shall be entitled to receive a pension. 

The anti-trust law was passed to prevent trusts and unlawful monopo- 
lies from conspiring to restrain trade or commerce among the several 
states or with the foreign nations. Severe penalties were provided to 
assist in the enforcement of the law. 

Two new states were admitted to the union in the same session of 
congress — Idaho and Wyoming, and Oklahoma was organized as a 
territory. 

At the next session of congress one of the bills of most permanent 
importance was the international copyright act. After July i, 1891, all 
publications published simultaneously in England and America are 
entitled to secure international copyright. This secures to authors the 
results of their labor in both continents and avoids the constant pirating 
of literature that has been too frequent. 

It is not only in the United States that things happen which interest 
Americans. Far to the south of us there is being carried on an enter- 
prise which is of wonderful importance to our country. It is the canal 
which is to connect the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans through the 
country of Nicaragua. The idea of joining the Atlantic and Pacific 
oceans by a canal through the intermediary basin of Lake Nicaragua 
originated with Antonio Galvano in 1550, but it was not until late }-ears. 
when increased commerce made a new and quicker route from the East 
to the West imperative, that it became the subject of much discussion. 
The Maritime Canal Company of Nicaragua, the successor of several 
previous companies which had done nothing more than to organize, was 
incorporated by congress in 1889. The company has engaged to build 
the canal to completion before igoo. Thousands of miles will then be 
saved by ships going from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, and the 
commercial value of this artificial waterway will be incalculable. 

One man, an American by adoption, who has done much for his own 
fame and the fame of the nation by his wonderful explorations, com- 
pleted one of his most remarkable journeys during the year 1889. This 
was Henry M. Stanley. The object of Mr. Stanley's last trip through 
Africa was the relief of Emin Pasha, who had been appointed governor 
of Equatoria by Gen. Gordon previous to his own fall in Khartoum. 



/l8 THE STORV OF AMERICA. 

This was in 1878. From that time until 1886 he was entirely cut off from 
the outside world and nothing was heard of him. In 1886 word reached 
Europe that he was in great distress and peril; money was raised and a 
relief expedition was placed under the command of Mr. Stanley. He 
started at once for the heart of Africa, and after a frightful journey of 
three years, fighting his way inch by inch, he reached Bagamoyo on the 
Indian ocean December 4, 1889, with Emin Pasha safe. During the three 
years he had traveled six thousand miles through the most terrible of the 
African jungles. Mr. Stanley then proceeded to Europe and finally to 
this country, where he delivered a course of lectures for several months 
before immense audiences. 

Many persons of note in political and educational circles passed from 
this life during the years from 1889 to 1893. Allen Thorndike Rice, the 
editor of the North American Review and United States minister to Rus- 
sia, died at New York City May 16, 1889. A few weeks Irter, on the 
24th of June, Donald G. Mitchell, the author of " Reveries of a Bach- 
elor " and other volumes of essays, died in the same city. Henry W. 
Grady, an orator and editor, author of " The New South," died on the 
23d of December at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. John Jacob Astor, 
the head of the Astor family and a great financier, died at his home in 
New York, February 22, 1890. Samuel J. Randall, one of the most prom- 
inent members of the House of Representatives, and for years the repre- 
sentative of the Philadelphia district, died on the 13th of April at his 
home in that city. Gen. Clinton B. Fisk, who was the prohibition candi- 
date for the presidency in 1888, died at New York July 9th. 

The 13th of July, at New York, there passed away Major-General 
John C. Fremont, the great " Pathfinder," whose explorations of the West 
in the days before civilization had passed the Mississippi river won him 
fame. He was the candidate of the republican party for the presidency 
in 1856, and throughout his life was a man of great prominence and was 
greatly honored. 

Eugene Schuyler, Consul-General at Cairo, Egypt, and writer and 
author of a noted history of Peter the Great, died at his far-off post in 
Eg} pt the 1 8th of July. One of the most famous of the humorous writ- 
ers of America, Benjamin P. Shillaber, who wrote under the nom de plume 
of " Mrs. Partington," died at Chelsea, Massachusetts, the 25th day of 
November, at an advanced age. 

Mrs. Charles Wetherell, bett^^r known as the famous opera singer, 
Emma Abbott, died at Salt Lake City January 5, 1891. The 17th of the 
same month there passed away the great statesman, historian and ex-sec- 
retary of the navy, George Bancroft, at Washington. Kalakaua, King of 
Hawaii, died at San Francisco, where he had journeyed for the benefit of 
his h'-alth, on the 20th of January. 



THROUGH ONE ADMIMSTKATION. /Ig 

January 29th the Hon. William Windom, Sjcretary of the Treasury of 
the United States, died at a banquet in New York. The 13th and 14th of 
February were fatal days to the great men of the times of the rebellion. 
On the first of those days Admiral David B. Porter, whose name stands 
next to that of Farragut in the annals of the nation as a naval officer, 
passed away, and the next day he was followed by Gen. William Tecum- 
seh Sherman, the last of the great triumvirate of union generals, and one 
of the recognized commanders of modern times. 

Lawrence Barrett, the celebrated actor, died March 20th, and March 
2ist Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, one of the most distinguished of the confed- 
erate generals, also passed away. Phineas T. Barnum, the greatest show- 
man who ever lived, died April 7th. One of the most noted of American 
historians was Benson J. Lossing, who died the third of June. On the 
same day, August 12th, died James Russell Lowell, poet and diplomat, 
and George Jones, proprietor of the New York Times. William J. Flor- 
ence, the comedian, who died November 19th, was the second great actor 
who died during the year. The list of the noble dead for 1892 is also a 
distinguished one. The 4th of March there died in New Haven the fa- 
mous educator, Noah Porter, for many years president of Yale college, and 
editor of Webster's dictionary. The 26th of the same month the " Good 
Gray Poet," Walt Whitman, died at his home in Camden, New Jersey. 
Cyrus W. Field, to whos.e energy was due the first laying and the success 
of the Atlantic cable, died July I2th at Irvington, New York. George 
William Curtis, journalist, poet and essayist, died at Livingston, New 
York, the 31st day of August. The 5th ot September Daniel Dougherty, 
lawyer and orator, died at his home in Philadelphia. Two days later in 
Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, John Greenleaf Whittier, the " Quaker 
Poet, " died at the age of eighty-five years. The most famous band mas- 
ter of his time, Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore, died in St. Louis, September 
24th, at the age of sixty-three years. 

Caroline Scott Harrison, \v*ife of the President of the United States, 
died at the White House,Washington, October 25th. Frederick Schvvatka, 
the celebrated Arctic explorer and geographer, died in Portland, Oregon, 
the 2d of Novv^mber. One month from that day there passed away in 
New York the richest man in the world, the American financier and plu- 
tocrat. Jay Gould. 

Great catastrophes help to make history. The Chicago fire and the 
Johnstown flood are events that will never be forgotten. While we may 
be thankful that no such frightful disasters as these have blighted our 
country's happiness during the past four years, yet there have been many 
minor disasters, especially conflagrations, worthy of note. In 1889 two 
flourishing cities in the new state of Washington suffered almost total 
annihilation of their business districts by the destroying element. June 
44 



J20 THE STORV OF AMERICA. 

6th Seattle was swept with a fire that caused the loss of j86,O0O,000, antl 
August 5th a fire $2,000,000 greater passed over Spokane. Two Massachu- 
setts cities suffered in November. On the 26th day of the month Lynn 
suffered a loss of $10,000,000, and an $8,000,000 fire swept Boston but two 
days later. Eighteen hundred and ninety saw no such destructive con- 
flagrations. October 28, 1891, occurred the Milwaukee fire, with a loss 
estimated at $7,000,000. 

Among the important events of a nature other than political, with an 
influence upon the history of the country, are many incidents worthy of 
mention. December 9, 1889, occurred the dedication of the great Audi- 
torium building at Chicago. It is a magnificent structure, containing the 
largest and finest opera house in the United States. The event was con- 
sidered of such importance that the President of the United States jour- 
neyed to Chicago to make the dedicatory speech. Tornadoes in many 
parts of the country are remembered during the year 1890. At Louis- 
ville, on the 27th of March, many buildings were destroyed and nearly 
one hundred lives were lost. At Lake Pepin, Minnesota, the 13th of 
/uly, two hundred lives were lost. The 31st day of July, 1890, was the 
one hundredth anniversary of the first patent ever issued by the United 
States government. The patent was granted to Samuel Hopkins for 
making pot and pearl ashes. Within the centur}' 433,432 patents were 
issued. 

A noble indication of the growing intimacy between the United .States 
and Canada occurred on September 19, 1891, when the tunnel under the 
St. Clair river, connecting Port Huron and .Sarnia, was open for traffic. 
The tunnel is a single track railway tunnel, more than a mile in length, 
and the use of it avoids the necessity which previously existed of trans- 
ferring trains across the river. The sentiment in Canada favoring annex- 
ation to the United States is constantly on the increase, and man)' people 
believe that a few years more will see our northern sister added to our 
own family of states. 

Man's desire for a new home has been shown by the opening of sev- 
eral Indian reservations for settlement. September 22, 1891, there was a 
grand rush of home seekers into the Indian lands of Oklahoma, and fif- 
teen thousand persons tried to occupy land which was not more than 
enough for one-third the number. Two great educational institutions 
have been organized and opened in the United States during the period 
of President Harrison's administration. October i, 1891, the Leland 
Stanford, Jr., University at Palo Alto, California, opened with 473 stu- 
dents. The university had been endowed with enormous sums of money 
by ex-Senator Leland Stanford, the California millionaire, as a memorial 
to his son who died in youth. A year later the University of Chicago 
opened quietly with a large number of students, a complete faculty and 



THKUUGH ONE ADMINISTRATION. "2 [ 

an immense endowment, which was started by John D. Rockefeller and 
added to by citizens of Chicago. 

Labor troubles were numerous during the years of which w c arc reail- 
ing. The most serious of all the disturbances was the riot which was the 
culmination of the great Homestead strike. At Homestead, Pennsylva- 
nia, an iron mining and manufacturing town near Pittsburg, the laborers 
employed in the mills belonging to the Carnegie Steel Company struck 
against a reduction of wages. The owners of the mills sent to the Pinker- 
ton Detective Agency for men to guard their property against a threat- 
ened riot, and a large number of men were sent, who came to Homestead 
on a barge from Pittsburg. The strikers met them and prevented them 
from landing. In the battle that resulted, eleven strikers and nine 
detectives were killed. The militia were called to the scene, and were 
kept there for several weeks before it was safe to withdraw them. After 
some time there was a compromise between the owners and the workmen, 
and the strike was declared ended, and the men permitted to return to 
work. 

An international conference, in which the interests of the United 
States were great, was held at Brussels, Belgium, beginning November 
22, 1892. It was the international monetary conference, at which dele- 
gates from various countries of the world met to discuss the silver and 
gold questions and their relation to one another as standards of value. 
The results attained were exceedingly important, particularly to the silver- 
producing states of the union. 

In the summer of i8gi,an expedition under the command of Lieuten- 
ant Peary, of the United States navy, landed on the west coast of 
Greenland, nearly at the extremity of previous explorations, to spend a 
winter in that desolate land. Lieutenant Peary's brave wife accompanied 
him, and with their small party they remained there in the far Arctic 
regions through the six months of night until the following summer, when 
the ship returned and bore them back to civilization. During that time 
Lieutenant Peary, with one companion, had made a journey of two thou- 
sand miles on snow shoes, which resulted in discoveries of great interest 
to geographers. 

In the fall of 1892, our country was frightened at a threatened inva- 
sion of cholera which had left its crowded Asiatic cities, where it makes ' 
its home, and had already spread over portions of Europe. The 31st day 
of Angus*' the steamer " Moravia " arrived from Hamburg at New York 
with cholera on board, twenty-two deaths having taken place during the 
voyage. Ship after ship reached New York harbor with the dread dis- 
ease, but a rigid quarantine stamped it out before it gained a foothold on 
our shores. 

Probably, without exception, the most important event of the Ilarri- 



722 THK sroKV OF AMERICA. 

son administration was the election that ended it. The enactment of ths 
McKinley bill had aroused great opposition to the policy or extreme 
protection even among many who had been life-long republicans. The 
result showed in the election of November 8, 1892, when the country was 
swept by an overwhelming political landslide in favor of the democratic 
candidates. At Minneapolis, on the lOth of June, the republican national 
convention had put in nomination President Benjamin Harrison to suc- 
ceed himself, and Whitelaw Rcid, of New York, for the vice-presidency 
On the 22d of the same month, the democratic convention, at Chicago, 
nominated Grover Cleveland, and Adlai Stevenson of Illinois, for the 
presidency and vice-presidency. The campaign that followed was 
warmly contested, but without the bitterness and acrimony that had 
characterized past elections. The election was a surprise to every one, 
not so much in the general result as in the wonderful extent of the land- 
slide. State after state, that for thirty years had been faithfully republi- 
can, was carried by the democratic party with large majorities. There 
seems little doubt that the result of the election was due to a popular 
revolt against the extreme measures and the policy of the McKinlej' bill. 

The general prosperity of the country during the four years of Mr. 
Harrison's administration was unexampled. New enterprises multiplied. 
Many portions of the western states were open to settlement and the 
development of the country in every direction was remarkable. The 
administration was business-like and honest, winning the admiration of all, 
both at home and abroad, for its vigorous American policy and its liberal 
spirit in the effort to increase American commerce and influence. The 
administration was marked for the number of deaths that occurred among 
the immediate family and official associates of the President. His wife, 
his father-in-law, the wife and daughter of his Secretary of the Navy, and 
his ex-Secretary of State were the more notable of these. 

Three men of political note who died during the first months of 1893 
were ex-President Rutherford B. Hayes, Justice of the Supreme Court L 
O. C. Lamar and Gen. Benjamin F. Butler. The career of President 
Hayes is briefly told in the chapter relating to his administration. After 
the expiration of his term as President, he reti'ed to his home at P"romont. 
Ohio, where he lived until the time of his death. He passed away nii the 
night of January 17th. 

Several prominent people died during the year. Among others 
were Edwin Booth, the tragedian, Lucy Stone, the noted advocate of 
woman's rights, and Leland ."^tanfonl, the founder of .Stanford Univer- 
sity, California. 

The death of Justice Lamar at Macon, Georgia, on the evening of Jan 
iiary 23d, was a great shock and surprise to the country, as he had not 
been suffering illness. Lucius. Quintus Curtius Lamar was born in Put- 
nam county, Georgia, September i, 182-;. He graduated at Emory Col 



THROUGH (1NE ADMINISTRATION. 725 

lege, stud-ed law and was admitted to the bar in 1847. I" 1853, he was 
elected to the Legislature, but a year later returned to Mississippi and set- 
tled on his plantation. He served in congress from 1857 till i860, when 
he resigned to join the confederate army. He rose to the rank of colonel ; 
after the war he again served as a representative and then as a senator. 
On March 5, 1885, President Cleveland appointed him secretary of the 
interior, and afterward elevated him to a seat on the supreme bench. 

One of the most unique figures in American history is Gen. Benjamin 
Franklin Butler, who was born at Deerfield, New Hampshire, November 
5, 1818. He was one of the first to enlist in the Massachusetts volunteers 
at the outbreak of the rebellion, and commanded the camp at Annapolis. 
In May, 1861, he was made a major-general and assumed command of the 
department of Virginia. At this time he made his famous point in regard 
to fugitive slaves, refusing to send them back to their owners on the 
ground that they were "property contraband of war." Gen. Butler was 
appointed commander of the gulf in 1862, and established headquarters 
at New Orleans. It was there that he roused the indignation of the south- 
erners and made political capital for his enemies throughout the rest of 
his life by the strict military discipline with which he ruled the city 
After the war for twenty years he devoted himself to candidacy for office, 
running indiscriminately as a republican, democrat or greenbacker, for 
any office for which he could secure a nomination, and sometimes as an 
independent candidate when he failed to secure one. His various efforts 
included four successive elections to congress as a republican, one elec- 
tion to the governorship of Massachusetts as a democrat, and a campaign 
for the presidency as a candidate of the greenback party. His check- 
ered career ended at Washington on the morning of January 11, 1893. 



CHAPTER CIX. 



Wf pji$sinr\ of h 6rt:il Hhiu 

THE DEATH OF JAMES GILLESPIE BLAINE ELECTION TO CON- 
GRESS CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY RECI- 
PROCITY AND THE PAN-AMERICAN 

CONGRESS IHE GRIEF OF 

THE NATION. 

>)L RING the last quarter of a century there has been one 
man more prominently than any other before the notice of 
the people of the United States. Whether friend or 
enemy, no one has denied his marvelous talents and his 
wonderful influence over his hosts of admirers. That man 
was James Gillespie Blaine, of Maine, orator, politician 
and statesman. For weeks the country had been waiting 
in anticipation of his death, for a fatal disease had him in 
its grasp. But when on the 27th day of January, 1893, 
it was announced that the great man was gone, the shock 
and grief throughout the nation was almost equal to that which followed 
the news of the assassination of the two martyred presidents, Lincoln 
and Garfield, or the death of Grant. 

Blaine's career was not only brilliant. It was unique in his own 
generation. A search through the past finds some historical parallels for 
him, notably Henry Clay, but whether he be considered as politician or 
statesman, the period of his career contains no one like him. This does 
not mean unqualified commendation. His best friends are willing t(> 
confess that there have been things in his past that were not to his high- 
est credit. But those who had been his earnest enemies for a generation, 
by the side of an open grave were forgetful of what in the heat of con- 
flict they had been bitterest to condemn, and to remember but the good 
things, the wise and patriotic things that were so plentiful to remember. 
And so on the morning after his death, on the editorial pages of the 
partisan press of the country, republican and democratic alike, there 
were few except kind words and memories for the one who for so many 
years had been in the public service of his country. 




THE PASSING OF A GREAT MAN. -jj 

One of the highest tests of the knowledge that the people had of this 
iiuui, and at the same time of his intimacy and association with them, 
and their love for him, is that for years he had come to be known not as 
J. G. Blaine, not as James G. Blaine, but as "Blaine." And Blaine was a 
man of the people in every sense, a popular idol and a popular champion. 

.Simple relation of the facts of the career of Mr. Blaine is enough for 
w hat would be considered in fiction an interesting story, for the intensely 
chamatic feature throughout his life is the one that appears strongest 
and most often to the biographer and student of his life. His life was 
a succession of climaxes, some of them with an appearance of effort 
toward stage effect, more the unavoidable culmination of surrounding 
circumstances. But none of them needs to be exaggerated to make 
material for an account of an interesting career, full of the lessons of the 
possibilities that exist in this country of ours. For Blaine was in ever}'- 
thing first an American, and a lover of his country. It was not deep 
poverty from which he came, nor did he attain immense wealth, but his 
acliievements were entirely political. In spite of that, he was always 
stopped just short of the goal that he most desired, the presidenc)-. 

James Gillespie Blaine was born in West Brownsville, Washington 
county, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1830, the second son of Ephraim L. 
Blaine and Maria Gillespie. The qualities which he inherited from the 
father's side were those hardy and energetic ones of the Scotch-Irish 
blood. His father's grandfather, also an Ephraim, who lived from 1741 
to 1804, held honorable positions in the war of the revolution. He was 
an officer of the Pennsylvania line, a trusted friend of Washington, and 
during the last four years of the war, served as the commissary general 
of the northern department of his command. He was a man of large 
means, and during the terrible winter at Valley Forge, his ow n private 
purse and those of his friends were opened freely to aid in tlie mainten- 
ance of the army. 

The founders of his branch of the Blaine family had been among the 
founders of Carlisle, and from there in the Cumberland valley Mr. 
Blaine's father removed to Washington county in 1818. He was a man 
i)f liberal education, and considerable travel through Europe and South 
America had served to teach him the world before he settled down 
among the mountains in western Pennsylvania. A large amount of 
mineral land in that part of the state had been inherited bj' him, and 
also a sum of money that in those modest days was considered a fortune. 
But the land was undeveloped and a large family was a drain upon his 
resources, so he was not by any means in affluent circumstances. 

But James was given every advantage of excellent education with the 
best of teachers at his own home. His father was the prothonotary of 
the county, an office of considerable importance, was of a most liberal 



726 



THE STOKV OF AMERICA. 



and genial character, kept open house and gave largely to charities. 
Though his family for generations were staunch Presbyterians, he mar- 
ried a Miss Gillespie, who was a Catholic, and the daughter of a pioneer 
of distinction in western Pennsylvania. She was a woman of fine 
qualities, and James was her favorite one of three sons. 

For a part of the year 1841, young Blaine, in pursuit of his studies, was 
at school in Lancaster, Ohio, where he lived in the family of his relative, 
Thomas Ewing, then Secretary of the Treasury. In association with 
Thomas Ewing, Jr., afterward a member of congress, he began his prep- 
arations for college under the instruction of a thoroughly trained English- 
man, William Lyons, brother of Lord Lyons. 

At the age of thirteen years James was sent to Washington and Jeffer- 
son college, an old Presbyterian institution in his native county, and 
there he graduated in 1847, ^^ ^ distinguished class of forty-seven mem- 
bers. Although the youngest in his class, he stood at its head in merit, 
ranking John C. Hervey, of Virginia, and Thomas W. Porter, of Pennsyl- 
vania. At college, a mere boy among two hundred or three hundred 
students, Blaine was, from the first a leader. An unusually fine physique 
made him foremost in athletics, and a rare memory and exceptional in- 
tellectual powers gave him an easily attained prominence in his studies. 
He excelled in mathematics and was an excellent linguist. Still more 
was he noted as an omnivorous reader, devouring the best literature at 
his command, and able by his retentive memory to store his mind with 
choice gems. Already two traits that stand out most prominent in the 
man were notable in the boy — personal magnetism and ambition. He 
was at once the popular fellow and the hero among the students, and 
his mind was even then intent on achieving fame for himself. At the 
college commencement he distinguished himself by an oration on " The 
Duty of an Educated American," which attracted considerable attention 
from the matured and well-considered observations which it contained, 
and tiie ambitious industry which it foreshadowed. 

By the time young Blaine had finished his college course his father 
had lost the greater part of his property, and it became necessary for the 
young man to seek some fortune of his own. He began his search in 
Kentucky as professor of mathematics in the Western Military Institute 
at Blue Lick Springs, where there were five hundred students. He found 
a fortune — his wife. At the neighboring town of Millersburg was a sem- 
inary for young ladies, and connected with it was Miss Harriet Stanwood, 
who had been sent there from Maine to be educated. The immediate 
result of an acquaintance was an attachment, and within a few months 
they were married. 

Blaine and his wife soon returned to Pennsylvania. He read law for 
a tin.c. and after a few months' studv became an instructor in the Penn- 



THE PASSING OF A GREAT MAN. 72/ 

sylvania institution for the blind at Philadelphia. The young teacher had 
charge of the higher classes in literature and science, and the principal 
has left a record that his " brilliant mental powers were exactl)- qualificl 
to enlighten and instruct the interesting minds before him." 

His wife's influence now led him to the state with which his name is 
indissolubly connected. It was in 1854, after an association of two )-ears 
with the institution for the blind, that he removed to Augusta, which city 
from that time was his home. He was then practically without means 
or a position, and was assisted by the brothers of his wife to purchase a 
half interest in the Kennebec yoiirnal. He became the editor of the pa- 
per, and found himself to be peculiarly adapted for such work. He 
speedily made his impress, and within three years was a master spirit in 
the politics of the state. 

Previous to 1854 the government of Maine had been in the hands of 
the democratic party, but it was defeated in that year by a temporary 
fusion of the anti-slavery and the temperance elements. The following 
)'ear the diverse elements which had carried the state were consolidated, 
and the republican party became firmly established. It is fair to Mr. 
Blaine to say that to him, in large measure, was due the unvarying cer- 
tainty with which Maine was carried for the republican party through all 
the \'ears since then. 

But Mr. Blaine did not by any means confine himself to political 
"leaders." He took an active part in politics, attending republican meet- 
ings throughout the state, and made himself one of the recognized repub- 
lican leaders. His political addresses, and especially the ability which 
he displayed in them as a debater, won him great local reputation. In 
1S56, he was a delegate to the first republican national convention which 
nominated Gen. Fremont for the presidency. It was his report at a 
public meeting on his return home, where he spoke at the outset with hes- 
itation and embarrassment, and advanced to confident and fervid utter- 
ances, that first illustrated his capacity on the platform and gave him 
standing as a public speaker. In 1857 he assumed the editorship of the 
Portland Advertiser, but a year later he ended his editorial career to begin 
the parliamentary. 

Although but twenty-eight years old and but five years in the state, 
in 1858, Mr. Blaine's distinction as a speaker won him an election 
to a seat in the Legislature. The ability that he displayed in this posi- 
tion was so marked that his constituents returned him four years in suc- 
cession, and the Assembly, recognizing his talents, elected him speaker 
in i860 and 1861, a rare honor for so young a man. The same year that 
he was elected to the Legislature he became chairman of the Republican 
State committee, a position which he continued to hold uninterruptedly 
for twenty years. At the beginning of the civil war, Mr. Blaine gained 



728 J^'Hli STUKV OF AMERICA. 

distinction, not only for his parliamentary skill, but also for his forensic 
power in the debates that ijrew out of that crisis. 

A man of Mr. Blaine's ability, of his rare knowledge of parliamentary 
usages, and, above all, of his ambitions, was not likely to remain long 
content with the position of a representative in a state legislature. He 
aimed at greater things, at higher things, and they soon came. After 
four years' experience in the legislature, Mr. Blaine was, in September, 
1862, elected to the XXXVIIIth Congress from the Kennebec district. 
He took his seat in the following year, serving on the Committee on 
Postoffices and Post-roads. From that period Mr. Blaine's career has 
been a part of national history. He was returned to the lower house of 
congress for seven successive terms. 

During his earlier years he made few elaborate addresses. In the 
first term his only extended speech was an argument in favor of the 
assumption of the state war debts by the general government, and in 
demonstration of the ability of the North to carry the war to a successful 
conclusion. But he gradually took a part in the running discussions, and 
soon acquired high repute as an effective and a facile debater. As a 
member of the committee on postoffices. he was largely instrumental in 
securing the introduction of the system of postal cars. He earnestly 
sustained all measures for the vigorous prosecution of the war, but sought 
to make them judicious and practical. In this spirit he supported the 
bill for the draft, but opposed absolute conscription. He contended that 
it should be relieved by provisions for commutation and substitution, and 
urged that an inexorable draft had never been resorted to but once, even 
under the absolutism of Napoleon. At the same time he enforced the 
duty of sustaining and strengthening the armies in the field by using all 
the resources of the nation, and strongly advocated the enrollment act. 
In the XXXIXth Congress, Mr. Blaine also served on the special com- 
mittee on the death of President Lincoln. 

The attention of congress was largely engrossed from the year 1865 
to 1869 with measures looking to the reconstruction of the states that had 
been in rebellion, and Mr. Blaine bore a prominent part in the discussion 
of these measures and the work of framing them. It was in this connec- 
tion that he came in controversy with Thaddeus Stevens, chairman of the 
tcommittee on reconstruction. The first question to be determined was 
he basis of representation on which the states should be readmitted. 
Mr. Stevens had proposed that representation should be apportioned 
according to the number of legal voters. 

Mr. Blaine strenuously objected to this proposition, and urged that 
population instead of voters should be the basis. He submitted a con- 
stitutional amendment providing that "representatives and direct taxes 
shall be apportioned among the several states which shall be included 



THE PASSING UK A GREAT MAN. J2g 

within this union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be 
determined by taking the whole number of persons, except those whoic 
political rights or privileges are denied or abridged by the constitution 
of any state on account of race or color." The result of the discussion 
that followed was the abandonment of the theory that apportionment 
should be based on voters, and Mr. Blaine's resolution finally became the 
basis of that part of the fourteenth amendment relating to congressional 
representation. 

The reconstruction bill was reported by Mr. Stevens, February 6, 1867. 
It divided the states lately in rebellion into five military districts, and 
practically established military government therein. The civil tribunals 
were made subject to military control. The bill seemed acceptable to 
the majority of the party, but Mr. Blaine declared his unwillingness to 
support any measure that would place the South under military govern- 
ment, if it did not at the same time prescribe the methods by which the 
peopleof a state, by their own action, could re-establish civil government. 
He accordingly proposed an amendment, providing that when any one 
of the late so-called confederate states should assent to the fourteenth 
amendment to the constitution, and should establish equal and impartial 
suffrage without regard to race or color, and when congress should 
appro\-e its action, it should be entitled to representation, and the pro- 
visions for military government should become inoperative. This prop- 
Dsitiun came to be known as the Blaine amendment. 

In advocating it Mr. Blaine expressed the belief that the true inter- 
pretation of the election of 1866 was that in addition to the proposed 
constitutional amendment, the fourteenth, impartial suffrage should be 
the basis of reconstruction, and he urged the wisdom of declaring the 
terms at once. The application of the previous question ruled out the 
Blaine amendment, but it was renewed in the Senate, and finally carried 
to both branches, and under it reconstruction was completed. 

.Some of the most strikingly dramatic scenes in the life of Mr. Blaine 
have had mingled together touches of both tragedy and comedy. His 
second term in the House had not elapsed when there came that angry 
tilt with Mr. Conkling, his rival for the republican leadership of the 
House, which caused a breach between the two men that lasted many 
years, and that had a powerful influence on the political future of both of 
them. The tragic element in this was that it probably resulted in the 
defeat of Mr. Blaine for the nomination for the presidency in 1876 and 
1880, and postponed his success in securing the nomination until that 
time, in 1884, when there was no hope for a republican victory in the 
i-lection. The comedy was that Mr. Blaine frankly called Mr. Conkb'ng 
■'a strutting turkey-cock," and that it exactly expressed what many be- 
fore had thought, but had not dared to sav. 



730 TlUi STOKY OF AMERICA. 

Mr. Blaine was ever frank in saying to men's faces the things he said 
behind them, and many of his bitterest enemies were so made. 

In the summer of 1867, while Mr. Blaine was absent in Europe, the 
theory that the public debt should be paid in greenbacks developed con- 
siderable strength. On his return, at the opening of the next session, he 
made an extended speech against this doctrine, and was the first man in 
congress to give utterance to this opposition. 

The long unsettled question of protecting naturalized American citi- 
zens while abroad attracted special attention at this time. Costello, 
Warren, Burke, and other Irish- Americans had been arrested in England 
on the charge of complicity in Fenian plots. Costello had made a speech 
in 1865, in New York, which was regarded as treasonable by the British 
government, and he was treated as a British subject and tried under an 
old law on this accusation. His plea of American citizenship was over- 
ruled, and he was convicted and sentenced to sixteen years' penal serv- 
itude. Mr. Blaine, who, with other American statesmen, resisted the 
English doctrine of perpetual allegiance and maintained that a natural- 
ized American was entitled to the same protection abroad that would 
be given to a native American, took active part in settling these ques- 
tions upon public attention, and a ■ the result of the agitation Costello 
was released. The discussion of these cases led to the treaty of 1870, in 
which Great Britain abandoned the doctrine "Once a subject, always a 
subject," and accepted the American principle of equal rights and pro- 
tection for adopted and for native citizens. 

After a term of six years in congress, when, in 1869, Schuyler Colfax 
was promoted to the vice-presidency, Mr. Blaine was elected speaker of 
the House by a majority of 135 votes to 57 for Mr. Kerr, of Indiana. He 
proved himself eminently fitted for the position. His quickness, his thor- 
ough knowledge of parliamentary law and of the rules, his firmness, clear 
voice, impressive manner, his ready comprehension of subjects and situa- 
tions were widely recognized, and really made him a great presiding offi- 
cer. He rose to a high place in the estimation not only of his republican 
friends, but also of his democratic opponents, and he was re-elected to 
the speakership in 1871 and again in 1873. 

Though necessarily e.xercising a powerful influence upon the course of 
legislation, he seldom left the chair to mingle in the contests of the floor. 
On one of these rare occasions, in March, 1871, he had a sharp tilt with 
Gen. Butler, who had criticised him for being the author of the resolu- 
tion providing for an investigation into alleged outrages perpetrated upon 
loyal citizens of the South, and for being chiefly instrumental in secv'np- 
its adoption by the republican caucus. 

The political revulsion of 1874 placed the democrats in control of the 
House, and Mr. Blaine became the leader of the minority. The sessio*^ 



Tllli PASSING Ur A GKEAT MAN. y^i 

preceding the presidential contest of 1876 was a period of stormy and 
vehement contention. A general amnesty bill was brought forward, 
removing the political disabilities of participants in the rebellion which 
had been imposed by the fourteenth amendment to the constitution. 
Another climax in Mr. Blaine's life drama developed from this. He 
moved to amend by making an exception of Jefferson Davis, and sup- 
ported the proposition in an impassioned speech. After asserting the 
great magnanimity of the government and pointing out how far amnesty 
had already been carried, he defined the ground of its proposed excep- 
tion. The reason was not that Davis was the chief of the confederacy, 
but that, as Mr. Blaine afifirmed, he was the author, "knowingly, deliber- 
ately, guiltily and willfully of the gigantic murders and crimes of Ander- 
sonville." 

In ticry words Mr. Blaine proceeded to declare that no military atroci- 
ties in history had exceeded those for which Davis was thus responsible. 
His outburst naturally produced deep excitement in the House and 
throughout the country. If Mr. Blaine's object as a political leader was to 
arouse partisan feeling and activity preparatory to the presidential strug- 
gle, he succeeded. An acrid debate followed. Benjamin H. Hill, of 
Georgia, assumed the lead on the other side and not only defended Davis 
against the accusations, which he pronounced unfounded, but preferred 
some other charges against the treatment of southern prisoners in the 
North. In reply Mr. Blaine turned upon Mr. Hill with the citation of a 
resolution introduced by him in the confederate Senate, providing that 
every soldier or officer of the United States captured on the soil of the 
confederate states should be presumed to have come with intent to incite 
insurrection, and should suffer the penalty of death. This episode arrested 
universal attention and gave Mr. Blaine a still stronger hold as a leader 
of his party. 

During the whole of that session lilaine never lost an opportunity to 
open the old political sores, and before the adjournment he had done 
more to foment discord between the people of the North and South than 
any other ten men who ever occupied seats on the floor of the House. 
He appeared to have made a study of the art of making himself intensely 
disagreeable to his political enemies. A calm debate had no attractions 
to him. Before he had been on his feet ten minutes he would be sur- 
rounded by an excited and yelling crowd. His ability to sway the pas- 
sions of men was wonderful. In thus fighting over the battles of his 
country with the enemy, which it may here with propriety be remarked 
he never met in the field, he won great renown in the North, and easily 
captivated a large element in the republican party, who believed that the 
country was safe so long as the democrats were being scourged orator- 
ically or otherwise. 



732 THE STORY OF AJIERICA. 

The culmination of enmity and suspicion now came upon him in the 
chain of incidents included in the pppular mind when reference is made 
to the " Mulligan letters." The first attacks came in the shape of charges 
that he had received $64,000 from the Union Pacific Railroad Company 
for certain services which were not defined, but presumably rendered in 
his character as member of congress. He rose to a personal explanation 
April 24, 1876, in the House, producing letters from the officers of the 
company, and from the bankers who were asserted to have negotiated 
the draft, in which they announced that there had never been any such 
transaction, and that Blaine had never received a dollar from the com- 
pany. Mr. Blaine went on to say that the charge had reappeared in the 
form of a statement that he had received bonds of the Little Rock & 
Fort Smith railroad as a gift, and that these bonds had been sold for his 
benefit through the Union Pacific Railroad Company. He said he never 
had such bonds except at the market price; that instead of taking a profit 
from them he had suffered loss. 

A few days after a new attack was made on him. This was that he 
had received, as a gift, certain bonds of the Kansas Pacific railroad, and 
had been concerned in a suit about them in the Kansas court. His repl}- 
was that his brother, not himself, was the party interested, the brother 
having been one of the early settlers of Kansas, and had bought stock in 
the Kansas Pacific before James G. was in congress. But the public was 
not satisfied. It was openly charged that the Little Rock & Fort Smith 
railroad subsidy had been procured by means of gross bribery in the 
House, and that there was certain evidence that Mr. Blaine had been in- 
terested in the matter in some wa\'. An investigation of his part of the 
transaction was at once begun. 

To a man occupying the position he did, and ha\ing his aspirations, 
this inquiry was a terrible blow. The republican national convention, 
which he expected would nominate him for the presidency, was soon to 
meet at Cincinnati. The in\'estigators were working tooth and nail. In- 
tense interest was taken in the inquiry by men of both political parties, 
ibut particularly by the republican leaders, who were, of course, anxious 
to avoid the nomination of a man, no matter how brilliant his intellectual 
powers, who would be compelled at the very threshold of the campaign 
to attempt an explanation of certain questionable transactions. At this 
juncture one Mulligan, a railroad man of Boston, came to the surface in 
an interview, in the course of which he declared that the charges against 
Blaine were true, and that he had in his possession letters from that gen- 
tleman himself to prove it. As far back as 1864, when many of Mr. 
Blaine's business enterprises were conducted by and through his brother- 
in-law, Jacob Stanwood, in Boston, this brother-in-law had a private book- 
keeper named James Mulligan. It was known that Mulligan had cjuar- 



THE I'ASSING OF A C.KEAT MAX. 7:53 

reled with his old-time friend on account of the failure, supposedly on 
Blaine's part, to recognize the value of his services. He was summoned 
as a witness by the investigating committee. 

Mulligan came to Washington with all these letters, particularly 
an extended business correspondence with Warren Fisher of Boston, run- 
ning through years, and relating to various transactions, which, it was 
alleged, would confirm the imputation against Mr. Blaine. Mulligan's 
story, as told under oath, was that, on the night of his arri\al in Wash- 
ington, he was invited with other witnesses to visit Mr. Blaine's house. 
He declined to go there. The next morning, Mr. Blaine went to his hotel 
and gained admittance to his room. Here, according to Mulligan's sworn 
testimony, some days later, Mr. Blaine begged him to save him and his 
family from ruin, but Mulligan was obdurate. After a second conference 
between the witnesses and Mr. Blaine at the residence of the latter, Mr. 
Blaine again visited Mr. Mulligan in his room. He there begged for the 
privilege of reading the letters in the hope of being able to explain away 
their admittance, and pledging his word to restore them forthwith. ;\Ir. 
Mulligan handed him the package. Mr. Blaine instantly threw the letters 
into an open grate, and the correspondence was burned. This is Mulli- 
gan's story as told under oath. Mr. Blaine and his friends have always 
denied that there was the slightest foundation in fact for this testimon}-. 

June 5th, Mr. Blaine rose in his place in the House to make another 
personal explanation. After denying the power of the House to compel 
the production of his private papers, and his willingness to go to 
any extremity in defense of his rights, he declared his purpose to reserve 
nothing. Holding up a package of letters claimed to be the ones 
obtained from Mulligan, he exclaimed: "Thank God, I am not ashamed 
to show them. There is the very original package, and with some sense 
of humiliation, with a mortification I do not attempt to conceal, with a 
sense of outrage which I think any man in my [position would feel, 
I invite the confidence of 44,000,000 of my countrymen while I read those 
letters from this desk." 

He then proceeded to read the letters. The demonstration closed 
with a dramatic scene. Josiah Caldwell, one of the originators of the 
Little Rock & Fort Smith railroad, who had full knowledge of the whole 
transaction, was traveling in Europe, and both sides were seeking to com- 
municate with him. After finishing the reading of the letters, Mr. Blaine 
turned to the chairman of the committee, J. Proctor Knott of Kentucky, 
and demanded to know whether he had received any dispatch from Mr. 
Caldwell. Receiving an evasive answer, Mr. Blaine asserted, as within his 
own knowledge, that the chairman had received such a dispatch, " com- 
pletely and absolutely exonerating me from this charge, and you have 
suppressed it." A profound sensation was created, and Gen. Garfield 



734 '^'HK SIOKV OF AMERICA. 

said: "I have been a long time in Congress and never saw such a scene 
in the House." 

The republican national convention of 1876 convened in Cincinnati 
before the excitement caused by this investigation had subsided. Mr. 
Blaine's popularity in the convention was marvelous. The Sunday before 
the convention met in session, Mr. Blaine was taken sick in a manner as 
spectacular and sensational as had been the investigation. He started 
for church at Washington with his cousin, Miss Dodge, better known in 
literature as Gail Hamilton. The church, which was Dr. Rankin's church, 
on Tenth street, was more than half a mile from his house, but, though 
the day was intensely hot, they walked the entire distance. Just as they 
reached the door of the sanctuary Mr. Blaine fell with great violence to 
the walk as if dead. A large crowd gathered, and he was with difficulty 
conveyed to his home. Bulletins concerning him were sent to all parts 
of the country, and caused a profound sensation. 

At Cincinnati the feeling was most intense. It appeared from the 
statements of his physicians that he had been prostrated by the heat, but 
his enemies declared that his alleged illness was only the work of a con- 
summate actor, who had adopted this device to gain sympathy and cause 
an adjournment of the Mulligan inquiry until after the Cincinnati conven- 
tion had done its work. The investigation was indeed abandoned, but 
at the convention the opponents of Blaine urged with a good deal of force 
that he was a broken man and that it was useless to nominate hiin. In 
this convention the enmity of Roscoe Conkling, engendered long years 
before, asserted itself triumphantly. It was his influence that defeated 
Blaine. The nomination was made Friday, June i6th, on the seventh bal- 
lot. All the luck ran against Blaine during this convention. There was 
a sunstroke to begin with, and then a dozen minor incidents were annoy- 
ing until the crowning mishap of Thursday, June 15th. The nominating 
speech had been confided to Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, then of Illinois. 
The orator had a wide fame in the West, but was yet quite unknown to 
the country at large. He had not been long on his feet, when entranced 
by the magnetism of the man, as well as carried away by the flood of his 
marvelous eloquence, he actually had the whole convention at his feet. 
He kept the delegates with him to the close, when the pent-up enthusi- 
asm broke forth. Such a scene had never before till then been witnessed 
in America. 

There has never been a question, if the vote had been taken at this 
hour, tliat Mr. Blaine would have been nominated. It was late in the even- 
in'.,S darkness was swiftly coming on. There was no gas in the hall, so 
that it was not possible to hold a night session, and the convention had 
to adjourn until the following day. During the night the combinations 
were made which nominated Gov. Hayes. The effect of Col. Ingersoll's 




JAMES G. BLAIN'K. 



THE PASSING OF A GREAT MAN. 



735 



eloquence was lost. Mr. Blaine was beaten. It was in this famous speech 
of IngersoU's that Mr. Blaine was christened "The Plumed Knight," and 
he has ever since been known to his admirers by that sobriquet. 

Immediately after the convention, on the resignation of Senator Mor- 
rill to accept the secretaryship of the treasury, Mr. Blaine was appointed 
senator to fill the unexpired term, and in the following winter he was 
chosen by the Legislature for the full ensuing term. In the Senate he 
engaged actively in the discussion of all current questiohs. He opposed 
the creation of the electoral commission for the settlement of the dis- 
puted presidential election of 1876, on the ground that congress did not 
itself possess the power that it proposed to confer on the commission. 
He held that President Hayes' southern policy surrendered too much of 
what had been gained through reconstruction, and contended that the 
validity of his own title involved the maintenance of the state govern- 
ment in South Carolina and Louisiana, which rested upon the same pop- 
ular vote. He favored a bi-metallic currency, and equally resisted the 
adoption of the single gold standard and the depreciation of silver. 
Measures for the development and protection of American shipping early 
engaged his attention. In 1878 he advocated the establishment of a line 
of mail steamers to Brazil, and unhesitatingly urged the applicaticn of a 
subsidy to this object. 

In the four years immediately following the Cincinnati convention Mr. 
Blaine's admirers had not been idle, nor had they lost hope of his ulti- 
mate nomination for the presidency. When the Chicago convention 
assembled they were there in full force, and with a good deal of confi- 
dence in the final result. They were doomed to suffer disappointment 
once more. The convention was the most memorable in the history of 
American politics. Its session continued for six days, and thirty-six bal- 
lots were taken before Gen Garfield was finally nominated. 

Mr. Blaine put forth his best efforts to secure Gen. Garfield's election, 
and upon the inauguration of the new President became Secretary of 
State. His foreign policy as outlined by himself had two principal 
objects. The first was to secure peace and keep it between all the nations 
of this continent. The next was to cultivate close commercial relations, 
and increase our trade with the different countries of Central and South 
America and Mexico. Blaine devised a great peace congress to be held 
in Washington, to which all the independent powers of both North and 
South America were to be invited. His plan contemplated the cultiva- 
tion of such a friendly understanding on the part of the powers as would 
permanently avert the horrors of war, either through the influence of spe- 
cific councils or the acceptance of impartial arbitration. Incidentally, he 
assumed that the assembling of their representatives at Washington would 



736 THE STORV OF AMERICA. 

open the way to such relation as would inure to the commercial advan- 
tage of their country. 

After the death of Garfield, his successor reversed Mr. Blaine's policy. 
Many people were relieved that Mr. Blaine's aggressive administration 
was ended, for they believed that he was rapidly getting the country 
embroiled with England, and that his policy of adventure in South Amer- 
ica might have an unforeseen end. In the spring of 1882, the course of the 
government in relation to Chilean and Peruvian affairs the previous year, 
was made the subject of investigation by the House of Representatives. 
The ex-secretary was placed on the witness stand. His examination and 
cross-examination lasted for three days, with the result that his friends 
were loud in their claims that nothing whatever had been shown against 
him. 

It was while he was the controlling spirit of the Garfield administra- 
tion that Mr. Blaine paid off his old grudge against Roscoe Conkling by 
breaking him over the wheel of New York patronage. From this quarrel 
grew the factional fight between the "half-breeds" and "stalwarts," which 
finally turned the weak brain of Guiteau. Mr. Blaine was with the Presi- 
dent on that beautiful Julymorning in 1881, when the assassin's bullet put 
to a painful end a career so full of promise, and during the President's 
eighty days of suffering he was daily at his bedside. It was fitting that 
Mr. Blaine should be selected as Garfield's eulogist by Congress, and his 
speech, full of touching references to his dead friend, is yet treasured by 
many as a superb composition. 

Upon the retirement of Mr. Blaine from the State Department in 
December, 1881, he was, for the first time in twenty-three years, out of 
public service. He immediately entered upon the composition of an elab- 
orate historical work, entitled, " Twenty Years in Congress." The work 
had a very wide sale and secured general approval for its impartial spirit 
and brilliant style. 

In 1884, for the third time, he was presented as a candidate before the 
republican national convention, once more held in Chicago. This time 
he secured the nomination for president. A contest never surpassed for 
acrimony followed. A very large number of republicans, headed by sev- 
eral newspapers which had always theretofore followed the party dic- 
tates, bolted the nominations and actively supported Mr. Cleveland, the 
democratic candidate. All sorts of extraneous matters were dragged into 
the party warfare. Feeling most acutely the hazardous situation in which 
he was placed, Blaine went into the canvass with even more than his 
ordinary fiery energy. After it was all over, November 19th, Mr. Blaine 
made a bitter speech at Augusta, charging his defeat upon the people of 
the South, claiming that the votes of the colored people in that section 



THE PASSING OF A GREAT MAN. "J l"/ 

were not allowed to be cast for him, or that, if so cast, they were not 
counted. The address provoked widespread criticism. 

Mr. Blaine sailed for Europe early in June, 1887, landing at Southamp- 
ton and going over to London. He visited the continent later and spent 
some time in France; afterward, as the winter drew near, he journeyed 
to the coast of the Mediterranean. His travels were followed with intense 
interest by the newspapers, while the desire to obtain definite informa- 
tion in regard to the next year's nomination did not abate. From Flor- 
ence, in January, he addressed a letter to B. F. Jones, chairman of the 
national committee, in which he gave what seemed to be an emphatic 
refusal to be a candidate. At first this declaration was accepted as hav- 
ing been given in perfect good faith, then there began to be doubts ex- 
pressed. Finally the whole country got into a foggy condition of mind 
on the subject. All the while Mr. Blaine's friends were active, and con- 
vention after convention selected Blaine delegates to Chicago. Mr. 
Blaine was grieved to find himself so much misunderstood, so May 17th, 
while in Paris, he wrote a letter to Whitelaw Reid, in which he left no 
doubt of his purpose to decline with proper honor. 

When Mr. Harrison was elected President Mr. Blaine became Secretary 
of State. It was freely stated that the President would have preferred 
another premier, but he was forced by Mr. Blaine's friends and the party 
to so recognize him if he cared for a peaceful administration. Once in- 
stalled in office, the secretary turned his attention, so far as he could, to 
taking up the lines he had laid down when he resigned. He bent his 
energies to an attempt to build up a trade of the United States with South 
America. To that end what was known as the pan-American congress 
was assembled, and whatever was accomplished was due to his untiring 
efforts. 

The session of 1890 brought with it the discussion and final enactment 
of the McKinley tariff bill. Mr. Blaine preserved a long silence on this 
measure, a silence so profound that whispers found their way into circu- 
lation that the Secretary of State had no faith in the success of the bill. 
At last all doubt on the subject was removed by the publication of his 
celebrated letter to Senator Frye. This missive was one of the most im- 
portant ever written by a cabinet officer, and created a great sensation 
both in congress and among the people. In it he declared himself against 
certain provisions of the McKinley bill, but later, when the bill was 
adopted, explained that it had been corrected to the extent that he 
desired. 

During his term as Secretary of State for Mr. Harrison he was active in 
advancing his policy of reciprocity. When it came near time for the Min- 
neapolis convention of June, 1892, there was another conflict in the pub- 
lic mind as to whether or not Mr. Blaine was a candidate for the nomina- 



738 THE sruRV of America. 

tion. On the fourth of June, just before the convention, he tendered his 
resignation to Mr. Harrison, and it was immediately accepted. This was 
taken by many to be a distinct declaration of his candidacy. But the 
resignation was frequently assigned to the fact that certain policies which 
he advanced in cabinet meeting had been received by the President in a 
way that he understood to mean an affront. His name was presented to 
the convention, but many of his former friends were committed to the 
interests of President Harrison, who was renominated on the first ballot. 
In the campaign that followed, which resulted in the defeat of the Presi- 
dent, Mr. Blaine's failing health permitted him to take but little part. 

Mr. Blaine had seven children, of whom the first died when but an 
infant. The eldest son. Walker, died in 1891, and the second son, Em- 
mons, in 1892, immediately after the convention. A rapid succession of 
personal bereavements in the loss of his two sons and other relatives won 
for Mr. Blaine the heartfelt sympathy of the nation, those who had been 
his enemies as well as his friends. The eldest daughter, Alice, who was 
the wife of Col. Coppinger, also died immediately after the eldest son. 

Margaret, the second daughter, was the wife of Walter Damrosch, the 
celebrated musician, and the youngest, Harriet, is still unmarried. The 
youngest son, James G. Blaine, Jr., has been an occasion of considerable 
anxiety to his parents. Mr. Blaine's homes in Washington and Augusta 
have always shown his wife's and his own good taste for rare engravings, 
fine books and the good things of life. The hospitality there dispensed 
was bountiful and celebrated. 

Mr. Blaine's health had been failing for many months, but the shock 
of his death at eleven o'clock on Friday, the 27th of January, 1893, was 
none the less a shock to the country. He was conscious until a short time 
before dissolution, and he passed away peacefully. 

The Senate, the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court 
immediately adjourned upon receipt of the news out of respect for the 
dead statesman. The President issued a proclamation commanding that 
all government offices be draped in mourning. The interment was at Oak 
Hill cemetery, near Washington, on the afternoon of January 30th. The 
distinguished company did honor to the memory of the dead man in the 
church services before the funeral. His grave is almost adjoining that of 
John Howard Payne, the author of "Home, Sweet Home." 

The absence of this great man from the political arena of the United 
States leaves a void, felt alike by his friends and his opponents. Mr. 
Blaine was the culmination of ability in American politics. The fact that 
he did not reach the goal of his ambition does not lessen the truth of that 
statement. He left behind him the memory of a man who had the larg- 
est personal following, due to his personal qualities, of any man of his 
generation. 



CHAPTER ex. 



irni. 



HOW THE INHABITANTS OF THE SANDWICH ISLANDS THREW 
OFF THE BURDENSOME YOKE OF MONARCHY THE EM- 
BASSY TO THE UNITED STATES SEEKING AN- 
NEXATION TO UNCLE SAM'S FAMILY 
OF COMMONWEALTHS. 




UT in the middle of the Pacific ocean, 2,100 miles west 
of San Francisco, is a group of islands of volcanic origin 
that in the latter days of the administration of President 
Harrison have made a great stir in the world. They 
are named the Sandwich islands, or in the language of 
the natives, the Hawaiian islands. In the month of 
January, 1S93, the people of the islands decided that 
they would like to become members of Uncle Sam's big 
family of states, and so, in just about as much time as it 
takes to tell it, they threw off the rule of the queen who 
was their monarch, and sent a commission of prominent citizens to 
Washington to make application to the United States government for 
that favor. 

It is necessary to know something of the history of the islands to 
understand the conditions that existed there, and why the people wanted 
to lose their position as an independent government to become a very 
small and unimportant portion of our big one. They were discovered by 
Captain Cook, the celebrated navigator, January 18, 1778, and a year later 
he was murdered at the same place by the natives. At that time, and 
always before, there had been a host of petty chiefs, who divided the rule 
among themselves, and were very oppressive in their government. But 
in 1782, a great warrior, Kamehameha I, conquered all the chiefs, and 
made himself king of the islands. He founded the realm that continued 
until this revolution, though there have been, at times, small rebellions 
against the reigning monarchs. .Some years ago a constitution was 



740 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

granted bj- tlie king, and since then the islands have been governed as a 
limited monarch)-. They have become more and more civilized of late 
y«.ars, until at the time of the revolution the influential men were almost 
all of American birth or descent. Many Americans and Europeans have 
gone there and have engaged in business that was of advantage to the 
islands as well as to themselves. The wealth, as well as the brains, were 
mosth' in their possession. So when the queen, Liliuokalani, endeavored 
to force upon the people a new constitution taking away from them many 
of the dearest rights they had, and practically disfranchising the foreign- 
born citizens, they naturally objected. Inasmuch as almost every one was 
on the same side, there was no one to oppose the revolution, and so it 
was over in a few hours. The queen was deposed, and leading citizens 
formed a provisional government to hold power until a permanent one 
could be formed. There was no blood shed, and no rioting or confu- 
sion. What a wonderful thing it would have been if the revolution that 
Ireed the colonies from England in '76 could have been accomplished as 
easily. There happened to be a ship of the United States navy in the 
harbor of Honolulu, the capital city, and sailors were landed from her to 
assist in the preservation of order. 

The history of the trouble is as follows: On January I2th, the Legis- 
lature passed a bill granting a right to a lottery, and it is said that the 
great Louisiana Lottery Co. was interested in it. The queen's cabinet 
objected to this, but the queen gave notice that she intended to control 
matters. Indeed, for some months the queen had shown a disposition 
to ignore her cabinet. The ministers were not in accord with her, and 
several cabinets had been formed in quick succession. The queen 
showed a desire to rule absolutely, and this tendency was noticed by the 
Hawaiians with alarm. Finally, on January 14th, the queen started the 
revolution by attempting to abrogate the constitution and promulgate a 
new one framed in the lines of her own policy of absolute power. The 
Legislature was in session, and the cabinet, immediately on the queen 
promulgating her new constitution, took charge of the government, and 
the Legislature acted without friction, proclaiming a provisional govern- 
ment and selecting Judge W. B. Dole as President. Immediately, all the 
powers, save England, recognized the new administration. The final 
completion of the revolution was on the 17th of January. The four men 
who constituted the head of the provisional government were of the high- 
est character, one having resigned his place in the .Supreme Court to 
assume the position. 

Immediately upon installing the new president, a commission was 
appointed to proceed to Washington and begin negotiations for annexa- 
tion with the United States. While the commission is speeding across 
the twent\'-one Jumdred miles of ocean, and three thousand miles of land 



A MID-PACIFIC KEVOLUTION. 74I 

that separate Honolulu from our own capital at Washington, let us go 
back to the islands for a still more definite understanding of their rela- 
tions with the United States. 

The new president of Hawaii is a native of the islands, and is the son 
of a female missionar)-. He is well known and popular, having served in 
the Legislature many times and in other of^ces. He is inclined to be a 
radical, and at the time of his appointment as president, was second asso- 
ciate justice of the Supreme Court of Hawaii. He was about forty-five 
years of age and well capable of ruling. He was educated in an Ameri- 
can college and married an American girl, Miss Gate, of Maine. 

lust before the revolution the relations between the islands and the 
United .States had not been entirely satisfactory to the Hawaiians, for the 
reason that the enactment of the McKinley bill, putting raw sugar on the 
free list and placing a bounty on American sugar, had a very disastrous 
effect on the sugar planters. Before the enactment of the McKinley law, 
the Hawaiians were by special treaty put on exactly the same basis as 
growers of sugar in the United States, and their product was admitted 
free of all duty. The McKinley bill put the Hawaiian sugar growers on 
the same basis as all other foreign growers of sugar, and gave those in the 
United States the advantage of the bounty. The result was that many of 
the sugar plantations have ceased to pay, and a number of the planters 
have tried other tropical products with good success. Annexation would 
therefore help the islanils. 

Before the revolution it had been intended to send a delegation here 
to ask for certain privileges. It was decided to offer to the United States 
the perpetual cession of the harbor of Pearl river as a coaling station 
and a navy yard for the United States. This was a gift that the navy 
department officials of the United States had been exceedingly anxious 
to secure. In return for this it was decided to ask that the United States 
allow the entrance of canned pineapples and certain other products of the 
islands free of duty. But the revolution changed the mission of the del- 
egation and made them wish for entire annexation. 

As soon as the news of the revolution reached America, which was not 
until ten days after it occurred, owing to the fact that there is no cable 
communication with the islands, our country was all excitement. Citi- 
zens eagerly discussed the advisability of granting annexation to our 
island neighbors. It was thought that the establishment of a protector- 
ate might be better than entire annexation, but the opinion of the country 
seemed almost unanimous that some arrangements should be made which 
would retain for us commercial supremacy in the islands. 

With no loss of time, the envoys hastened from steamer to train at 
San Francisco. They boarded the "Overland" flyer, and continued their 
way to Washington. At every city through which they passed they were 



742 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

met and warmly welcomed by prominent citizens. The press and people 
were with them. At Chicago, an effort was made to induce them to wait 
over for a public meeting and a banquet, but they were unwilling to lose 
time and refused the cordial invitation. 

The five commissioners were Chairman Lorin A. Thurston, and Messrs. 
Charles L. Carter, Joseph Marsden, W. C. Wilder and William P. Castle. 
They were accompanied by Mr. Thurston's niece. Miss Mabel Andrews, 
and the secretary of the commission, Charles Petersen. 

Once in Washington the commission lost no time in presenting 
credentials to Secretary of State Foster and in securing introductions at 
the state department. 

"The first art of diplomacy is silence." This is the sentence which 
the Secretary of State is credited as having uttered to the commissioners. 
This meant that time would be required and careful consideration needed 
before a decision could be reached in this country; and it also meant that 
during this period of delay it would be wise that they should not take 
the general public into their confidence as to their methods of procedure. 
Nevertheless the commissioners were cordially welcomed by the ofificials 
at Washington. 

The first impression to circulate through the country was that Presi- 
dent Harrison and his cabinet advisers favored a protectorate as a pre- 
liminary step to annexation rather than an immediate annexation. This 
hesitancy was in no small part caused by the belief that a movement for 
an immediate annexation would involve in the first place an extension of 
the bounty for American sugar to the Hawaiian islands, and in the next 
place a long discussion in congress as to the treatment of the franchise 
in the new territory and the abrogation of existing contracts for 
Asiatic labor. 

The form of administration which the leaders of the bloodless revolu- 
tion most desire was formulated by the commission. They said that 
something similar to the government of the District of Columbia would 
be acceptable, that is to say a board of commissioners appointed by the 
president, having full control of the levying and collection of taxes, the 
control of police, and the management of the courts. 

The idea of a protectorate was abnoxious to the commissioners, and 
nothing except a treaty of annexation would be pleasing to them. They 
declared that many of the natives, as well as the population of white 
blood, are strongly in favor of annexation. 

Many papers in Great Britain and Canada made strong protest against 
permitting the islands to be annexed to the United States, but the British 
government seemed to take little interest in the matter, and none to the 
extent of endeavormg to prevent a union. 

At the time when this history closes the commissioners were still in 



A MIU-PACIFIC REVOLUTION. 



743 



Washington endeavoring to attain their desired union, with great prospect 
that they would be successful and that before many weeks there would 
be another territory added to our sisterhood of states, these island gems 
of the Pacific. 

The distance from San Francisco to Honolulu, the capital and chief 
city of the Hawaiian islands, is twenty-one hundred miles. There is 
fortnightly communication between the cities by means of the steamers 
of the Oceanic Line, and seven days are required for the passage. Once 
in the island kingdom, there is much to interest the tourist. Everything 
is so different from what we in the United States have been accustomed 
to that the contrasts are very remarkable. The islands were discovered 
by Captain Cook, the great navigator, in 1778, and one year later he was 
killed by the natives on the spot where he first landed. At that time and 
until 1782, the islands had been divided among many petty chieftains, 
but in the latter year Kamehameha I. conquered the islands, organized 
the government and founded the monarchy that has remained up to this 
day. He continued to rule for thirty-seven years and died in 1819, in the 
eighty-second year of his age. After him came five succeeding rulers of 
the same family and the same name. And then in 1872 the line became 
extinct with the exception of one heir, Mrs. Bishop, who refused the 
crown. Thereupon an election was held and a new branch of royalty 
was created. The queen, who was deposed in the recent revolution, was 
named Liliuokalani, and she is the third of the new royal family. Her 
predecessor was King Kalakaua, who died in San Francisco in January, 
1891, while on a voyage for the benefit of his health. The queen has not 
been popular in her realm. Her residence, a beautiful palace known as 
"lolani," is situated in beautiful grounds adorned with trees and shrub- 
bery. Her reign has not been a peaceful one, for the people have been 
restless under her rule and have incited several rebel'ions. 

There are eight islands in the group, and they lie midway in the 
Pacific ocean just over the border line of the tropics. Five only of the 
islands are important — Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai. Three are 
indifferent and devoted principally to sheep grazing — Lanai, Niihau and 
Kahoolawe. The aggregate acreage of all of them is about 4,000, obo, 
of which Hawaii embraces five-eighths; in point of population, however, 
Oahu ranks first, containing more than a third of all the inhabitants of 
the kingdom. The city of Honolulu is on this island. The climate of 
the islands is simply perfection; the heat is not excessive and frost never 
occurs. The rainfall on the east side of the islands is plentiful, but on 
the other side irrigation is necessary for purposes of agriculture. The 
aggregate amount of exports from the kingdom for the year 189O was 
about g 1 3,000,000, of which more than Si 2,000,000 was in sugar, 130,000 
tons, and more than ^500,000 in rice. All of the exports of the countrv 



744 ■'■"HE STORV OK AMERICA. 

went to the United States except five tons of sugar and one hundred 
pounds of coffee. This illustrates in a striking manner how closely their 
business and industrial interests have been allied to us. 

The largest sugar plantation of the island is at Sprecklesville on the 
island of Maui, the Hawaiian Commercial Company, otherwise Claus 
Sprecklcs, proprietor. It is located on an arable plain at the foot of the 
mountain slopes, close to the sea, and was formerly an arid waste. The 
capital stock of the company is S 10,000,000, and the outlay of enormous 
sums of money in irrigation and of energy and labor has brought it into 
great fertility. Twenty-five thousand acres of it is suitable for cane, and 
one can travel for fifteen miles in one direction through the sweet grow- 
ing crop and yet not exceed the limits of the plantation. The mill on 
the premises is capable of producing one hundred tons of sugar per day. 
There are thirty-eight incorporated companies and thirty other com- 
panies engaged in sugar production in the islands, with an aggregate 
capital of §32,000,000, of which $26,000,000 are American. The labor of 
the plantation is Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. 

The Sandwich islands have been more noted for their volcanoes than 
for anything else. And they to-day possess the largest of the active 
volcanoes of the world — the crater of Kilauea on the island of Hawaii; 
on the same island are also Maunaloa and Maunakea. Another scourge 
that has given the islands fame is that of leprosy, which until a few years 
ago was widely prevalent throughout the kingdom. At that time a 
certain district was reserved for the lepers on the island of Molokai. 
and all who were suffering from that disease were sequestered there. 
Now as soon as any one becomes a victim to it, he is immediately sent 
to Molokai to join the sad colony. The exiles now number about twelve 
hundred. They are given every comfort of life except health. The 
location is all that could be desired and the climate salubrious and 
healthful. The average life of a leper is five years. Ten per cent, of all 
the revenues of the kingdom is annually devoted to the amelioration of 
their unhappy state. The)- are provided with churches, hospitals and 
neat homes, and a hundred horses are kept for their use and pleasure 

The natural attractions of the islands are unsurpassed anywhere. 
There are no dangerous animals, and no reptiles of any kind. Vegetation 
is luxuriant; tropical fruits of all kinds grow in abundance, and the birds 
are musical of note and gorgeous of plumage. 

The people themselves, or rather the thoroughbred Hawaiians, are of 
dark, copper-colored complexion, and ordinarily of fine physical devel- 
opment. The hair is jet black, thick and straight, and the eyes dark. 
The men are, usually, rather good-looking, but the women, as a rule, are 
coarse, slipshod, and lacking in personal charms. Some of the half and 
quarter castes and later dilutions, however, are beautiful. The race is of 



A m]|)-i'acii'il: kevolutiox. 745 

a happy-go-lucky disposition, passionately fond of everything that affords 
amusement, and enthusiastically averse to any kind of toil. The love of 
music and dancing is one of the strongest proclivities of the race. The 
people are honest, generous, and possess an abiding faith and confidence 
in man. The quality that they have appeared most to lack is personal 
morality and modesty, but one is inclined to believe that their taint in 
this direction comes from the rascally sailors, who have made a rendez- 
vous of the islands since the time of their discovery. This is rapidly 
being corrected, and the country may now be said to be improving in this 
as well as in «very other phase of its life. There seems to be no reason, 
if its political wisdom is shown, why annexation and the receiving of the 
Hawaiians into close relations as a part of our country should not be 
desired by every American. 



CHAPTER CXI. 




Wp Srtiiuimij 61on^ of Ifp f^nhir^, 

THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION AT CHICAGO — OUR 

COUNTRY'S HISTORY 400 YEARS OLD— THE MAGNIFICENT 

SITE AND BUILDINGS— OBJECTS OF INTEREST 



HE idea of holding an international exposition, in 
commemoration of the four hundredth anniver- 
sary of the discovery of America, was first 
actively discussed in 1885. In the competition 
before Congress, several cities urged their claims 
to be designated as the location of such an 
enterprise. Chicago was successful and at once 
began to take active measures to insure the success 
cif the undertaking. The site of the World's 
Columbian Exposition, as it was called, comprised 
Jackson Park and Midway Plaisance. 
In October, 1S90, the committee on grounds and buildings appointed 
a chief of construction, and on December 8, 1S90, a consulting board 
was formed under the chairmanship of the chief of construction. In 
November, 1890, the consulting board entered upon the duty of devising 
a general plan for the Exposition, taking as a basis for the study of the 
problem the classified list of exhibits which had been prepared by a 
committee charged with that duty. The list, together with the advice 
received directly from the committee dictated the number and the size 
of the buildings which would be required to meet the intention of the 
Act of Congress. The larger part of the site selected was a swampy, 
sandy flat, liable at times to be completely submerged. Other parts 
were low ridges, which had originally been sand bars deposited 
by the waters of the lake. Upon some of these ridges there were trees, 
of stunted habit, because of the sterile and water-soaked soil in which 
they had grown, and the extreme exposure to frigid winds from the lake, 
to which they had been subject to a late period every spring. The idea 
was that there should be a system of navigable water-ways, to be made 
by dredging-boats, working inward from the lake through the lowest 
parts of the site, the earth lifted by the boats to be so deposited as to 



THE CROWNING GLORY OF THE CENTURY. 747 

add to the area, and increase the elevation of the higher parts, which 
would thus become better adapted to pleasure-ground purposes, and to 
be used as the sites for the buildings of the Exposition. This idea was 
carried out and after infinite labor the swamp was transferred into a 
fairy land of wonderful beauty. 

The Administration Building was one of the most perfect examples 
of architectural form ever erected. This building was 262 feet square 
and was erected at a cost of $550,000. It was richly ornamented in bas- 
reliefs, frescoing and sculpture. Around the base of the dome, on the 
corners of the pavilions, and at the entrances were groups of statuary, 
emblematic of the arts and sciences. The building was divided into four 
grand pavilions known as A, B, C and D, occupied from the ground to 
and including the third floor by the ofifices of the Exposition, express, 
telegraph and telephone companies, and bank and press headquarters. 
Above the third floor were four tunnel passages leading from one 
pavilion to another. 

The Palace of Fine Arts, now the Field Columbian Museum, is Gre- 
cian-Ionic in style, and is a pure type of the most refined classic archi- 
tecture. The structure is oblong, and is 500 by 320 feet, intersected 
north, east, south and west by a nave and transept 100 feet wide and sev- 
enty feet high, at the intersection of which is a dome sixty feet in diame- 
ter. The building is 125 feet to the top of the dome. The transept has 
a clear space through the center of sixty feet, being lighted entirely from 
above. On either side are galleries twenty feet wide and twenty-four 
feet above the floor. The collections of sculpture were displayed on the 
main floor of the nave and transept, and on the walls both of the ground 
floor and of the galleries were ample areas for displaying the paintings 
and sculptured panels in relief. Around the entire building are galleries 
forty feet wide, forming a continuous promenade around the structure. 
The main building is entered by four great portals, richly ornamented 
with architectural sculpture, and approached by broad flights of steps. 
The walls of the loggia of the colonnades are highly decorated with 
mural paintings, illustrating the history and progress of the arts. The 
frieze of the exterior walls and the pediments of the principal entrances 
are ornamented with sculptures and portraits in bas-relief of the masters 
of ancient art. The general tone or color is light gray. The con- 
struction is necessarily fire-proof. The main walls are of solid brick, 
covered with staff, architecturally ornamented, while the roof, floors 
and galleries are of iron. 

Approaching the Fisheries Building from either front, one was 
impressed with its beauty and general grace of construction. The tall 
dome towered high above the gables of the main structure, while the 
small turrets that adorned the dome and main entrances appeared in 



748 THE STORY OK AMERICA. 

pleasing contrast with the red tiled roof, columns and arches. Flanked 
on both the east and west by small pavilions and connecting arcades, the 
whole presented an architectural view of great magnificence. The infi- 
nite detail of fishes and other aquatic animals with which the columns, 
arches, and friezes were decorated in bas-relief, was gratifying to the eye, 
and the skill and ingenuity displayed by the ornamentation were as 
remarkable for originality as for fitness. 

The forest resources of the world were exhibited in the Forestry 
Building, which was one of the most interesting and unique structures on 
the grounds. It was made of wood and with a colonnade composed of 
tree trunks sent from almost every State in the Union. For instance: 
Arkansas furnished pine, white oak, red oak and sassafras; California, 
sugar pine, redwood and trunks of the young sequoia: Delaware, red 
cedar, white oak and white ash; Kansas, burr oak, hickory, huckleberry, 
sycamore and walnut; Minnesota, white pine, sugar maple, ash, oak, Cot- 
tonwood, spruce, box cedar, tamarack and elm, and Wisconsin, pine, 
white oak, basswood, elm, birch and spruce. The dimensions of this 
building were 200 by 500 feet, with a central height of sixty feet. 

The Horticultural Building was 114 feet high on the inside, and 187 
feet in diameter, with a gallery extending around a well or open center. 
Four parallelogram-shaped rooms, technically called curtains, each 270 
feet long, connected the dome and central pavilion, forming two interior 
courts. The style was Venetian renaissance, the order Ionic, with 
a broad frieze decorated with cupids and garlands. A highly orna- 
mented vestibule, with statues on either side, representing the awak- 
ening and sleep of flowers, formed the main or grand entrance. 
Opposite the main entrance and flanked on either side along the 
lagoon with long rows of mammoth vases filled with flowers and 
trailing plants was a succession of steps leading down to a broad 
landing, for picturesque gondolas and other water craft. The dome was 
sufficiently large to admit of the construction of a miniature tropical mount- 
ain and an extensive cave underneath. Several cascades were formed 
upon the sides of the mountain, and the sparkling waters dashed from 
rock to rock under the foliage of the largest palms, tree ferns and other 
tropical plants that were ever collected in a conservatory. Australia, 
Central and South American countries, Africa and every nation in 
Europe, the West Indies, China, and the largest conservatories in the 
United States, contributed to the collection of plants which were exhib- 
ited in the dome and east curtains. Japan, among many rare plants, fur- 
nished some dwarf trees more than lOO years old and only a few feet in 
height. The dome gallery contained exhibits of herbariums, florists' 
supplies, fruit and flower plates, and was used as a promenade from 



THE CKOWNING GI.OKV OF THE CENTURY. 749 

which to look down on the plant displays. The west curtains contained 
the pomological exhibit. 

The Live Stock Pavilion covered an area of over three acres. Tiie 
general arrangement of this magnificent pavilion was the same as the ever 
famous Coliseum at Rome, the architecture of the former being Roman 
esque, and the latter purely classic of the Doric order. The building was 
constructed of framework covered with staff. The seating capacity was 
6,000. The center was used as a large arena for the purpose of parading 
live stock. 

The Machinerj- Building, or Palace of Mechanic Art, was 850 feet 
long and 500 feet broad, and with the Machinery Anne.xand Power-house 
cost about Si, 200,000. The building w as spanned by three arched trusses, 
and the interior presented the appearance of three railroad train-houses 
side by side. The naves were lighted and aired from above by large 
monitor roofs, and in the center were three domed roofs, each covering 
an open space 125 feet square. 

The Manufactures Building was the mammoth structure of the Expo- 
sition. It was the largest building in area ever erected on the western 
hemisphere and the largest under a roof in the whole world. Despite 
this fact, every foot of available space was taken, and it is even asserted 
by conservative judges that more than double the space could have been 
assigned to exhibits. This building was three times larger than the Cathe- 
dral of St. Peter, in Rome, and four times larger than the old Roman 
Coliseum, which seated 80,000 persons. The central hall, which was a 
single room without a supporting pillar under its roof, had in its floor a 
fraction less than eleven acres, and the entire building could comfortably 
seat 300,000 people. There were 7,000,000 feet of lumber in the floor, and it 
required five carloads of nails to fasten the 215 carloads of flooring to the 
joists. The exterior outline covered an area of nearly thirty-two acres, 
and, including galleries encircling the interior, afforded in the aggregate 
forty-four acres of exhibiting space. This vast structure was covered 
with an arched roof of steel and glass, affording ample light and venti- 
lation. It measured 1,687 by 787 feet. Within the building a gallery 50 
feet wide extended around all four sides, and projecting from this were 
86 smaller galleries, 12 feet wide, from which visitors could survey the 
vast array of exhibits and the busy scene below. The building was rec- 
tangular in form, and the interior was divided into a great central hall, 
380 by 1,280 feet, surrounded by a nave 107 feet wide. The long array of 
columns and arches, which its facades presented, was relieved from monot- 
ony by very elaborate ornamentation. In this ornamentation female 
figures, symbolical of the various arts and sciences played a conspicuous 
and very attractive part. The exterior of the building was covered with 
staff, treated to represent marble. There were four great entrances, one 



750 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

in the center of each facade. These were designed in the manner of 
triumphal arches, the central archway of each being 40 feet wide and 80 
feet high. Surmounting these portals was the great attic story, orna- 
mented with sculptured eagles 18 feet high, and on each side above the 
side arches were great panels with inscriptions. At each corner of the 
main building were pavilions forming arched entrances, designed in har- 
mony with the great portals. 

The building over the portal of which was written " Mining," attracted 
marked attention. It was the first exposition building distinctively 
devoted to this industry, its walls containing the first separate and com- 
prehensive mineral and metallurgical exhibit. It is one of the new 
developments and marvels of an exposition that furnished so many sur- 
prises and wonders. Upon a great floor 700 feet long by 350 feet wide 
and covering over five and a half acres, was constructed a massive and 
solid structure, relieved and embellished with all the symmetrical and 
classic forms and rich ornamentations known to architecture. An arcade 
consisting of a loggia on the main floor and a deeply recessed promenade 
on the gallery floor occupied the main fronts of the building. It was 
intersected at the center by an enormous arched entrance 56 feet high 
and 25 feet broad ending at the corners in square pavilions surmounted 
by low domes. Its architecture, of early Italian renaissance, with a slight 
touch of French spirit, together with the enormous and floating banners, 
invested the building with the animation that should characterize a great 
general exposition. The interior design was of no less interest than the 
exterior. The roof rested upon ten great cantilever trusses so that the 
floor was practically unencumbered, there being only two rows of iron 
columns on either side. This was the first instance of the application of 
the cantilever system to building, and the result was a structure signally 
adapted to exhibition purposes, the gain in space being quite large. The 
cost of the building was ^250,000. 

The Transportation Building was unique in its architecture. Its gor- 
geous exterior decoration and its superb golden door identified it at once. 
Its polychromatic front bore the name of illustrious railway and marine 
inventors and sculptured groups idealizing the different forms of trans- 
portation. The north and south entrances were also elaborate and bore 
the individual statues of many famous men. A peculiar feature of the 
vast annex was the fact that it was found necessary to carry the intramu- 
ral electric and elevated railways over its roof. The descent from these 
aerial stations was at the southwestern corner of the building. The main 
building measured 960 feet long by 250 feet deep. Along the central 
avenue, or nave, the visitor saw facing each other scores of locomotive 
engines, highly polished, rendering the perspective effect of the nave 
both exceedingly novel and striking. Add to the effect of the exhibits 



THE CROWNING GLORY OF THE CENTURY. 75I 

the architectural impression given b}- a long vista of richly ornamented 
colonnades, and it may easily be seen that the interior of the Transpor- 
tation Building was one of the most impressive of the Exposition. The 
building was exquisitely refined and simple in architectural treatment, 
although very rich and elaborate in detail. 

The Agricultural Building was erected at a cost of $1,218,000. The 
main entrance was 64 feet wide, with Corinthian pillars 50 feet high and 
five feet in diameter. The rotunda was 100 feet in diameter surrounded 
by a great glass dome. The dimensions of this building were 800 by 500 
feet. 

The Electrical Building was 345 feet wide and 700 feet long. The 
general scheme of the plan was based upon a longitudinal nave 115 feet 
wide and 114 feet high, crossed in the middle by a transept of the same 
width and height. At each of the four corners of the building there was 
a pavilion, above which rose a light, open spire or tower, 169 feet high. 
Intermediate between these corner pavilions and the center pavilions on 
the east and west sides, there was a subordinate pavilion bearing a low, 
square dome upon an open lantern. The building had an open portico 
extending along the whole of the south facade. 

The Anthropological Building was the last of the Exposition build- 
ings to be constructed, when it was found to be necessary to obtain more 
space for the section of education in the Manufactures and Liberal Arts 
Building. The Ethnological department was then assigned to the new 
building. The building was 415 feet long and 255 feet wide, with a gal- 
lery 48 feet wide on all four sides. Thirty thousand square feet on the 
southern end of the floor was given up to the sections of hygiene and 
sanitation and of charities and corrections belonging to the Liberal 
Arts. The remainder of the floor was occupied by the archaeological and 
ethnological exhibits of foreign countries, State boards and individuals, 
an.d the collections made by the assistants of the department who were 
sent to various parts of North, Central and South America to make special 
explorations and researches under the direction of the chief of the 
department. 

The Woman's Building was a beautiful building, built in the style of 
the Italian renaissance. The principal facade had an extreme length of 
400 feet, the depth of the building being half this distance. The main 
grouping consisted of a center pavilion flanked at each end with corner 
pavilions connected in the first story by open arcades in the curtains, 
forming a shady promenade the whole length of the structure. The first 
story was raised about ten feet from the ground line, and a wide staircase 
led to the center pavilion. This pavilion, forming the main triple-arched 
entrance with an open colonnade in the second story, was finished with a 
low and beautifully proportioned pediment enriched with a highly 



752 THE STORV OF AMERICA. 

elaborate bas-relief. The corner pavilions, being like the rest of the 
building, two stories high, with a total elevation of 60 feet, had each an 
open colonnade added above the main cornice. Here were located the 
hanging gardens, and also the committee rooms of the Board of Lady- 
Managers. A lobby 40 feet wide opened into the rotunda, reaching 
through the height of the building and protected by a richly ornamented 
skyliglit. This rotunda was surrounded by a two-story open arcade, as 
delicate and chaste in design as the exterior, the whole having a thor- 
oughly Italian court-yard effect, admitting abundance of light to all 
rooms facing this interior space. In the second story, above the main 
entrance and curtains, were located ladies' parlors, committee rooms and 
dressing rooms, all leading to the open balcony in front, and command- 
ing a splendid panorama of almost the entire ground. The whole second 
floor of the north pavilion enclosed the great assembly room and club 
room. The first of these was provided with an elevated stage for the 
accommodation of speakers. The south pavilion contained the model 
kitchen, refreshment and reception rooms. 

In accordance with the Act of Congress, approved April 25, 1890, the 
Executive Departments of the United States Government made an 
interesting and creditable display, under the auspices of a board of 
management and control, composed of government ofificials appointed 
from the several departments. The Government Building was classic in 
style and bore a strong resemblance to the National Museum and other 
government buildings at Washington. Its leading architectural feature 
was a central octagonal dome 120 feet in diameter and 150 feet high. 
The south half of the Government Building was devoted to the exhibits 
of the Postofficc department. Treasury department, War department, and 
Department of agriculture. The north half was devoted to the exhibits 
of the Fisheries Commission, Smithsonian Institute, and Interior 
department. The State department exhibit extended from the rotunda 
to the east end, and that of the department of justice from the 
rotunda to the west end of the building. 

The Naval exhibit was unique. A structure, which to all outward 
appearance was a full sized modern battleship, was erected on piling on 
the lake front in the northeast portion of the grounds. It was surrounded 
by water and had the appearance of being moored to a wharf. The 
structure had all the fittings that belong to the actual ship, such as guns, 
turrets, torpedo tubes, torpedo nets and booms, with boats, anchors, 
chain cables, davits, awnings, deck fittings, etc., together with all appli- 
ances for working the same. Officers, seamen, mechanics and marines 
were detailed by the Navy department during the Exposition, and the 
discipline and mode of life on our naval vessels were completely shown. 

Besides the buildings erected b_\- the \-arious foreign governments, 



THE CROWNING GLORY OF THE CENTURY. 



753 



there were many other structures of great beauty. Chief among them 
may be mentioned the Casino, Music Hail, Children's Building, Con\ent 
of La Rabida, Festival Hall, Leather and Shoe Trades Building and 
others. Nearly every State was represented by a building of its own. 

The attractions of the Midway Plaisance were as follows: Diamond 
Match Company's Pavilion; Fire and Guard Station; International Dress 
and Costume Company; Electric Scenic Theater; Libbey Glass Com- 
pany's Works; Irish Village; Japanese Bazaar; Javanese Village; Ger-' 
man Village, Museum and Garden; Zoopraxographical Hall; Streets of 
Cairo; Persian Palace; Eiffel Model Tower; Ferris Wheel; Vienna Cafe, 
Algeria and Tunis Theater and Restaurant; East India Bazaar; Panorama 
Volcano Kilauea; American Indians; Chinese Theater and Joss House; 
Captive Balloon; Brazil Concert Hall; Ostrich Farm; Sitting Bull's 
Cabin; Irish Industries; Bulgarian Curios; Adams Express Company 
Pavilion; Colorado Gold Mining; Log Cabin of 1776; Venice-Murano 
Company; Hagenback's Animal Show; South Sea Islanders; Vienna 
Bakery and Theater; Panorama Bernese Alps; Turkish Village, Bazaar 
and Mosque; German Wienerwurst House; Moorish Palace; Moorish 
Mosque; Model of St. Peter; Glass Spinning; Ice Railway; French Cider 
Press; Fire and Guard Station; Austrian Village; Dahomey Villao-e; 
Lapland Village and National Hungarian Orphcum. 

The Exposition buildings were dedicated October 21, 1892. On May 
I, 1893, the gates were thrown open to visitors, who thronged from all 
over the world to witness the wonders of the " White City." 



CHAPTER CXII. 



Jr^ibnl ur Oaut-nmr? 




ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT CLEVELAND — THE NEW TARIFF - 

THE INCOME TAX — THE COAL STRIKE— THE COXEY 

MOVEMENT — THE PULLMAN BOYCOTT — THE 

SILVER QUESTION. 

HE inauguration of President Cleveland was cele- 
brated with great pomp and ceremony March 
4, 1893. The day was very cold, but the city 
of Washington was filled with a throng of visitors, 
eager to welcome the incoming chief executive. 
The installation of Vice-President Stevenson took 
place in the Senate chamber. President Cleveland 
took the oath of ofifice on the eastern portico of the 
Capitol in the presence of the people, where he 
delivered his inaugural address. The new President 
was then driven to the reviewing stand in front of the 
White House to witness the inaugural procession. Here he stood for 
five hours receiving the salutes of the passing regiments and the cheers 
of the enthusiastic spectators. In the evening the inaugural ball took 
place in the Pension Bureau building. On the following day President 
Cleveland announced his Cabinet, composed of the following men of note: 
Walter O. Gresham, of Illinois, Secretary of State; John G. Carlisle, of 
Kentucky, Secretary of the Treasury; Daniel S. Lamont, of New York, 
Secretary of War; Hoke Smith, of Georgia, Secretary of the Interior; 
Hilary A. Herbert, of Alabama, Secretary of the Navy; J. Sterling Mor 
ton, of Nebraska, Secretary of Agriculture; Richard Olney, of Massachu- 
setts, Attorney-General, and Wilson S. Bissell, of New York, Postmaster- 
General. Mr. Bissell afterward resigned and was succeeded in ofifice by 
William L. Wilson, of West Virginia. The death of Secretary of State 
Walter 0. Gresham, which occurred May 28, 1895, necessitated another 
change in the cabinet. President Cleveland placed Richard Olney at 
the head of the State Department and Judson Harmon was appointed 
Attorney-General. 

The administration of President Cleveland was conscientious and con- 
sistent. He advocated a just, but firm foreign policy and a strict adher- 



PRESIDENT OR GOVERNOR. 755 

ence to the principles of sound currency and tariff reform. He believed 
that the civil service laws should be applied to every branch of service, 
including even presidential appointments — that merit, not political influ- 
ence, should govern all selections for office. 

Recognizing the importance of immediate legislation. President Cleve- 
land called an extra session of Congress, which assembled on August 7, 
1893, to consider laws relating to the currency and tariff reform. William 
L. Wilson, of West Virginia, was made chairman of the house committee 
of ways and means, with instructions to draft a bill which should repre- 
sent the principles of the Democratic party on the question of tariff 
reform. The Wilson bill, as it was termed; was introduced into the House 
on January 8, 1894. It was opposed by the Republicans on general 
principles, but its provisions for free wool, coal, lumber, sugar and iron 
ore were denounced by Democrats representing States whose interests 
would be effected by the enactment of such a law. Although the bill 
advocated the removal of 38 per cent, of the duties upon imports and the 
inclusion of manufactures and farm products in the free list, it passed the 
House by a vote of 204 to 140. The bill went to the Senate on February 
2, where it again encountered the opposition of prominent representa- 
tives of both parties. The matter was then referred to the finance com- 
mittee of the Senate and a new bill was prepared. 

The Senate tariff bill opposed the principles of free raw material and 
advocated a duty of 40 cents a ton on coal and iron ore, a tax of one cent 
a pound on raw sugar, with a protection of one-fourth of a cent per pound 
on refined sugar. The rates in the metal, glass, earthenware, cotton, 
woolen and agricultural schedule were increased, while salt, lumber and 
wool were left on the free list. On July 3 the bill passed the Senate by a 
vote of 39 to 34 and went to the conference committee of the two Houses. 
The members of the committee, however, failed to agree on the sugar, 
coal, iron ore, woolen and cotton schedule, but after some discussion a 
settlement was reached and the House accepted the Senate bill. 

President Cleveland had already declared himself opposed to the 
measure on the grounds that it neither represented the principles of the 
Democratic party nor tariff reform. In a letter to Mr. Wilson, he said: 

" We have in our platform and in every way possible declared in favor 
of the free importation of raw materials. We have again and again 
promised that this should be accorded to our people and our manufac- 
turer as soon as the Democratic party was invested with the power to 
determine the tariff policy of the country. The party has now that 
power. We are as certain to-day as we ever have been of the great bene- 
fit that would accrue to the country from the inauguration of this policy, 
and nothing has occurred to release us from our obligation to secure this 
advantage to our people. It must be admitted that no tariff measure 



756 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

can accord with Democratic principles and promises or bear a genuine 
Democratic badge that does not provide for free raw materials." 

On August 15, the bill was sent to the President, who allowed the 
measure to become a law without his approval. 

The reduction in the tariff naturally caused a decrease in the countrj's 
revenues and necessitated some form of taxation which would balance 
this loss. The proposal to levy a tax on incomes in the United States 
was no sooner made than it became the subject of wide discussion by all 
interested in the measure. Secretary John G. Carlisle in a report to Con- 
gress said: 

" It is a generally recognized fact that capital in the form of money, 
bonds and other evidences of debt does not usually by reason of its tan- 
gible and transitory nature bear its due proportion of the burden of tax- 
ation under the revenue laws of the several States and municipalities as 
compared with real estate and visible personal property, and while no 
discrimination should be made against it, whether it be represented by 
corporate or other investments, there appears to be no good reason why 
the contributions for the support of the public service generally should 
not be equalized as nearly as possible by including this kind of propert}' 
in the Federal revenue system." 

After the provisions of the Wilson bill were made public, the ways 
and means committee took under consideration an income tax law. 
Chairman Wilson was personally opposed to such a measure, but agreed 
to it when adopted by a majority of the committee. In an article pub- 
lished in the North American Rcviezv, Mr. Wilson gave his views regard- 
ing this form of taxation. After enumerating the advantages of the 
income tax under the English system, he said: 

" But despite these strong arguments in favor of an individual income 
tax, and the unquestionable equity of its general theory, there are grave 
counter reasons which rise up before a legislator who seeks to embody it 
in our tax system. Aside from the very natural objection of those who 
might have to pay such a tax, its administration is necessarily accompa- 
nied by some exasperating demoralizing incidents. Our people have so 
long and so generally been free from any public scrutiny into their per- 
sonal incomes, and even from any personal contact with Federal tax col- 
lectors that they resent the approach of either. Moreover, like the 
personal property tax, which is so universally evaded, the personal 
income tax would easily lend itself to fraud, concealment and perjury." 

The income tax bill, passed by both Houses of Congress and approved 
by the President, became a law. Suits were then brought to test its 
validity, and the courts declared the law unconstitutional. The matter 
was then carried to the Supreme Court, which reversed the decision 
of the lower court, but ruled that all incomes derived from rents, or 



PRESIDENT OR GOVERNOR. 75/ 

State and municipal bonds, were exempt from taxation. Under this 
decision, the business man, manufacturer, and salaried emplo\'e were 
forced to pay a tax of 2 per cent, on all incomes over S4,000 per annum, 
while landlords and bondholders were exempt from the tax, so far as 
their incomes were derived from rents or bonds. By a subsequent 
decision, however, the law was declared unconstitutional. 

On ;\Iarch 29, 1894, President Cleveland vetoed the seigniorage bill, 
"an act which directed the coinage of the silver bullion held in the 
Treasury and for other purposes." 

On August 13, 1894, the Senate ratified a new treaty between the 
United States and China, and on No\'ember 22, a treaty was signed 
between this country and Japan. 

The years 1893 and 1S94 were marked b)- industrial depression and 
financial stringency. The latter year was made memorable by a series 
of most disastrous labor disturbances. 

On April 21, 1894, 152,000 miners left their work, and thereby closed 
nearly all the bituminous coal mines in the country. The miners asserted 
that the causes of the strike w-ere low wages and lack of steady employ- 
ment. The mine operators, on the other hand, claimed that the " hard 
times" had lowered the price of labor and decreased the consumption 
of coal over 25 per cent. Mine owners were forced to cut prices in 
order to catch trade, until the price of coal at the pit was often as 
low as 75 cents a ton. In less than a month after the outbreak, 175,000 
miners had joined the strike, and the bituminous coal region was the 
scene of unrestrained violence. The owners of mines called upon the 
local authorities to protect their property; desperate battles took place 
between the strikers and armed deputies. In many places it was found 
necessary to call in the aid of the militia. Order was finally restored, 
and on June 8, a conference of miners and operators was called to meet 
at Columbus, Ohio, to arrange a scale of prices. An agreement was 
reached and the strike ended. In the meantime the miners had lost 
$12,500,000 in wages, while the loss in the various departments of busi- 
ness amounted to $20,000,000. 

The most unique effort to aid the long-suffering cause of labor was 
attempted by J. S. Coxey of Massillon, O. He proposed to organize 
"industrial armies" at different parts of the country, which were to simulta- 
neously march to Washington. These organizations were formed for the 
purpose of urging upon Congress the necessity of legislation in the inter- 
est of labor. According to Mr. Coxey and his followers, a law ought to 
be passed providing for the issue of 8500,000,000 in legal tender notes to 
be expended by the Secretary of War at the rate of §20,000,000 a month, 
for building roads throughout the country. Another law was to be urged 
which would gi\c every State, cit}.- or village the right to deposit in the 



758 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

National Treasury non-interest-bearing bonds to an amount not excecdinp' 
one-half the assumed valuation of its property; the Secretary of the 
Treasury would then be obliged to issue legal tender notes to an amount 
equal to the face of the bonds. On March 24, Coxey and his army of 
100 men left Massillon, O., for Washington. At the same time other 
industrial armies were formed in other parts of the country. The Coxey 
contingent reached Washington, where the leader and two of his lieuten- 
ants were arrested, tried and imprisoned. Other armies which had assem- 
bled at various points were disbanded and the movement ended in com- 
plete failure. 

The coal strike had hardly ended when another labor outbreak 
occurred which threatened disaster to the business interests of the entire 
country. This was the strike of the employes of the Pullman Palace Car 
Company, followed by the boycott of the Pullman cars by the American 
Railway Union. 

The business depression, which affected all departments of trade and 
industry, had made it necessary for the Pullman company to reduce the 
wages of its employes. The workmen became dissatisfied and a strike 
was threatened if wages were not advanced. Nearly all the operatives 
resided in the town of Pullman, in houses owned by the company, but 
the reduction in wages was not followed by a proportionate decrease in 
rents, which were collected each month of the employes. After paying 
his rent, including gas and water bills, the unfortunate workman often 
found himself without the means of providing food for his family. In 
answer to the demands of the employes for an impartial investigation of 
their troubles, Mr. Pullman replied that the company had always endeav- 
ored to benefit the people of Pullman; contracts for car construction 
had been accepted at great loss in order to afford steady employment; 
the company's repair shops at Detroit had been closed, and a system of 
internal improvement had been carried on, which necessitated an expen- 
diture of S 160,000. Mr. Pullman further stated that the company actu- 
ally paid the city of Chicago each month S500 more for water, than it 
collected of the employes; moreover, the average amount collected 
monthly for gas consumed was only $2, while houses often rented as low 
as $6 per month. The grievances of the workmen were investigated, 
although no increase of wages was ordered. When the company learned 
that the men had decided to strike, notice was given that the works 
would be closed indefinitely. This occurred May 12, 1894. 

The American Railway Union held its national convention in Chicago 
on June 15, with Eugene V. Debs as president. A committee was 
appointed to confer with the officials of the Pullman company. The 
refusal of the company to recognize the American Railway Union was 
followed by an order to boycott all Pullman cars, with instructions to 



PRESIDENT OR GOVERNOR. 759 

begin on the Illinois Central road and to extend to all others in the coun- 
try using these cars. This practically meant a strike on every railroad 
that should not refuse to haul the Pullman cars until that company should 
consent to submit the demands of its employes, for increased wages, to 
arbitration. This was called a "sympathetic strike," but it failed to 
arouse the sympathy of those who were sincerely interested in the cause 
of labor. Switchmen, brakemen, firemen, trainmen, engineers and con- 
ductors were forced to participate in a movement which ended in failure. 
The railroad companies were under contract with the Pullman company 
for a long term of years, and were obliged to carry out their agreements, 
hence they could not accede to the demands of Debs. 

On the evening of June 26, the St. Louis express, on the Illinois Cen- 
tral Railroad, was stopped at Grand Crossing, where it was surrounded 
by a crowd of excited strikers. The engineer and fireman were forced to 
leave the train because it contained Pullman coaches. One hour after- 
ward nine trains were blocked at Grand Crossing and traffic was finally 
suspended. The following day the strike extended to other roads and 
the transportation of mails was abandoned. By the 29th of June railroad 
business had come to a standstill at Los Angeles, Cal., St. Louis, Mo., 
Terre Haute, Ind., Cairo, 111., Pueblo, Colo., Toledo, O., Omaha, Neb., 
Dubuque, la., Topeka, Kas., Duluth, Minn., Fargo, N. D., and all inter- 
mediate points. The situation rapidly became more serious and the 
tracks on many roads were blocked by overturned freight cars. Disturb- 
ances were of frequent occurrence in and about Chicago, and the sheriff 
was called upon to furnish armed deputies. On July 2, a Cabinet council 
was held at Washington and on the following day the regulars at Fort 
Sheridan were ordered out for duty at Chicago. The southwestern por- 
tion of the city was in the hands of the mob and there were frequent skir- 
mishes between the rioters and the soldiers. Gov. Altgeld sent a letter 
to President Cleveland, demanding the withdrawal of the Federal troops 
from the State of Illinois. The President replied that abundant proof 
had been shown that the presence of the regulars was not only proper 
but necessary in order to preserve peace. 

On July 6, the mob set fire to 775 freight cars in the yard of the Pan 
Handle road, a loss of §500,000. At Hawthorne 211 freight cars, loaded 
with merchandise valued at S8o,000 were destroyed. On the same day 
five regiments of State troops were ordered to Chicago. Gov. Altgeld 
again sent a long and vindictive letter to President Cleveland, protest- 
ing against the presence of the regulars, on the grounds that the State 
was fully able to protect its own interests, and that the ordering out of 
Federal troops was an unwarranted act on the part of the President. The 
following letter, characteristic of the chief executive, was sent in reply: 



76o 



THE STOKV OF AMERICA. 



Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, July tjth. 
The Hon. John P. Altgeld, Governor of Illinois, Springfield, 111.; 

While I am still persuaded that 1 have neither transcended my authority nor duty 
in the emergency that confronts us, it seems to me that in this hour of danger and public 
distress, discussion may well give way to active effort on the part of all in authority to 
restore obedience to law and to protect life and property. 

Grovf;r Cleveland. 

On July 7, a conflict took place in Chicago between the mob and 
Company C, of the Second Illinois Regiment. The soldiers were forced 
to fire, killing two persons and fatally injuring several others. During 
the daj- 690 cars and engines were burned or wrecked, 96 cars were over- 
turned, 9 buildings were burned and 26 men were either killed or 
injured. On the following day martial law in Chicago was declared, by 
a formal proclamation issued by President Cleveland. 

On the same day an encounter took place at Hammond, Ind., between 
the rioters and regulars, in which one of the mob was killed and seven 
were wounded. On the gth the Second Brigade of State troops was 
ordered to Chicago. Wrecking trains were sent out to clear the tracks of 
overturned cars and wreckage. On the loth Debs was arrested on a 
bench warrant, issued by Judge Grosscup, of the United States District 
Court, charging him with conspiracy. An unsuccessful effort was then 
made to prolong the strike by calling out the Knights of Labor. This was 
practically the last day of the strike. Order was graduallj' restored and 
the regular business of the railroads was resumed. The actual cost of the 
strike is unknown. The loss in Chicago alone is estimated at $7,000,000. 

A great many prominent people died in Europe during the year 1894. 
The President of the French republic, Marie Francois Sadi-Carnot was 
assassinated at Lyons, June 25, and Alexander IIL, Emperor of Russia, 
died at Livadia, Greece, November i. Count Ferdinand De Lesseps, 
the noted engineer; James A. Froude, the historian; Louis Kossuth, the 
Hungarian patriot; Anton Rubenstein, the pianist; Edmund Yates, the 
journalist; Rosina Yokes, the actress, and Robert Louis Stevenson, the 
novelist, died during the year. America was called upon to mourn the 
death of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the poet and essayist, which occurred 
in Boston, October 7; George William Childs, the journalist, died in 
Philadelphia, Februar\- 3, and David Swing, the clergyman, died in Chi- 
cago, October 3. The list of illustrious dead includes the names of Con- 
stance Fennimore Woolson, the novelist; William F. Poole, librarian of 
the Newberry Library, Chicago; James McCosh, ex-president of Prince- 
ton College; G. P. A. Healey, the artist; Frank Hatton, the journalist; 
Gen. N. P. Banks, the soldier; James M. Bailey, the humorist, and others. 

The discussion of the currency question now completely occupies the 
public mind. The free coinage of silver is advocated b>- many, on thi. 



PRESIDENT OK GOVERNOR. 761 

grounds that the prevailing financial depression is a direct result of the 
demonetization of siher in 1873 On the other hand, it is urged that a 
reversal of the former monetar\- system, which recognizes gold as the 
standard of value, will result in retarding the return of the country to 
business activit)-. 

The signs of growth and progress are already manifest in all depart- 
ments of trade and industry. The clouds of doubt and uncertainty, 
which now darken the sky, only presage the dawn of another era ol 
prosperity for the American people. 



CHAPTER CXIII. 



m M\b iaking nf faob |noks, Jilt. 

THE LITERATURE OF THE LAST THIRTY YEARS. 



may be well at this point to take up the thread 
of history which concerns national literature. 
Among the novelists who preceded the present 
school, and who are now almost forgotten, are 
Robert Montgomery Bird, John Neal, William 
Mare (an historical novelist), Sylvester Judd, 
William Gilmore Simms (a leading Southern writer), 
and John Esten Cooke, also a delineator of Southern 
life. Charles F. Briggs wrote several novels of New 
England life, partly humorous in their character; 
Richard B. Kimball chose New York City for his field of 
fiction; John P. Kennedy preferred to portray old-times 
society, and Hermon Nelaille chose the sea as the 
surrounding for his characters. 
The novel which has had the greatest popular success of any 
American book is Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin." As 
a literary success, it was remarkable, and as a moral factor, it has 
doubtless had more direct and practical influence upon the people than 
any book ever written. It was published in 1852, and won more con- 
verts to the anti-slavery cause than all the sermons preached or laws en- 
acted. Strongly dramatic and deeply fascinating in plot, "Uncle Tom's 
Cabin" still retains its popularity, although the great abolition cause 
that it championed has long since triumphed. Every new edition finds 
ready sale, and no book published in America has been so universally 
read. 

"The Wide, Wide World," of the sisters Susan and Anna Warner, 
published in 1850, has been one of the very successful American books. 
Catherine Sedgwick, the author of "Hope Leslie;" Marion Cole Harris, 
who wrote "Rutledge," and Maria S. Cummins, the author of "The 




OF THE MAKING OF GOOD BOOKS, ETC. 763 

Lamplighter," are among the first women who did graceful and credit- 
able work in America. "Grace Greenwood" (Sarah J. Lippencott) and 
Fanny Fern" (Mrs. James Parton) were the first to introduce the style 
of light and pleasant magazine sketching, which has since become so 
popular. 

Of the American essayists, Ralph Waldo Emerson is the most 
distinguished. He was bom in Boston in 1802, the descendant of 
eight generations of clergymen. Born with a religious habit of thought, 
he still imbibed the healthy radicalism of the age, and became a 
philosopher whose purity and breadth of thought made him the rival 
of an)- thinker, ancient or modern. He was one of the founders of the 
Transcendental movement, in which ^largaret Fuller, Bronson Alcott, 
Thoreau and the younger Channing were also associated. Henry D. 
Thoreau was a recluse, who lived in Concord, on the shores of Walden 
Pond. He kept apart from men, and devoted his 'ife to the study of 
nature. Amos Bronson Alcott was a representativ;^ Transcendentalist, 
and the only man in this countrj' who cultivated the art of imparting 
knowledge by "Conversations." These he held for many years in 
various parts of the United States. George William Curtis is the 
writer of a number of graceful essays. George Ticknor is the author 
of an elaborate history of Spanish literature. Edwin P. Whipple is 
considered the most faithful of American critics. George S. Hillard 
and Charles E. Norton are known for their artistic books of Italian 
travel. One of the American classics of travel, "Two Years Before the 
Mast," is from the pen of Richard H. Dana, Jr. Thomas Starr King has 
devoted himself largely to descriptions of the White Mountains. Mrs. 
Lydia Maria Child has written two books devoted to the science of 
religion, and she was the first woman to contribute to the anti-slavery 
literature of the country. Donald G. Mitchell wrote "Dream-Life" 
and the "Reveries of a Bachelor," two very delightful books. F. S. 
Cozzens devoted his pen to descriptions of Nova Scotia. Henry W. 
Herbert made field sports the subject of his interesting books. Henry 
and William Reed wrote literary and historical criticisms. Joseph C. 
Neal and George H. Derby wrote humorous books. Dr. Edward 
Robinson produced a work on Biblical research, which is considered a 
standard in all countries. Richard Grant White is known for his 
excellent critical works and his essays on language. He, as well as 
Horace Howard Furness, have edited editions of Shakspere in this 
country. 

Dr. J. G. Holland has been popular as an essayist, a novelist and a 



764 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

poet. His name is connected with the founding of Scribner' s Maga- 
zine^ of which he was the editor-in-chief until his death, in 1881. To 
him the mass of American readers are deeply indebted for the great 
impetus that he gave to periodical literature. "Bitter Sweet" and 
".Kathrina," two beautiful poems, by Dr. Holland, achieved great suc- 
cess. With the exception of Longfellow's "Hiawatha," "Kathrina" 
has had a larger sale than any other American poem. Henry T. 
Tuckerman wrote many pleasant things, in somewhat the same style as 
Dr. Holland. 

The writers on law and medicine in this countr}- have been ver}' 
numerous. The "Commentaries on American Law," by James Kent, 
and the "International Law," of Henry Wheaton, deserve special men- 
tion. 

The dictionaries of Noah Webster and Joseph E. Worcester; the 
philological works of William D. Whitney, George P. Marsh, Francis 
J. Child, S. S. Halderman, E. A. Sophocles, F. A. March and James 
Hadley; the ethnological works of H. R. Schoolcraft, C. C.Jones Jr. , 
and H. H. Bancroft, are valuable contributions to our literature. H. 
H. Bancroft is also known as the most careful and painstaking historian 
of the great Western coast, Alaska and the Northwestern States. 

Asa Gray and John Torrey have written books on botany. Nathaniel 
Bowditch, Elias Loomis, Benjamin Pierce, Simon Newcomb and 
Richard Proctor are known for their mathematical and astronomical 
publications. 

Books on birds have been written by J. J. Audubon, Elliot Coues 
and T. M. Brewer. John Burrows has written lovingly of birds and 
many other subjects of nature, in a manner so charming as to acquaint 
the least scientific with the secrets of American woods and fields. 

Louis Agassiz, Edward Hitchcock, and James D. Dana are among 
those who have written geological treatises. Henr)- C. Carey, and Dr. 
Theodore D. Wookey have written well on political economy and inter- 
national law, but the recent discussions concerning the tariff have 
brought into existence a large number of writers on kindred subjects. 
Arnold Guyot is noted for his physical geographies. W. J. Hardee, 
Winfield Scott, W. H. Halleck and George B. McClellan have pub- 
lished books on military science. 

Since the War of Secession, Grant and Logan have published large 
histories concerning that period. The last histor}- of the Rebellion is by 
Rossiter Johnson. Horace Greeley and Alexander H. Stephens are the 
fullest in their account of the anti-slavery contest, which preceded and 



OF THE MAKING OF GOOD BOOKS, ETC. 765 

attended the war. Dr. John W. Draper has attempted to give an 
unpanisan record of the politics of the time. Vice-President Wilson's 
"Rise and Fall of the Slave Power in America" is a valuable history-. 
General Sherman has written his reminiscences of the war. 

Our later poets have shown, in some cases, eccentricities which have 
won a somewhat undeserved praise for them in England, and not a little 
furious criticism in America. Whitman and Miller are two of our most 
erratic poets. Joaquin Miller is known for his "Songs of the Sierras," 
and other poems of Western life. Walt Whitman deals neither in 
rhyme nor metre, but writes democratic rhapsodies for the people. 

Bayard Taylor is not known alone as a poet, though he wrote 
impassioned and glowing verses. His numerous books of travel are 
charming and valuable, and his novels present accurate pictures of 
American life. He also made a valuable translation of both parts of 
"Faust." 

Richard Henry Stoddard is the author of nine volumes of short 
poems, highly finished in style and full of true feeling. He is, perhaps, 
the most scholarly of our living poets. In the face of sorrow and bitter- 
ness, he has cherished his faith in the highest ideal of poetic art, giving 
to the world many beautiful lyrics, some of which have been scattered 
far and wide over the country. His poem on the (Jeath of Thackeray is 
to be highly praised. "The King's Bell," and "Wratislaw" prove 
him to be a narrative poet of high rank. One of his most popular 
poems is "A Wedding Under the Directory." 

John Godfrey Saxe has occupied a position in American literature 
somewhat similar to that of Hood in English literature. The English 
language is a thing with him to be used as a plaything, and his poems 
are deliciously witty and airy. 

John Townsend Trowbridge is an excellent writer of juvenile stories. 
Though his novels have interest, he is remembered most frequently for 
his stories for boys. Another popular writer of juvenile stories is 
"Oliver Optic" (W. T. Adams). 

Francis Bret Harte is a unique writer, who has portrayed with une- 
qualled wit and pathos, life in California. Mr. Harte's society poems 
are graceful, and his prose burlesques are really excellent. John Hay 
is a popular writer of dialect verse. Charles Godfrey Leland (Hans 
Breitman) is also known largely by his dialect verses. Charles Halpin 
was a poet capable of being both amusing and tender, and Will Carleton 
has long been popular for his homely verses on Western farm life. 

Edgar Fawcett is an accomplished writer of the Swinburnian school. 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

He has devoted himself to literature for the last fifteen years, and has 
been most prolific, both of prose and verse. His "Fantasy and Passion," 
"Song and Stor>-" and "Romance and Rever}'" represent part of his 
poetry. In addition to his poetry and sketches, Mr. Fawcett has pub- 
lished a number of novels. 

Thomas Bailey Aldrich, journalist, poet and novelist, has done many 
exquisite pieces of work and is remarkable for his versatility. His bal- 
lad of "Baby Bell" is an especially dainty poem. Holding first rank 
among the poets of America, Mr. Aldrich has also entered many other 
fields of literature, in all of which he has excelled. 

Edmund Clarence Stedman first attracted attention by a brilliant 
social satire, called "The Diamond Wedding." Since then, he has 
built up, by patient and careful work, an honorable and enviable place 
as a poet. His style is highly polished, yet forcible. His warlike 
ballad, "How Old Brown took Harper's Ferry," will live long after 
similar poems touching the Civil War are forgotten. 

The Piatts, John James and his wife, Sarah M. Bryan, are poets of 
a delicate and refined order. Paul H. Hayne, of Georgia, has written 
many beautiful sonnets, and holds a foremost place among poets of gen- 
uine feeling and earnest aim. In the South, where he was long the 
leading poet, his memor}' is greatly loved. 

Thomas Buchanan Read, who wrote "Sheridan's Ride," published 
several volumes of poems. "Drifting," a delicate bit of verse, is widely 
known. Mr. Read was an artist of great talent, and spent many years 
of his life in Florence, Italy. For.sythe Willson, the author of "The 
Old Sergeant," and Elbridge J. Cutler, are among the writers who 
embalm recollections of the war. George Arnold, who died at an early 
age, was a pleasant writer of Bohemian verse. 

Richard Watson Gilder, editor of the Century Magazine, is a leader 
of a small band of genuine poets. He writes sonnets of rare delicacy. 
His "New Day," "The Poet and His Master" and collected "Poems 
and Lyrics" will rank among the American classics. His poems have 
the true musical rhythm and breathe a spirit of lofty aspiration. 

George Parsons Lathrop is a writer of musical verse, and his wife, 
who is a daughter of Nathaniel Hawthorne, is well known in the liter- 
ary' world. Mrs. Lathrop's brother, Julian Hawthorne, is one of the 
best known of living writers. His books have many excellent charac- 
teristics, but suffer in contrast with his father's wonderful works. 

vSidney Lanier was a Southern poet of remarkable promise. His 
untimelv death cut short a brilliant career. 



OF THE MAKING OF GOOD BOOKS, ETC. J6y 

William Dean Howells occupies a prominent place as the leader 
of realistic fiction in America. He began his literary career as 
editor of a small newspaper. He first won a wide reputation by his 
''Italian Journeys" and "Venetian Life," two books of exquisite lit- 
erary style. He was one of the editors of The Nation^ and after- 
wards chief editor of the Atlantic Monthly. He has published a 
number of novels which have attained wide popularity. They are 
considered the best type of American fiction. Mr. Howells portrays 
life with a photographic minuteness which is tedious to those who 
admire the dramatic novel, but his style is admirable. 

Henry James, is painstaking and artistic, but he lacks the fine humor 
which distinguishes Mr. Howells. Though he writes on American 
life, it is not representative American life, and while his art may appeal 
to the intellect, he does not succeed in touching the heart. 

Edward Eggleston, an Indiana author, has written invaluable novels 
of backwoods life. 

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps is a writer of remarkable short stories and 
of novels of a religious type. 

E. P. Roe is a novelist who has a wide circle of readers, but whose 
books lack artistic value. He made his reputation upon "Barriers 
Burned Away, ' ' a story of the Chicago fire. 

H. C. Bunner, the editor of the comic weekly, Puck., has won recog- 
nition as a graceful writer of z^^-r.y de societc. His "Airs from Arcady" 
are bright and clever. Maurice F. Egan and George Edgar Mont- 
gomery are among the rising versifiers. Charles Nordhoff, the author 
of "Cape Cod Stories" and a volume on California, deserves mention 
as an entertaining writer. Thomas Dunn English wrote the lines of 
"Ben Bolt," which are popular in song. Dr. William A. Hammond 
is the author of a number of very creditable novels. Theodore W^in- 
throp is known through "Cecil Dreeme" and "John Brent," two fresh 
and racy stories. Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen (who, though not born an 
American, is practically one) is the writer of charming Norwegian 
stories, and W. H. Bishop has won a reputation by his sketches of 
travels. 

James Whitcomb Reilly is an Indiana poet, who has dealt with 
homely subjects in a peculiarly felicitous manner. His dialect poems rank 
with the best that have ever been produced. His last volume of poems 
has met with great success. 

Among the women who have written good short poems are Margaret 

J. Preston, Elizabeth Akers Allen, Rose Terry Cooke, Nora Perry, 
47 



768 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Lucy Larcom, Celia Thaxter and Helen Hunt Jackson. Mrs. Jackson 
wrote a remarkable novel, "Ramona," which was warmly received, and 
she made a lasting rej^utatiou by her "Century of Dishonor," which 
dealt with the Indian question. Ella Wheeler Wilcox has written two 
volumes of poetry, which, though they lack literary precision, are very 
popular. 

Louise May Alcott, a daughter of A. B. Alcott, the Transcendent- 
alist, is the best writer of juvenile stories. Her "Little Women" is 
the most widely read of any American book for the yoimg. Harriet 
Prescott SpofiFord has written several novels in a rich and sumptuous style. 
Her many short stories have never been collected. Mary L. Booth and 
Martha J. Lamb have contributed to historical literature. 

Literature as a profession was, until recently, little followed in the 
South. William Gilmore Simms was one of the first to produce any 
novels with a local coloring. The institutions and traditions of South- 
ern life did not foster literature as a profession. The men who had 
leisure and genius preferred the career of the statesman to the rather pre- 
carious profession of the man of letters. J. P. Kennedy wrote "Horse- 
shoe Robinson" and "Swallow Barn," two books containing faithful 
pictures of the South, but their author was, primarily, a lawyer and a 
politician. Beverley Tucker wrote a novel which Poe pronounced 
"the best American novel." There were a few verse writers like 
Philip Pendleton Cooke and Henrj' Timrod, but Simms' prophecy that 
there would never be a Southern literature under slave-holding aristoc- 
rar}' proved true. After the war, the profession of letters began to be 
popular. John Esten Cooke was among the first to write ' 'for bread, 
not fame," and he procured both. Three poets upheld the literary 
claims of the South, but they have all passed awa)- now. They were 
Father Ryan, the poet-priest, and Paul Hamilton Hayne and Sidney 
Lanier, both of whom have been previously mentioned in this chapter. 

To-day there is a most important school of Southern writers, several 
of whom have achieved brilliant success. They are nearly all young 
men and women, who belong to the new era since the war. George 
W. Cable, who stands at the head of the Southern authors, was born 
in 1844. At an early age he was compelled to support himself, and 
served in a number of clerical positions. At nineteen, he entered the 
Confederate army. While in the army he devoted ever\- available 
moment to the study of Latin and the higher mathematics. When the 
war was over he returned to his former home in New Orleans. He was 
absoiuteh' penniless, and began life anew as an errand boy. In 1^69, 





-r-T^f^'^^^^^fy-y^ 



OF THE MAKING OF GOOD BOOKS, ETC. 77I 

he was engaged on the staff of the Picayune, but being requested to 
take charge of the theatrical cohimns, he resigned his position because 
he cherished scruples against dramatic entertainments. Strangel\- 
enough, this prejudice once extended to novel reading. Having entered 
a mercantile house as accountant and correspondence clerk, he re- 
mained with the firm until 1879. During this time he wrote stories 
which ha\-e since been collected under the head of "Old Creole Days." 
Encouraged by the success of these stories, he determined to devote 
himself to literature. His first novel, "The Grandissimes," met with 
a cordial reception. It was followed by tbe pathetic and tragic story of 
"Madame Delphine," and "Dr. Sevier" was the last of his long stories. 
Mr. Cable confines himself to Southern subjects, and he portrays Creole 
life with ai tender sympathy and painstaking realism. In the pages of 
his novels, pathos is blended with a quaint humor, and his style is 
original, polished and fascinating. 

Richard Malcolm Johnston is well known among the writers of the 
South, and belongs to the old regime, although closely identified with 
the new and progressive era. Although a successful lawyer, he gave 
up his practice to accept the chair of belles-lettres in the University- of 
Georgia, where he remained until the outbreak of the civil war. His 
first literary venture was the "Dukesborough Tales," and his short 
stories, strong, humorous and original, are now familiar to every maga- 
zine reader. Mr. Johnston deals with Georgia life, and Joel Chandler 
Hairis is another writer who depicts characters from the same State. 
Mr. Harris first introduced his readers to the mountaineers and moon- 
shiners of middle Georgia, but "Uncle Remus, His Songs and Sayings," 
a volume of negro folk lore, met with such success that his reputation 
rests chiefly upon the sayings and doings of "Brer Rabbit" and his 
companions. 

Thomas Nelson Page, a young lawyer of Virginia, made his reputa- 
tion upon a story called "Marse Chan," a dramatic, pathetic and 
deliciousl}- humorous little tale. He has contributed a number of 
stories to the magazines, and is a talented writer. Among the younger 
verse writers of the South, Robert Burns Wilson is prominent. Lafca- 
dio Hearn, of Louisiana, writes both prose and verse ver}' acceptably. 

•Vinong the women of the South there has recently been a wonder- 
ful activity, and some of them have won phenomenal success. Miss 
Grace King, of New Orleans, wrote a short story, "Monsieur Motte," 
which brought her wide fame. Miss Mary Noailles Murfree made one of 
the literary sensations of the day. Under the nom de plume of Charles 



772 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Egbert Craddock, she published several strong stories that won the 
applause of the critics, and met with an enthusiastic reception. "The 
Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains," which has been much admired 
by every reader, abounds with beautiful and graphic descriptions and is 
written in a vivid and polished style. Miss M. G. McClelland is the 
author of a novel called "Oblivion," which is delicate and charming 
in conception. Miss Frances Courtenay Baylor is another Southern 
woman who has gained prominence. "On Both Sides" is a sketch 
that is a witty and clever production. Miss Julia Magruder has given 
"Across the Chasm" to the public. It is a study of social condition 
since the war, and is a conscientious efiFort. 

Amelie Rives (now Mrs. Chanler) has risen to literary fame with great 
rapidity. She became known through a short story called ' 'A Brother 
to Dragons. ' ' Her success was instantaneous, and a drama, a number 
of short stories, and two novels have appeared in quick succession. 

Within the past few years there has been a wonderful and increas- 
ing activity in literary work all over the United States, and it is 
impossible to enumerate half the writers who have done creditable work. 
William M. Baker, Frank Lee Benedict and J. W. De Forrest are writers 
of good novels. Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney writes excellent stories for 
young girls. Mrs. Louise Chandler Moulton has published many clever 
novelettes. Mrs. Rebecca Harding Davis portrays the sad pictures of 
life among the lower classes. 

Blanche Willis Howard is a writer whose best books are doubtless 
still to come. Mrs. Francis Hodgson Burnett is the writer of many 
delightful books, the best of which are "That Lasso' Lowrie's," a 
novel of life in the Lancashire mines of England, and "Little Lord 
Fauntleroy," an exquisite book for children. "Little Lord Faunt- 
leroy" achieved an unusual popularity. Thousands of copies of the 
books were sold and the story was dramatized. 

Mrs. Anna C. Muller has written three morbid novels of remark- 
able strength. Marion Harland (Mary Virginia Terhune) is a popu- 
lar writer of a mild and homely sort. John Habberton first made 
his reputation by the publication of "Helen's Babies." Constance 
Fenimore Woolson is a writer of skillful analytical novels. Mary 
Hallock Foote, artist and novelist, has devoted both pen and pencil to 
the more picturesque and refined side of life in the Western mountains. 
Mrs. Van Rensselaer holds a leading place among the critics of art and 
architecture. Edith Thomas is one of the best of the younger poets. 
Maurice Thompson is a talented poet and essayist. 



OF THE MAKING OF GOOD BOOKS, ETC. 77}. 

General Lew Wallace will be remembered for two novels of striking 
originality and power. "Ben Hur, " which was first published, is a 
beautiful story, told in a lofty style and with exquisite taste. "The 
Fair God" is totally unlike "Ben Hur," yet scarcely less. fascinating. 

Among the writers who have most recently attracted the attention 
of the public are W. W. Astor, whose historical novel, "Valentino," 
takes a permanent place among romantic stories, Henr>^ Harland 
(Sidney Luska), the author of "As It Was Written," and George H. 
Picard, whose "A Matter of Taste" and "A Mission Flower" have 
attracted attention. J. A. Janvier has been successful in a series of 
short stories called "Color Studies." lyaurance Hutton has written a 
"Historj' of the American Stage" and "Literary Landmarks of Lon- 
don." One of the most gifted of dramatic critics, as well as a graceful 
poet, is William Winter, who has made valuable additions to dramatic 
biography. 

"Gail Hamilton" (Abigail Dodge) is one of the most forcible of 
American writers, and devotes her pen to social, political and semi- 
scientific subjects. 

Ruth Ellis (Saxe Holm) will long be remembered as the writer 
of some exquisite magazine sketches. Marj' J. Holmes, Mrs. South- 
worth and ]\Irs. Evans may be mentioned because of their popularity; 
their literary merits are few. No young writer of recent times gave 
greater promise than Emma Lazarus, who, in criticism, fiction and 
poetry, was equally strong. She died at an early age. 

There has always been an abundance of humor in American litera- 
ture. Of this, Richard Alsop may be said to be the father. No 
newspaper is considered complete in America without its humorous 
paragrapher, and in this direction alone many have won renown. Seba 
Smith ("Major Jack Downing"), P. B. Shillaber ("Mrs. Partington"), 
George D. Prentice, George H. Derby ("John Phoenix"), Charles 
Farrar Browne ("Artemus Ward"), Henry W. Shaw ("Josh Billings"), 
David Ross Locke ("Petroleum V. Nasby"), Robert H. Newell 
("Orpheus C. Ken") and Samuel L. Clemens ("Mark Twain") are 
among the most noted of our many amusing writers. At present "Bob 
Burdette," "Bill Nye," Opie P. Read ("The Arkan.sas Traveler") and 
Eugene Field are well known. Charles Dudley Warner and Frank 
Stockton are humorists of a more delicate type. 

James Parton is known for his many biograj^hies of prominent men. 
Edward Everett Hale has written a large number of interesting stories, 
and is an authority on the early French and Spanish periods of this 



774 THE STORV OF AMERICA. 

country. Thomas Wentworth Higginson i.s a writer of much versa- 
tility. Oue of his last works is a young folk's history of the United 
States, which is condensed and readable. John Fiske is known as one 
of our most brilliant students of modern philosophy. Joseph Cook is 
one of otir most radical thinkers. Dr.vid Swing is known for his 
scholarly writings and lectures on religious topics. These last two men 
furnish a connecting link between writers and lecttirers. 

For man}' years Henry Ward Beecher stood at the head of the 
American platform. Robert Coh'er and T. De Witt Talmage are 
among the most popular divines. In this connection it may be men- 
tioned that in 1875 Cardinal McCloske>-, the first Roman Catholic 
Cardinal in the United States, was consecrated in New York. John 
B. Gough has won more fame than any temperance lecturer in the 
country. Dwight L. ]\Ioody has been the most successful evangelist. 
Kate Field, Anna Dickinson, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Man.- L. Liver- 
more and Su.'^an B. Anthony are the foremost women on the lecture 
platform. 

Chief among the tragedians that have made great names in America 
are Edwin Forrest, Lucius Junius Booth, Edwin Booth, Lawrence 
Barrett, Charlotte Cushman and Mary Anderson. John ]\IcCtillough 
has distinguished himself in heroic plays. James O'Neil has won a 
reputation in romantic dramas. The Davenports have been a family 
of excellent actors. ]\Iatilda Heron and Clara jMorris are the leaders 
in what is known as the emotional drama. "Lotta" (IVIiss Crabtree) 
has the widest reputation of American soubrettes. W. J. Florence and 
his wife and Miss Ada Rehan have excelled in legitimate comedy. 
Joseph Jefferson is the greatest of American comedians and comes of a 
long line of actors. 

It has not been the habit of Americans to cttltivate the arts to any 
great extent, and they have usually relied upon other countries for their 
musicians. Among the Americans who have won fame as singers are 
Clara Louise Kellogg, Anna Louis Cary, Myron W. Whitney, Emma 
Nevada, Zelda Seguin, Thomas Karl and Jessie Bartlett Davis. 

Nor should the influence of the Americans in journalism be ignored. 
W'itli all its faults, flippancy and blemishes, the American newspa- 
per represents, in enterprise, in fearlessness and in fairness, the highest 
type of journalism, and for the many delightful writers it has brought 
forward, if for no other reason, it should be fostered as an institution 
conferring a distinct and lasting good on the morals of the nation. Not 
to repeat the names of many of the writers already mentioned in this 



OF THE MAKING OF GOOD BOOKS, ETC. 775 

cliapter who have made their first reputation through the press, there is 
a briliiant list of men and women who have won success upon the news- 
papers alone. Among these may be mentioned James Gordon Bennett, 
Sr., founder of the Xew York Herald; Charles A. Dana, of the Siin; 
George D. Prentice, Henry Watterson, John Swinton, Samuel Bowles, 
Carl Schurz, Horace White, George Alfred Townsend ("Gath") White- 
law Reid, Joseph Howard, Jr., Olive Logan, Mrs. Margaret F. Sullivan, 
and many others. 

FOR FfRTHER RE.^DING: 
Some successful American books. 
Emerson's Essa vs. 

O. W. Holmes' "Breakfast-Table Series." 
Longfellow's Poems. 
Br>-anfs Poems. 
Stoddart's Poems. 
S. Lanier's Poems. 

Mrs. Burnetts "That Lass o' Lowrie's." 
Mrs. Burnetts "Little Lord Fauntleroy." 
Amelie Rives' "Famer Lass o' Piping Pebwortla." 
Lew Wallace's "Ben Hur." 

Miss Murfrees "Tales of the Tennessee Mountains." 
Cable's "Tales of Creole Life." 
Miss Woolson's "East Angels," 
Bret Harte's "California Tales." 
The poems of Edith Tbonus. 



CHAPTER CXIV. 



il^a ^upraraa Smtrl of l^g Untbb ^klu. 



rrS ORGANIZATION AND DUTIES— THE LIVES OF THE CHIEF JUSTICES. 



HE Supreme Court of fhe United States has been 
called the balance wheel of the Government. It 
represents permanence in the constantly moving 
and changing of the Federal machinery. The 
wisest and most conservative men of the nation 
are chosen for its bench, and the members are ap- 
'-^ pointed for life, so that their positions are not affected 

by political changes. In recent years the proceedings of the 
Supreme Court have rarely attracted attention, but in the 
early periods of the Government, its decisions did much to 
guide and shape the public policy of the United States. 
The first section of the third article of the Constitution 
declares rnat the judicial power of the United States shall 
be vested in one Superior Court and such inferior courts 
as Congress may, from time to time, authorize. The 
creation of such courts was consequently one of the first and most 
important duties of Congress. In September, 1789, the Judiciary Bill 
was approved. It provided that the Supreme Court should consist of a 
Chief Justice and five Associate Justices, four of whom should constitute 
a quorum; but Associate Justices should have precedence according to 
the date of their commission, or if the commission of two or three 
should bear the same date, then according to the respective ages of 
those so commissioned. It divided the United States into thirteen dis- 
tricts, and created a court called the District Court, consisting of 
one judge for each district. Three circuits were also established, called 
the Eastern, Middle and Southern Circuits, each one including several ot 
the districts. The office of marshal was created for each district, and 
each court was empowered to appoint its own clerk. 




THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. 777 

Immediately after the approval of the Judiciary Bill, President 
Washington nominated the first Justices of the United States Supreme 
Court. John Jay, of New York, was named Chief Justice, and William 
Cushing, of Massachusetts; James Wilson, of Pennsylvania; John 
Blair, of Virginia; Robert A. Harrison, of Mar\'land, and James Iredell, 
of North Carolina, were nominated as Associate Justices. John Rut- 
ledge, of South Carolina, was also appointed an Associate Justice, but 
he did not attend any session of the court vtntil he took his seat as Chief 
Justice. The name of Edmund Randolph was at the same time sent to 
the Senate as Attorney-General. These nominations were all imme- 
diately confirmed. The salaries of the Justices were fixed by law — that 
of the Chief Justice at four thousand dollars, and each of his associates 
at thirty-five hundred dollars. 

The first term of court was held in the city of New York in the 
month of February, 1790, when three Justices assembled in New York, 
only to find that there was no work for them to do. On the loth of 
February court adjourned until the 2d of August, and the Justices 
went oflf to attend the circuit courts. The judiciary power, when first 
created, extended over thirteen States, each State constituting a district. 
In place of the original thirteen districts, there is now a district for 
each State, aud more than one in several of the larger States. It is the 
duty of the Justices of the Supreme Court to hold court in its' various 
districts, and this is called circuit duty. In the early days of the Gov- 
ernment, several Justices objected to this added labor imposed by 
judiciary act, and Chief Justice Marshall was of the opinion that it was 
an unconstitutional requirement. It is said that he suggested to his 
associates the propriety of declining to sit in the circuit courts. The 
other Justices agreed with him, but as they had long acquiesced, it was 
considered wise to continue to perform the duty. So, from the organ- 
ization of the court until the present day, with the exception of one 
year, at the close of the Administration of the elder Adams— when the 
law requiring such duty was repealed, only to be re-enacted — the 
Justices have continued to perform circuit duty. In consequence^of the 
^arge number of cases growing out of the late Rebellion, Congress was 
tompelled to pass a measure of relief, and in the year 1869, a number 
of circuit judgeships were created. The Justices of the Supreme Court 
were not, however, excused from circuit service, but their duties were so 
relaxed that each one is now compelled to attend only one term of circuit 
court in each district ever>' two years. The judiciary power conferred by 
the Constitution has remained substantially the same to the present day. 



■^^S THE STORY OF AMKRICA. 

In 1793, the court convened in Philadelphia, and there all terms 
were held until 1801, when the court followed the general Government 
to the city of Washington, where, in the year 1802, it was permanently 
located. For several years the Supreme Court found very little business 
to transact. In 1801, when John Marshall was appointed Chief Justice, 
the number of cases awaiting adjudication was only ten. For the next 
five years the average was about twenty-five a jear. With the last 
thirty years, however, the cases have rapidly multiplied, and there have 
been so many cases on the docket that it has been almost impossible for 
the Justices to keep pace with the work. 

It is just one hundred years (1889) since the first bench of the Su- 
preme Court was appointed, and there have been but eight Chief Justices. 
The Attorney-General, though more properh- belonging to the executive 
branch of the Government, being a member of the President's council, 
is, nevertheless, considered one of the vSupreme Court. Until 1870, 
when the office of Solicitor-General was created, his duties were very 
heav>'. The work is now divided, and the Solicitor-General gives his 
special attention to the court proceedings, while the Attorney-General 
is occupied in attending to State duties and giving legal advice to the 
President and heads of departments. 

The name of John Jay, the first Chief Justice, should be specially 
venerated. He was also first Chief Justice of the State of New York. 
John Jay was born in the city of New York, December 12, 1745. His 
father was of French ancestrj- and his mother belonged to one of the 
oldest families of the Dutch colonies. At the age of seven years, he is 
said to have been of a very grave disposition and inclined to study. 
At eight, he was sent to a grammar school, and at fourteen, entered 
King's College, in the city of New York, where he was graduated in 
1764. His father and grandfather had been merchants, but he selected 
the profession of the law. After being admitted to the bar, he associated 
himself with Robert R. Livingston, the future Chancellor. But they 
soon dissolved their business connection. His quiet professional life 
was broken by the contest between the colonies and the mother countr,- 
He was one of the first to speak for freedom. In 1774 he was a mem- 
ber of the convention which met at New York. Though only twenty- 
nine years old, he was one of the committee to draft an address to the 
people of Great Britain. This celebrated address is said to have come 
from his pen, and was composed and written in a room in an obscure 
tavern. While a delegate to Congress, Jay was elected, in 1776, to a 
seat in the Colonial Congress. This Congress comprised the best men 



THE SrPREMK COURT OF THE UNITED STATP:.S. 7/9 

if the colonies. After the framing of the new Constitution, he was 
chosen to the place of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New 
York, which he at once accepted, and Robert Livingston was appointed 
Chancellor. The Judiciary Bill, organized in the courts, was approved 
September 24, 1789. On the ver>' day of its approval President Wash- 
ington sent in the name of John Jay for the office of the Chief Justice 
of the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1794 Chief Justice Jay 
was sent as special envoy to England to negotiate a treaty, which is 
known in history by his name. He resigned his position on the bench 
on his return from England, in 1795, having been elected Governor of 
New York. He retired from public life when onh- fifty -six years old, 
after holding many prominent positions, the best in the gift of the 
people. He was a pronounced revolutionist, and was one of the 
leading advocates of independence. He was a man of strong intellect, 
courageous and yet conservative in his actions. He lived for a quarter 
of a centurv in retirement, and died in the eighty-fourth j^ear of his age. 
Upon the resignation of Chief Justice Jay, President Washington 
immediately sent the name of John Rutledge to the Senate as the next 
Chief Justice. John Rutledge was a man of strong character, chief 
among the South Carolina revolutionary leaders, and first in station and 
influence among the man}- competitors, whose names are treasured in 
the bistor}' of his State. His education was the best that the colony 
could aflford. Having made all the progress that he could in Charleston, 
lie was sent to England, where he finished his education and studied 
law. He returned to Charleston and commenced the practice of his 
profession in 1781, being not quite twenty-two years old. He immedi- 
ately rose to prominence. He commenced life under the most favorable 
auspices, and in the first part of his career, success met him at every 
step. He was elected Judge of the South Carolina Court of Chancery 
in 17S4, and held many other responsible offices. The President 
appointed him during recess of the courts, and he took his seat in the 
August term of 1795, without having passed the ordeal of the approval 
of the Senate. On the 15th of December, the Senate refused to confirm 
his nomination, because he had opposed the Jay Treaty. The refusal to 
confirm him was due to the opposition of the Federal party, and not to 
any personal disqualification. Even had he been confirmed, he would 
not have been able to serve, for while his confirmation was pending, his 
strong and vigorous mind became unsettled, and his brilliant intellect 
was henceforth clouded. The Senate had scarcely set its seal of 
disapprobation upon his name when rumors reached Philadelphia that 



7^0 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

he was insane. His malady was partly due to exposure in the service 
of his country. He died in the summer of 1800. He had many 
admirable traits. He was a typical Southern statesman, haughty, 
generous, frank and ardent in nature, yet not always discreet in action. 

When the Senate refused to confirm Rutledge as Chief Justice, 
President Washington sent in the name of William Gushing, of Massa- 
chusetts, an Associate Justice of the Court. The Senate immediately 
confirmed him, but he held his commission only a week, when he 
resigned, preferring to remain in the less prominent position of Associate 
Justice. His name is, therefore, not counted among those of the Chief 
Justices. 

OKver Ellsworth was a Senator in Congress at the time that the 
Senate refused to confirm Rutledge, and as a member of the Federal 
party, he naturally voted against the President's nomination. Called 
to the bar a few years before the Revolution, he had early attained a 
high position in his profession. At the close of the Revolution, in 
which he had taken an active part, he returned to his native State to 
take his seat on the bench of the Connecticut Superior Court. He was 
born at Windsor, a small village in the interior of the State, April 29, 
1745, and was brought up in the simple, frugal manner that prevailed 
in New England. He concentrated the whole power of his mind upon 
his chosen profession. He was a man of great application and excellent 
foresight. When he went to Congress, in 1778, he left the most lucra- 
tive law practice in Connecticut. 

President Washington belonged to no party; he was, therefore, not 
estranged from his Federalist friends when they voted against the nomi- 
nation of Rutledge. Justice Cushing having declined to serve as Chief 
Justice, Ellsworth was finally selected and promptly confirmed. He 
served honorably, making many wise decisions. He died November 
26, 1807, in the sixty-third year of his age. The inscription on his 
tomb is a good summary of his character. It reads: "Amiable and 
exemplary in all relations of a domestic, social and Christian character, 
pre-eminently useful in all ofiSces he sustained, whose great talent, 
under the guidance of inflexible integrity, consummate wisdom and 
enlightened zeal, placed him among the first and most illustrious states- 
men who achieved the independence and established the Constitution 
of the American Republic." 

John Marshall, whose judicial career extended over a period of 
thirty-five years, was the next Chief Justice. He was born in German- 
town, Virginia, September 24, 1755. He early showed a remarkable 



THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. 78 1 

aptitude for study, and was deeply engaged in his law books when 
Patrick Henry's thrilling words caused him to leave his studies to 
become a member of the militia. He fought bravely in the Continental 
Army, and became captain in a company, under the command of 
General Washington. He was elected to the Virginia Legislature in 
1792, but soon retired to practice the profession of the law. He was 
afterward called to the service of his country in a number of public 
offices. President Washington tendered him the office of Attorney- 
General, but he declined it on account of his large law practice. He 
was one of the most prominent figures of his time, and, upon the 
resignation of Ellsworth, Adams sent the name of Marshall to the 
Senate, where it was immediately confirmed. Many noted cases were 
tried before the Supreme Court while John Marshall was Chief Justice. 
The most celebrated was that of Aaron Burr, who was arraigned May 
22, 1807. Burr was his own chief counsel, and great legal talent was 
exhibited at the trial. The greatest interest was awakened in the 
decision. Chief Justice Marshall delivered it in the most impressive 
manner, but a great many people were disappointed, and many adverse 
opinions were expressed. According to the letter of the law, the Chief 
Justice felt that he could not pronounce Aaron Burr guilty of treason, 
and he declared that the case against Burr was not proven. He was, 
therefore, the means of saving Aaron Burr's life. On July 6, 1835, 
Chief Justice Marshall died. He was a man of well-balanced mind, 
keen and inflexible in character. It is said that he had no frays in 
boyhood, no quarrels in manhood. 

Roger Brooke Tane}-, who succeeded Marshall, was born March 17, 
1777, in Calvert County, Maryland. His ancestors belonged to the 
early settlers. He was educated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, and 
was graduated in 1795. He studied law and was admitted to the bar 
in 1799. The same year he was a delegate to the General Assembly of 
Maryland, when less than twenty-three years old. He settled in Fred- 
erick and began the practice of law. After serving in the Maryland 
Senate, he removed to Baltimore, in 1823. While practicing law in 
Baltimore, he had charge of many celebrated cases in the Federal 
courts. In June, 1831, he was appointed Attorney-General at the 
reconstruction of President Jackson's Cabinet. This was a period of 
stormy debates, heated party discussions and bitter political controver- 
sies. The celebrated panic controversy is perhaps the most celebrr'^°d 
There was a great discussion about removing the deposits from th^ 
United States Bank, and Taney was strongly in favor of the measure. 



782 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

In September, 1833, President Jackson appointed him Secretary of the 
Treasnry, and the 2 2d of the same month he issued his famous order 
for the removal of the deposits from the bank, or more correctly speak- 
ing, he directed that the collectors of revenue should cease to make their 
deposits in the bank. The accounts actually in the bank were to be 
left and drawn out at intervals in different sums, according to Govern- 
ment disbursements. The measure caused much criticism, and the dis- 
cussion was transferred to the Legislature at the opening of the cele- 
brated "panic session" of Congress, in 1833, the Senate refusing to 
confirm him as Secretary of the Treasury. 

In January, 1835, President Jackson appointed Taue)- to fill a 
vacancy on the Supreme Bench, caused by the death of one of the Asso- 
ciate Justices. The Senate declined to act upon the appointment, as 
Taney had made many political enemies. When Chief Justice ^Marshall 
died, in the summer, the President again sent Taney's name to the 
Senate, this time as the nominee for the vacant place of the Chief Jus- 
tice. This nomination was not confirmed until March, 1836. Chief 
Justice Taney took his seat upon the bench in January, 1837. On Octo- 
ber 12, 1864, he died, iu his eighty-fourth year, after a public life that 
was full of great events. One of the most celebrated opinions delivered 
by Justice Taney was the one regarding the celebrated Dred Scott case. 
This case had awakened universal interest at a time when abolition was 
one of the great questions of the day. This case decided that a "free 
negro of the African race, whose ancestors were brought to this country, 
is not a citizen within the meaning of the Constitution of the United 
States." This decision created wide-spread discussion and much indig- 
nation among Abolitionists. It was, however, technicall)- correct under 
the Constitution. There was no sadder figure in Washington during 
the years of the war than that of the aged Chief Justice. He was 
shunned by the men who were willing to sacrifice their lives for the 
freedom of the slaves, and he was distrusted by the North. The harsh 
judgment formed of him then has been softened by time, and he is 
remembered as an upright and able judge. 

Salmon P. Chase succeeded Justice Taney, as Chief Justice of the 
Supreme Court. He was born in Cornish, New Hampshire, in 1808. 
He was poor, and he gained his education by hard work and self-denial. 
He was admitted to the bar of the District of Columbia in 1829. He 
soon became prominent in politics. He served in the United States 
Senate from 1849 to 1855, and was Governor of Ohio from 1855 to 1857. 
Belonging first to the Democratic party, he was the leader of the anti- 



THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. 783 

slavery element until the rise of the Republican party, of which he was 
one of the original organizers and most conspicuous members. A lead- 
ing candidate for the presidential nomination in i860, he was offered bj- 
his successful competitor. President Lincoln, a place in the first Repub- 
lican Cabinet, in 1861, and left the Senate, to which he had just been 
chosen for a term of six years. As Secretar}' of the Treasury, he is 
noted as having performed the wonderful task of supplying the Govern- 
ment with money to carry on the war. The Bond and Legal Tender 
acts and the national bank system were, in great measure, originated by 
him. On the death of Justice Taney, President Lincoln appointed 
Chase to fill the vacant position of Chief Justice. He had never sat on 
the bench in any court, and he had not distinguished himself at the bar. 
He had, however, a thorough knowledge of the Government, and was 
of a strong, well-balanced mind and a calm, self-reliant disposition. 
His service on the Supreme Bench was cut short by his death, in 1873, 
at the age of sixty-five. The Dred Scott decision was set aside by him 
in a peculiar wa\-. On February i, 1865, Senator Sumner appeared in 
the Supreme Court, accompanied by a colored man, and said: "May it 
please the court, I present John S. Rock, a member of the bar of the 
State of Massachusetts, and move that he be admitted as a counsellor of 
this Court." The Chief Justice bowed and said: "Let him come forward 
and take the oath." The Supreme Court thus acknowledged the 
equality of the colored man. 

Chief Justice Chase was virtually the founder of the great Republican 
party. He presided over the Senate during the impeachment of 
President Johnson. His public life was closely interwoven with the 
early slavery agitation, and his name occupies a high place in the 
history of the war epoch. Chief Justice Chase was succeeded by 
Morrison R. Waite, of Ohio, who was appointed by President Grant, in 
1874. Justice Waite was born in Lyme, Connecticut, in 1816, and was 
graduated at Yale College, in 1837. He rapidly rose to an eminent 
position at the bar of the State of Ohio. In 1849, ^^ ^^^ elected to the 
legislature, and, in 1873, was chosen as a delegate to the convention 
called to frame a new State constitution for Ohio. Chief Justice Waite 
has but a short political history. He was a man of sound judgment 
and conservative views, and discharged the duties of his high office in a 
creditable manner. On March 23, 1888, he died at his home in Wash- 
ington City. 

On May i, 1888, President Cleveland nominated Melville W. Fuller 
to fill the \-acancy caused by the death of Justice Waite. Melville 



784 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Weston Fuller was born in Augusta, Maine, on February 11, 1833. At 
the age of sixteen, he entered Bowdoin College, being graduated in 
1853. He began the study of law in the office of his uncle, George 
Melville Weston, at Bangor. He also attended a course of lectures at 
the Harvard Law School. He began to practice law in 1855, entering 
into partnership with his uncle, the Hon. Benjamin A. J. Fuller, at 
Augusta. He was also associated with his uncle in the Age, then one 
of the leading democratic papers of the State. In 1856, he was elected 
to the common council of Augusta, and became its president. He 
was also the city solicitor. Although but twenty-three years of age, 
he showed remarkable talent as a lawyer, and achieved an enviable 
position at the bar. In 1856, he decided to go west, and he settled in 
Chicago. There his abilities were speedily recognized, and he at once 
established a large practice. In his law practice, he was noted for his 
thorough methods. Although naturally quick in his perceptions, he 
studied his cases exhaustively. As a fluent, earnest advocate, he has 
few equals. He was highly esteemed and respected by his associates 
at the Chicago bar. 

He had quite an extensive practice in the Federal courts, and it is 
a curious coincidence that in the first case heard before the late Chief 
Justice Waite, Justice Fuller was the counsel. That was in 1874, and 
after that time he had many cases before the Supreme Court. In 
1 86 1, he was a member of the convention called to revise the Constitu- 
tion of the State of Illinois. A year later he was elected to the Illinois 
lycgislature, in which he served one term. A man of scholarly habits, 
familiar with several continental languages, and fond of philosophical 
research. Chief Justice Fuller is a man of broad culture and worthy of 
the high position to which he was called. His appointment was 
favorably received by all the legal profession throughout the country. 

The organization of the Supreme Court has more than once been 
changed. Originally consisting of a Chief Justice and five Associate 
Justices, it was enlarged, in 1807, by the addition of a sixth Associate. 
The States of Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee had come into the Union 
and were made into a new circuit, represented on the bench by Thomas 
Todd, of Tennessee. In 1837, two more Justices were added, and in 
1863, a ninth Associate Justice was appointed to give the Pacific Coast 
a representative. This was thought to be a good policy at a time when 
the United States was engaged in the war of the Rebellion. Stephen 
J. Field, of California, was the appointee. When Justice Catron died, 
in 1865, Congress was in the midst of its long, serious trouble with 



THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. 785 

President Johnson. To prevent the appointment of a Democrat in 
sympath)' with President Johnson's Southern policy, a law was passed, 
forbidding the filling of the existing vacancy, or of any future vacancy, 
until the number of Associate Judges should be reduced to six. The 
death of Justice Wayne, in 1867, reduced the number to seven. In 
1869, a new law increased the number to eight, and President Grant 
appointed Justices Strong and Bradley. 

The Supreme Court now consists of Chief Justice Fuller and 
Associate Justices Stephen J. Field, of California; John M. Harlan, of 
Kentucky; Horace Gray, of Massachusetts; David J. Brewer, of Kansas; 
Henry B. Brown, of Michigan; George Shiras, Jr., of Pennsylvania; 
Howell E. Jackson, of Tennessee, and Edward D. White, of Louisiana. 
The salary of the Chief Justice is $10,500; the Associate Justices receive 
SiCOOO each. The officers of the court are: J. C. B. Davis, Reporter; 
J. H. McKenney, Clerk, and John M. Wright, Marshal. 

The sessions of the Supreme Court are now held in the room 
immediately over the library, a place full of interesting associations, for 
it was the old Senate chamber. It is in the form of a semi-circle. Its 
entrance is on the convex side, and the eye of the visitor is first attracted 
to the judicial bench. x\bove the bench is a gallery, not now used, but 
from which thousands have listened to exciting debates in the past. 
Previous to the erection of the grand wings — which, next to the dome, 
are the chief attractions of the Capitol — the court-room was located on 
the ground floor and reached by a dark passageway leading from the 
center of the building. This room is now the Law Library of Con- 
gress, and sometimes called "The Library of the Supreme Court." Its 
long rows of solid volumes, arranged for the convenience of the Judges, 
extend around the walls and presents no particular attraction to the 
public. The librarian's desk is an object of interest. Mahogany, 
dark with age, it is not handsome, yet it is the desk behind which Van 
Buren and several other Presidents sat out their terms. To the lawyer of 
the olden time, the room is full of reminiscences. It was here that the 
deep, sonorous tones of Webster were heard. It vibrated with the 
eloquence of Clay, the keen wit of Martin and the brilliant utter- 
ances of Wirt, Berrian, Butler and Crittenden. 

Most of the seats in front of the Judges' bench are reserved for mem- 
bers of the bar, but on both sides of the room are seats for the public. 
The sessions of the court commence the first Monday in December. 
Between 1 1 and 120' clock each day the court enters the chamber, pre- 
ceded by the marshal, who proclaims in a clear voice: "The Honorable 



yS6 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United 
States. ' ' Arrayed in robes of black silk, not unlike the clerical gowns, 
the Judges follow the Chief Justice and ascend the bench upon his right 
and left. The bench, however, has long been onl\- a tradition in all 
our courts. Each Justice of the Supreme Court has a chair to suit hi.s 
own ideas of what constitutes a comfortable seat. Some of the chairs 
have high backs and rest the head, some have low backs, some have 
cushions and some are not upholstered. The Chief Justice sits in the 
middle of the row and the other Justices are arranged according to the 
order of their commission. Before seating themselves, the Justices 
stand a moment in front of their chairs and all bow to the bar. The 
lawyers return the salute. Then the Judges sit down, the Associates 
being careful, however, not to occupy their chairs before the Chief 
Justice. The court is opened by the crier, who exclaims: "Oyez! 
Oyez! Oyez! all persons having business with the honorable Supreme 
Court of the United States are admonished to draw near and give atten- 
tion, for the court is now sitting. God save the United States and 
this honorable court." 

The proceedings of the Supreme Court are impressive and simple. 
The arguments are delivered in low, conversational tones. There is a 
tradition that the first Justices wore red gowns, but there is no author- 
ity for this. The first Judges of the Supreme Court did not adopt any 
peculiar fashion of wig as a mark of their office, but the short queue 
seems to have been worn b^- all. It is said that when Cusliing, who 
was a member of the original court, arrived in New York and put on 
the big wig that he had worn on the Massachusetts bench, he was fol- 
lowed up Broadway by a mob of boys. He immediately hastened to a 
shop and bought a peruke of the style then in vogue. 

Every Saturday during the terms of court, the Justices meet in the 
consultation room and discuss cases. All the cases must be examined 
by all the Justices, and when a decision is reached, the Chief Justice 
designates the Justice who is to write the opinion, Opinions are read 
and approved in the consultation room before they are delivered in open 
court. If there is a disagreement, the dissenting Justices prepare their 
opinions. The business of the Supreme Court is divided into two 
general classes: Cases in which it has original jurisdiction, and cases 
which come to it from the lower courts. If a citizen of the United 
States wishes to sue a foreign minister or council, he could not have 
recourse to any State tribunal, but must go directly to the Supreme 
Court. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in habeas corpus 



THE SUPREMH COFRT OF THP: UNITED STATES. 7S7 

acts affecting persons in jail by the operation of the United States law. 
A large majority of the cases before the Supreme Court come under the 
appellate powers; that is, cases decided by the lower courts, and which 
involve what are called Federal questions, can be appealed to the United 
States Supreme Court. The largest number of cases decided by the 
Supreme Court come up frona the lower tribunals. 

In 1877, the court was called upon to furnish five of its members to 
the commission appointed to settle the disputed title of the presidency. 
The Electoral Commission, as it was called, was composed of five 
Justices, five Senators .and five Representatives. The members of the 
Supreme Court who served were Justices Clifford, Field, Bradley, Millei 
and Strong. 



CHAPTER CXV. 



i]^0 IfnibJi ^lali?$ 1|atJ^. 



ITS OLD ASCENDANCY — THE INVENTION OF THE MONITOR — THE DET© 
RIORATION OF THE NAVY, AFTER THE CIVIL WAR — APPOINT- 
MENT OF THE ADVISORY BOARD THE NEW 

NAVY — IMPROVEMENTS IN NAVAL ARTILLERY — 
ORGANIZATION OF THE NAVY DEPART- 
MENT — SKETCH OF JOHN ERICS- 
.'■^O SON — USES OF THE NAVY. 




HE STORY OF AMERICA would not be com- 
plete without a few words concerning the United 
States Navy. Pride in its navy was one of the 
earliest sentiments cherished in the hearts of the 
American people, and the gallant deeds performed 
upon the high seas in the first years of the nation's 
existence will not fade from the pages of its 
history. In referring to the navy of the past, it is im- 
possible to avoid recalling the individual interest and 
personal satisfaction that all its members felt in it and such 
feelings were fostered by the superiority of its ships. 

The colonies could not afford to build vessels of ade- 
quate size to contend with men-of-war that they had to 
meet in battle, but the few that they owned were well 
adapted to meet the small British cruisers, and to capture 
merchantmen. The frigates of this early day were small vessels, vary- 
ing from six hundred to a thousand tons. The ships that were built in 
1794 were constructed according to the most advanced ideas of the 
time, and the wooden vessels belonging to the United States and sailing 
the ocean between 1840 and i860 were the finest in the world. The old 
frigate Congress^ and the sloop Portsmouiri were noble ships for their 
time, and models which other maritime nations imitated. During this 
greatest era of sailing vessels, from 1840 to i860, steam began to be 
used, and was introduced as an auxiliary power. The naturally invent 



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iiii(iiiiiii««i 



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:::ail 



THE rXITEn STATES XA\-\-. 79I 

ive genius of American ship-builders enabled them to adopt the new 
force so successfulh- tliat the United States vessels continued to be 
prominent for man\' years as models from which other naval powers 
might copy. Before sailing vessels were finally abandoned, a number 
of large ships were built. These ships were a sort of a compromise 
between steamers and sailing vessels, and the)' did good ser\nce. The 
M/ss/ssi/)/)/, the Afissoiiri, the Susquehanna^ the Saraiiac and the Pozv- 
liataii belonged to this class. They were launched between 1840 and 
1.S50, and were a credit to the country. The Powhatan is now an 
interesting relic of this transition period of naval architecture. She 
was built of seasoned live oak, and retained so much of her original 
seaworthiness that, in 1886, she was still upon the list of the navy. In 
the last years of her usefulness, the Pozi'hafan was employed in trans- 
porting relief crews from Aspinwall to Panama. 

When those who realized the great future power of steam began to 
agitate the subject of supplanting sailing vessels by steamers, there was 
at first a great deal of hesitancy about making such a radical change. 
It was advocated that the new ships should be provided with full steam 
power, using sails as an auxiliary, but the old pride in the sailing 
vessels could not be made to yield at once to the new inventions. It 
was considered a great concession to admit steam at all, but the United 
States Government was not the only nation conservative in improving 
its navy. The other maritime powers pursued the same course, and for 
many years the United Sta;e? retained the lead in producing the most 
creditable types of war ships. 

In 1854, Congress passed a law ordering the construction of a new 
class of frigates. The Mcrrimac was the first of these new vessels to be 
launched, and she showed a great advance in ship-building. When she 
was sent to European waters she attracted great attention from foreign 
naval architects, who immediately copied her. The vessels built after 
the Merriniac model were the best ships of the time in the English 
nav>. In 1858, what was known as the Hartford class of large 
corvettes began to be built. This class comprised the Hartford, the 
Ih-ooklyn, the Pensacola, the Richmond and the Lancaster. These 
ships were imitated by England and France. They were of good speed 
and were used for cruising in foreign ports. Being built of wood, they 
required frequent repairs, and they are gradual!}- being struck from the 
list of commissioned vessels. 

The Kcarsarge belonged to another type of war ship. The Kear^ 
sarge was built in 1859, and several vessels of the same pattern were 



79- THE STORY OF AMKRICA. 

launched just before the war. During the war, vessels were built with 
a special regard for the purposes for which they were to be used. It 
was necessary to construct ships as rapidly as possible, in order to pro- 
tect the coast, and what were known as "ninety-day gunboats" and 
"double-enders" were hastily built. Merchant steamers were also 
armed with such batteries as they could carry. This extraordinary 
increase of vessels, under the pressure of necessity, was not productive of 
permanent benefit to the navy, and the emergency ships soon dis- 
appeared when the\- were no longer needed. The Juniata and Ossipcc, 
which were launched in 1852, belonged to the Kearsarge type and 
proved capable of good service. 

The Mo72itor marked a new era in naval architecture and created a 
great sensation when it appeared. It was the invention of Captain 
John Ericsson, and saved the Union fleet at Hampton Roads. Captain 
Ericsson's inventive mind had early conceived the idea of the revolving 
turret in connection with the floating battery. In 1854, he had offered 
the device to Napoleon III, only to have it rejected; but he believed in 
it, if Napoleon did not, and, in 1861, proposed the novel idea to the 
United States Naval Department. His proposition met with encourage- 
ment, and he was given a contract to build his first vessel, after his long- 
cherished plan. By an extraordinary display of energy, the vessel was 
completed in one hundred days, and arrived at Hampton Roads March 
9, 1862, just after the iron-clad Merriniac had sunk the Citmberland 
and the Congress, and v/as about to destro}' the whole wooden fleet. 
The "cheesebox on a raft," as the Confederates called the Monitor, 
defeated the Merritnac, and the complete success of Captain Erics- 
son's invention revolutionized the navies of the whole civilized world. 

The original Monitor was lost at sea; but other ships were built 
after Ericsson's peculiar model. There is no doubt that the Monitor 
was the first of the turreted vessels of the world. Although it made so 
great an innovation in naval construction, its essential principles were 
never universally approved by naval architects. The Monitor was like 
a raft carrying a i"evolving turret. It was constantly submerged by the 
waves, but its depth of draft insured stability. The circular form of 
the revolving turret was well- suited to deflect the enemj's projectiles. 
Machinery was employed to move the turret and so point the guns, and 
there were many other advantages in the new war ship. Since the 
war, many improvements have been made in the monitors, and they 
form a conspicuous feature of modern fleets. 

The double-turreted monitors, of which the Terror is an example, 



THE UNITED STATES NAVY. 793 

were subsequently built. They were, unfortunately, constructed of 
wood, which had already been condemned abroad as an unsuitable 
material for building war ships. The duration of these wooden turreted 
vessels was not long, and new vessels of this order, three of which bear 
old names, were rebuilt of ir-n. 

In 1874, some vessels known as the Adams class were built and 
launched. These vessels were of wood, convenient and handy, and 
were intended as cruisers in time of peace. The Marion class of sloops, 
launched about this time, were also built of wood. The Alert is one of 
three vessels that were built of iron in 1874. She was constructed as a 
laudable experiment to improve and change the material for construc- 
tion. This effort was partly induced by pressure from the iron interest 
of the country. The change was, however, limited to the small class 
of diminutive vessels. This improvement in material was not, however, 
relied on, for in 1876 the Trenton was launched. She was built of wood, 
and represented the latest type of ships in the navy. 

For fifteen years after the civil war, the na\y steadil}' deteriorated 
and its decrepit condition was a reproach to the country. Its old 
reputation for proficiency and advancement was lost. The Government 
pursued a temporizing policy and maintained an economical attitude 
toward it. It was, however, not the intention that the navy should be 
neglected or abolished. Yearly appropriations were passed for its sup- 
port, and its needs were frequently presented to Congress. The 
amounts appropriated were, however, not large enough to permit many 
new constructions of ships or artillery. Wooden ships were repaired 
where steel ships should have been built, and cast-iron guns were used 
where steel guns should have been placed. 

The rapidity with which a large fleet of cruising vessels was built 
and brought together during the civil war, left the impression upon the 
public mind that, in case of any great emergency, the deficiency in the 
navy could be hastily supplied. Being favored by peace at home and 
abroad, it seemed wiser to allow other countries to improve upon naval 
equipments, believing that when the necessar}' time came, the United 
States could profit by the experiments of other maritime powers. 
After a long interv'al of indifference in regard to the navy, attention 
was at last centered on the subject. It was seen how rapidly naval 
improvements had been made in foreign countries, and how utterly the 
United States was distanced by the other maritime powers. A grow- 
ing desire arose to repair the effects of past neglect, and Congress 
began to move in the matter. The origin of the first effort to improve 



794 THK STORY OF AMKRICA. 

the navy dates from June, 1881, when the Advisory Board was appoiwicd 
to consider and to report on the needs of the navy. This board, on 
November 7, 1881, decided that the United States Navy should consist 
of seventy unarmored cruisers of steel. It reported that there were 
thirty-two vessels in the navy fit for cruisers, and it indicated the char- 
acter of the vessels that should be built. This board considered 
unarmored vessels, and did not discuss the subject of armored ships, 
although it expressed the opinion that such vessels were indispensable in 
time of war. It was some time before any practical results followed 
from the action of this board; but in 1883, Congress authorized the 
building of three steam cruisers and a dispatch boat. These vessels 
were the Chicago, the Bos/on, the Atalanta and the Dolpliiii. In the 
act of Congress, approved in March, 1885, four additional vessels were 
authorized. These were the first steps toward our new nav\-. 

Up to the time of this new movement, no steel for ships had been 
rolled in the United States. Construction in American iron plates had 
been extensiveh- carried on, but steel-plating was imported at great cost 
to the ship-builder. The question of naval material has always been a 
most important one. Before 1840, the science of naval construction 
had not advanced for two himdred years, all ships being built of wood. 
In the next two decades there was rapid progress, and since the war 
innumerable inventions have revolutionized ship-building. 

The Dolphin caused much discussion when first launched, but she 
has proved a staunch vessel and capable of good service. Though not 
regarded as a vessel for fighting purposes, she is a ship of the class that is 
needed in all navies as a dispatch boat. Her advent in the navy marked 
a new period — the inauguration of the successful manufacture in the 
United States of American rolled steel .ship-plating. The Dolphin is the 
first vessel, whether for naval or for commercial purposes, to be built 
entirely of steel of home manufacture. The Dolphin has proved herself 
eminently successful, and, with the exception of the steam yacht 
Atalanta, is the fastest sea steamer of her displacement built in the 
United States. 

All the ships of the new navy are built of steel and modeled after 
well-tested designs. Fifteen of the vessels that were last authorized by 
Congre.ss are (in 1889) in course of construction or but recently com- 
pleted. On October 8, 1888, the United States cruiser jff«///wfr<f was 
launched at Philadelphia. The Baltimore was the first cruiser built 
for the new navy. 

Before the Samoan disaster, the United States numbered ninety-two 



THK rXITKl) STATES XAVY. 795 

serviceable vessels, fifteen of the first class, thirteen of the second class, 
fort\-three of the third class and seven of the fourth class. These 
carried in all four liundred and eleven guns. Resides, there were twelve 
nigs and a number of wooden sailing vessels. 

The new nav\-, when completed, will comprise of the armored 
vessels, the Puritan^ the Miantoiioina/i, the Amphitritc^ the Monadiiock 
and the '/'error. All of these are iron-clad and each carry four lo-inch 
breech-loading guns, besides powerful secondary batteries. Of this 
class the Maine and the Texas were the last to be launched. In addi- 
tion to these armored vessels, there are to be six iron-clad monitors, 
each carrying fifteen-inch smooth-bore guns. Of the unarmored vessels 
recently built, the Chicago, the Boston, the Ataiaiita and the Dolphin 
are all of steel. lyast to be built are the Charleston, the Baltimore, the 
Xe-iCark, the Yorktoivn, the Philadelphia, the San Francisco, the Con- 
cord and the Bennington. They carr\- altogether ninety-four rifle guns. 
Tliere has recently been built a steel cruiser, Vesiiviiis, ^'\'Ci\ three 12- 
inch guns and two second-class torpedo boats. Twenty-eight \'essels 
in all ha\e been added to the nav\-, and Congress appropriated an addi- 
tional sum of two million dollars for floating batteries and other naval 
equi]5ments. With the rehabilitation of the navy an effort was made to 
dispense with all the old vessels that had lost prestige with the improve- 
ment in .ship-building. The few wooden ships which carry the flag to 
other countries were gradually condemned, and it has been estimated 
that in 189S the entire wooden navy will have disappeared. 

A few words about naval artillery cannot but be interesting. From 
the time of the invention of cast-iron cannon, in the year 1558, the 
improvement in artillery was very slow. It was thought that the 
cannon was such a wonderful invention that it was an impertinence to 
think of improving it. The first guns were muzzle-loaders. There had 
been rude attempts at breech-loading, but they were soon abandoned. 
The guns were of a number of calibres to suit the weight of the batteries 
on the ships. At the end of the eighteenth century what was known as 
an eighteen-pounder was the preferred gun for the main-deck batteries 
of frigates. The eighteen-pounder was the largest calibre used on the 
ships of the United Colonies of North America in the war of the 
Rebellion. In the war of 181 2, the carronade was adopted as a spar- 
deck armament of frigates. The advantage of large calibre guns was 
firmly impressed upon those who occupied themselves with naval 
matters. As the fleet was developed, the twenty-fonr-pounders gave 
way to the thirty-two-pounders, and then the forty-two-pounders were 



7q6 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



introduced. In time, the forty-two-pounder was, however, abandoned 
and the thirty-two-pounder was retained as the largest calibre. In the 
interval between 1840 and 1845, the thirty-two-pounder was replaced by 
a gun of the same calibre, of greater weight, called the long thirty-two- 
pounder. Up to this time, no explosive projectiles had been used with 
cannon, properly so-called. Mortars were originally used for project- 
ing huge balls of stone at high angles. They were first used in 1624, 
but the unwieldly weight of the instruments prevented their use in the 
field. To provide for field use, light mortars were cast, which, when 
mounted on wheels, were denominated "howitzers." A mortar was 
never used in naval armament, although it has been employed upon 
ships engaged in bombarding cities. The success of explosive pro- 
jectiles did not immediately lead to their application to horizontal firing 
from cannon. 

The shell gun marks an important event in naval artiller)'. It 
required many years to bring it into general use, so as to displace the 
solid-shot gun. The first United States vessel, the batter}' of which 
was composed exclusively of shell guns, was the sloop-of-war Ports- 
mouth, in 1856. With shell guns, much depended upon the successful 
working of the fuse of the shell, without which it was but a hollow 
substitute for a solid shot. The fuses which were used to explode the 
first bombs were long wooden plugs, bored and filled with powder. 
This fuse was improved upon, and the United States naval fuse became 
justiv famous, one feature of it being a simple and an effective device 
called a water-cap, which guarded against injury from water when the 
shell was fired. 

Previous to the introduction of shells, incendiary projectiles had 
been in use. They were simply intended to set fire to the ships of the 
enemy, and were not explosive. Hot shot was employed for this 
purpose, but it was used chiefly in batteries on shore. Within the 
twenty-five years following the civil war, marvelous advances have been 
made in artillery'. Dynamite has entered into the composition of 
explosives, and the carrying power of all sort of firearms has been greatly 
increased. Steel guns have succeeded those of iron, and will be used 
in the artillery of the new navy. The necessity of a change in the 
naval artillery' of the United States was recognized for a number of 
years, but it was impossible to obtain steel of domestic manufacture for 
the new guns. So the men-of-war were compelled to make their cruises 
abroad with antiquated batteries that were inferior to those carried by 
ships belonging to other nations. 



THE UNITED STATES NAVY. 797 

The torpedo has had a great influence upon naval warfare. Millions 
of dollars have been spent by European powers in experimenting with 
this deadly implement of destruction. Its introduction into the artillery 
of the navy necessitates an additional fleet of torpedo boats. In former 
times, a fleet consisted simply of battle ships. Dispatch boats were 
added later. The torpedo had made it necessar}' to adopt a new class 
of vessels, called the "torpedo boat captures. " The duty of these boats 
is to destroy the torpedo boats of the enemy. They have great speed 
and are provided with powerful batteries. The English and French 
governments were the first to adopt them. 

In the early period of its history there was no such branch of the 
Government as the Department of War. In the first of our great wars 
(that of 1812) there were only twenty ships in the navy, the organization 
of which was of the simplest character; but these few ships were the 
best of their class afloat. There being no organization of policy, each 
commander of a vessel was compelled to act for himself; thus Hull, 
Decatur and Porter — all of them young men — made great reputations 
for themselves by their sagacity and courage. In 1S15 a board of three 
officers was appointed, styled the Naval Commissioners, who had charge 
of all the work of the department. The board was to perform, under a 
secretary, all the ministerial duties of his ofllice. In 1845, this board of 
commissioners was replaced by the bureau system, which, with some 
changes, has continued until the present time. The bureaus, when first 
organized, were not qualified to direct the navy. As a working force, 
che navy was without any direction. There was no responsible oflScer 
to superintend the training of officers or the enrollment, assignment and 
disciplining of seamen. No one was competent to attend to the dis- 
position of vessels or other important work. The effect of this half- 
reform became evident in 1861, when the department was suddenly 
plunged into war. No one had the faintest idea what to do or whose 
business it was to do anything. The chiefs of the bureaus had various 
duties. One managed the navy yards, another had charge of the con- 
struction of ships and a third superintended the building of guns. A 
fourth supplied provisions. The department had no office organized 
for staff" work; it contained no information upon which to act; it had no 
machinery by which information could be procured, and at this critical 
time the department, which had been maintained for sixty years for 
the service of the country, was found to be entirely wanting in the 
means of conducting war. At this time, Captain Fox was appointed 
chief clerk of the Navy Department, and he did a lasting service in 



798 THE STORY OF AMERICA. 

organizing an efficient administration of naval affairs, and in appointing 
able men to carry ont his plans. The number of the war bureaus was 
increased during the war to eight. In 1882, an important office was 
added to these bureaus. It was called the Office of Naval Intelligence, 
and was created for the purpose of collecting and systematizing informa- 
tion concerning the resources and movements of foreign navies. This 
office was a most important improvement in the management of the 
naval department. 

Any account of naval progress would be incomplete without a 
sketch of John Ericsson, who gave such an impetus to naval construc- 
tion b\- his wonderful inventions. His life was eventful, and the most 
useful part of it was linked with the history of his adopted countr\-. 
America. John Ericsson was born in Sweden, in 1803. At eleven 
years of age, he was appointed cadet of engineers, and two years later 
was chosen as a leveler on the grand ship canal between the Baltic and 
the North Sea, planning the work for over six hundred men. In 1S20 
he became an ensign in the Swedish army, rising rapidly to the rank 
to lieutenant and captain. In 1825 he invented a condensing flame 
engine, and the next year went to England to introduce it. Coal, 
however, did not effect the same results as pine wood, and the invention 
was not a success. In 1827 Ericsson resigned from the Swedish anny 
and went to England, where he devoted himself to the invention of 
various devices to be used at sea. In 1829 he invented the steam car- 
riage "Novelty," and beat Stevenson's "Rocket" in atrial contest. In 
1833 he invented the caloric engine, which excited the wonder of the 
scientific world, and resulted,. two years later, in the completion of the 
caloric ship Ericsson. In 1839, at the urgent request of Commodore 
Stockton, of the United States Navy, Ericsson came to the United 
States and applied his screw propeller principle to the war ship Prince- 
ton. At the World's Fair in London, in 1851, Ericsson obtained the 
prize for his numerous inventions. On March 9, 1862, he had the satis- 
faction of seeing his long-cherished turret plans carried out in the 
Monitor. 

In 1869 Ericssoti built a fleet of thirt)- vessels for the Spanish Gov- 
ernment for the protection of Cuba. In 1883 he constructed his sun 
motor as a last gift to science. He contributed man}- scientific articles 
to various magazines. Many honors were conferred on John Ericsson 
by Sweden, and in July, 1888, on the attainment of his eighty-fifth 
year, he was especially honored by a visit from the representatives of 
the King of Sweden, who sent him a token of appreciation of his 



THE UNITED STATES NAVY. 799 

genius. He was made a Knight of the Royal Orders of Denmark, and 
was awarded the grand cross of naval merit by King Alphonso, of 
Spain. In character, Captain Ericsson was singularly quiet and retir- 
ing. He was very little known in the neighborhood where he lived, 
and he was an active man up to the time of his death. One of the 
excuses he gave for not receiving visitors on his last birthday was that 
he was "too busy, as he had not yet completed his life-work." One of 
the curious traits of his character was the total absence of anxiet\' to 
personally see the workings of any of his machinery. He was never 
on board the Destroyer but once after she was completed. In fashion- 
ing an invention, he worked almost entirely from drawings, and knew 
just as well how ever}' part of the finished machinery looked, or should 
look, as though he had handled it a thousand times. Captain Ericsson 
died March 9, 1889, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. 

The United States Navy will henceforth rank with the navies of the 
other maritime powers. The real use of the navy is to provide the 
country with means of carrying on war, and it may seem that there is 
little necessity of a nav\- in time of peace. It has been said that, inas- 
much as the national polic\- has been peaceful, and inasmuch as the 
United States has never been allied with au>- foreign power, there will 
be no danger of future naval combats. If, however, the Government 
should neglect the means of national defense, the country is liable to 
suffer most unexpectedly. No country is secure from an invasion of its 
rights. Within the last hundred years, the United States has been at 
war six times, including the French hostilities in 1798. The causes 
that brought about these wars have been adjusted, but new causes may 
arise at any time. In the event of an European war (and there are 
always rumors of some foreign complication) the position of the United 
States as an unarmed neutral would be extremel}- uncertain. The navy 
protects American interests b)' its moral force as well as its maritime 
strength. If it were abolished, it would be impossible for the United 
States to maintain its standing as a great nation. 

The duties of the navy, apart from the necessities of war, are numer- 
ous. It was stated by the first Advisory Board that vessels of the navy 
were required for "surveying deep-sea soundings, the advancement and 
protection of American commerce, exploration, protection of American 
life and property endangered by war between foreign countries, and 
service in support of American policy where foreign government is 
concerned." 

The uavy has been called the police of the ocean, and it is of 



800 



THE STORY OF AMERICA. 



inestimable service in protecting commerce. In exploration, it has 
sent out expeditions of such a daring character as to astonish the 
world. When reorganized and fully equipped, it will be once more a 
credit to the country, and a means by which great things may be 
accomplished. It is maintained at an annual expenditure of from twelve 
to twenty millions, and is a costly adjunct to the Government. 




GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

/^ EORGE WASHINGTON, the first President of the United States, was 
^-^ born February 22, 1732, in Bridge's Creek, Westmoreland county, Va. 
tiis boyhood was spent in heahhy athletic sports, in the beautiful country 
along the Rappahannock river. When he was eleven years of age his 
father died, and the responsibility of caring for his mother rested upon his 
youthful shoulders. The remaining members of the family consisted of 
two half-brothers, Laurence and Augustine, for his father, Augustine Wash- 
ington, had been twice married. The eldest son, Laurence, in accordance 
with the custom of the times, was educated at Oxford, and later married a 
daughter of Lord Thomas Fairfax. This brought young Washington into 
contact with this famous nobleman, and an intimacy resulted which had a 
great influence upon his early life. He inherited the estate at Mt. Vernon, 
and in 1759 married a beautiful widow, Martha Custis. His early military 
training was acquired during the French and Indian war, and when the col- 
onies declared their independence and war was decided upon, the Conti- 
nental Congress appointed him Commander-in-Chief of the American Army. 
On July 3, 1775, he took command of the forces assembled at Cambridge, 
and when victory crowned the efforts of the Continental Army, the gratified 
people hailed George Washington as the preserver of his country. He re- 
tired to his estates at the close of the war, but when the convention assembled 
at Philadelphia and framed the Constitution, three years later, he was 
unanimously elected President of the United States. He served two terms, 
closing his administration on March 4, 1797. He died, universally lamented, 
December 17, 1799. 



JOHN ADAMS. 

JOHN ADAMS, the second President of the United States, was born at 
*^ Quincy, Norfolk county, Mass., October 19, 1735. Although his father 
was a farmer, the boy was educated at Harvard College, where he gradu- 
ated in 1755. He began life as a school-teacher, but soon tired of the life 
and finally decided to study law. In 1758 he was admitted to the bar and 
began the practice of his profession in Suffolk county. In 1764 he married 
Abigail Smith, a young woman of refinement, who had a moral and intel- 
lectual effect upon his subsequent career. John Adams was prominent 
among those who openly expressed their disapproval of English tyranny 
and oppression. Although that government offered him every induce- 
ment he cast his lot with the colonists, and his great power and ability were 
potent forces in the political difficulties which followed. On June 17, 1774, 
the Provincial Assembly voted to send five delegates from Massachusetts 
to the Continental Congress, and John Adams was one of the number. 
From this time to the close of the Revolution, he devoted himself, heart and 
soul, to the cause of freedom. He was the first to recognize the sterling 
qualities of Washington, and was instrumental in having him placed at the 
head of the American army. Adams was placed at the head of the War De- 
partment, and in 1777 he was sent to France, but Benjamin Franklin had 
already concluded an alliance with that country. In 1783, he, with Dr. 
Franklin and Mr. Jay, was commissioned to negotiate a treaty of commerce 
with Great Britain. He returned in 1788, and shortly afterward was elected 
Vice-President. He was re-elected to that office for Washington's second 
term, and in 1796 became the chief executive. He lived long enough 
to see his son President. His death occurred on July 4, 1826. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 

-y HOMAS JEFFERSON, the third President of the United States, was 
■^ born in Shadwell, Albemarle county, \^a., April 13, 1743. After a 
preliminary schooling, he entered the college of William and Mary. He 
was a diligent student and soon became known as a young man of great 
promise. In 1767 he was admitted to the bar and at once became en- 
grossed in public events. In 1772 he married Martha Skelton, who proved 
a devoted helpmate. He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1776, 
when he drafted the greatest document in American history, the Declaration 
of Independence. On July 4, of that year, this immortal measure was 
signed by all the delegates and soon afterward Jefiferson was appointed by 
Congress to represent, with Dr. Franklin and Silas Deane, the United 
States at Paris, but he declined the mission. On June 1, 1779, he be- 
came Governor of Virginia, and in 1783 he was re-elected to Congress. 
The following year he was sent as envoy to France, and for five years he 
worked with unflagging zeal to bring about a commercial treaty between 
the two nations. This was previous to the Reign of Terror, and he was one 
of those who witnessed the destruction of the Bastile, in 1789. He re- 
turned to America soon after this and was appointed Secretary of State by 
Washington, then newly elected President. Political differences between 
Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, forced him to resign his 
office, which he did in 1794. In 1796, Thomas Jefferson was elected Vice- 
President of the United States, and in 1800 he became President. He 
served two terms, and at the close of his second administration he quietly 
returned to the management of his estate. He died in 1826, honored by 
the Nation as a man who had devoted his life to the welfare of his country. 



JAMES MADISON. 

TAMES jNIADISON, the fourth President of the United States, was born 
March i6, 1751, in Montpelier, Orange coimty, Va. He was gradu- 
ated from Princeton College in 1771, and entered on the study of law. He 
early attracted the attention of Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, and 
was appointed a member of the A'irginia Council. In 1780, he was elected 
to the Continental Congress, and served for three years, with distinction, 
hi 1784, he left the National Legislature and entered that of his native State. 
Meanwhile the country was in the midst of difficulties, and James Madison 
was one of the first to see that the remedy lay in an efficient national gov- 
ernment. He urged the States to send their delegates to Philadelphia in 
May, 1787, to draft a Constitution for the United States and had the satis- 
faction of seeing the fruit of his labors in September of that year, when the 
Convention completed its work. The Constitution was ratified, and James 
Madison was henceforth to be called its father. He married Dorothy Todd 
in 1794, and in 1797 he retired from public life to his home at Montpelier. 
When Thon-^s Jefiferson was elected President of the United States, in 1801, 
James Madison became his Secretary of State. He was elected President 
in 1808 and Dolly Madison became the mistress of the White 
House. In the meantime. England had acted with injustice toward Amer- 
ica, and the time came when the country could no longer endure it. On 
June 8, 1812, President Madison approved the act of Congress which de- 
clared war between the United States and Great Britain. He was re- 
• elected President in 1812. At the end of his second presidential term, he 
returned to his home at ]\Iontpelier, where he died June 28th, 1836. 



JAMES MONROE. 

"" I "'HE fifth President of the United States was born in Westmoreland coun- 
•*■ ty, \'a., April 28, 1758. At the age of sixteen he entered William 
and ^lary College. In the meantime the revolutionary war had broken out, 
and it was onl_\- natural that young Monroe should leave college and enter 
the army. At the battle of Trenton he was severely wounded and promoted 
to the rank of captain. He took part in many important engagements, 
and after the victory of Yorktown he entered upon his public career. When 
only twenty-three years old he became a member of the Virginia Assembly 
and in the following year was chosen a delegate to the Continental Congress. 
James Monroe took an active part in those events which lead up to the con- 
vention which met at Philadelphia in 1787, and which resulted in the Con- 
stitution of the Cnited States. He married Elizabeth Kortright in 1786. 
He served in the United States Senate for three years and in 1795 was ap- 
pointed Minister-Plenipotentiary to France. He returned to America in 
1796, and soon afterwards was elected Governor of Mrginia, an office which 
lie held for three years. When Louisiana was purchased from France, Mon- 
roe was sent to promote the enterprise. In 181 1 he was again elected Gov- 
ernor of Mrginia. but was called from that post by President Madison, who 
appointed him Secretary of State, when the responsibilities of the W'ar 
Department also fell upon his shoulders. War with England had broken out 
and Alonroe spent all his energies to secure victory, even pledging his pri- 
vate fortune to supply the needs of the country. In 1816 James Monroe 
was elected President of the United States and serv^ed two terms. He died 
July 4, 1 83 1. 






JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 

TOHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President of the United States, 
*^ was bom in Quincy, Norfolk cougty, Mass., July ii, 1767. As a 
boy he was grave and thoughtful beyond his years. The most momentous 
event in his youth occurred in 1777, when he accompanied his father on his 
mission to France. Upon his return to America he entered the junior class 
at Harvard College and graduated with honor in 1787. He afterwards 
studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1790. He published, over dif- 
ferent signatures, various papers dealing with important questions regard- 
mg the relations of America with Europe. It is said that these were the 
cause of his nomination by President Washington as Minister to The Hague. 
In 1797, while in England, he married Louise Johnson, daughter of the 
American Consul at London. He was afterward appointed Minister to Berlin 
and succeeded in securing a treaty of commerce between Prussia and the 
United States. In 1802 he was elected to the Massachusetts Senate, and the 
following year he was chosen United States Senator. In 1808 President Madi- 
son appointed him Minister Plenipotentiary to Prussia. He was one of the 
commissioners who met in Ghent in 1814 to negotiate peace between Eng- 
land and America. Soon after this he received the highest appointment in 
the American diplomatic service, that of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister 
Plenipotentiary to England. Upon his return to the United States he was 
appointed Secretary of State by James Monroe. In 1824 John Quincy 
Adams was elected President of the United States. He was elected to Con- 
gress in 1831. On February 21, 1848, he was seized with paralysis and died 
two dav afterwards. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 

ANDREW JACKSON, the seventh President of the United States, was 
l)orn March 15, 1767, in Union county, N. C. His early life was spent 
in poverty, his father having died, leaving his widow without means for 
support. The War of the Revolution took on a brutal form in the Carolinas, 
and Andrew Jackson was in the midst of the dreadful scenes. When only 
fifteen, his mother died and he determined to learn a trade. After working 
for six months, he began the study of law. He was licensed to practice, 
but as there was no chance in the old settlements, he went to Nashville. 
Tenn. In 1794, he married Rachel Robards, and the union proved a singu- 
larly happy one. In 1796, Tennessee was admitted to the Union, and An- 
drew Jackson was chosen to represent the State in Congress. He was 
afterwards elected to the Senate, and when he returned to his constituents 
he was made Judge of the Supreme Court. In 1812, when war was declared 
between the United States and England, he ofifered his services, and in 
return for his successful campaign against the Creeks, he was promoted 
to the rank of Major-General in the United States army. He steadily re- 
sisted British encroachments in the South and on January 8, 181 5, defeated 
the English forces at New Orleans. In 1821 Florida was ceded by Spain 
to the United States, and General Jackson was appointed Governor. In 
1823, he became United States Senator. In 1824, "Old Hickory," as he 
was called, was proposed for the Presidency. Notwithstanding his great 
military successes, Andrew Jackson was regarded as a rough, uncouth sol- 
dier. But he had many friends who recognized his many sterling qualities, 
and who claimed that the office rightfully belonged to him. He was elected 
President in 1828. His death occurred January 8, 1845. 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 

IV /I ARTIX A'AN BUREX, the eig-hth President of the United States, was 
■^ ' * born in Kinderhook, Columbia county, X. Y., Deecmber 5, 1782. He 
was an active, intelligent boy, and until he was fourteen years of age he at- 
tended the best schools wdiich the neighborhood afiforded. As he did not 
attend college, he was forced to remain seven years in a law office before he 
could obtain admission to the bar. In 1803, he began the practice of his 
profession in h'.s native town, and soon began to take an active part in the 
politicol moven'ents of the day. He married Hannah Hoes, in 1807, and 
removed to Hudson, where he became a successful lawyer and won a wide 
reputation for marked ability. At the age of thirty, he was elected to 
the State Senate. Later he became Attorney-General of the State, and also 
;ts Governor. In 1821, \'an Buren became United States Senator and was 
in the midst of that memorable canvass which ended with the election of 
John Quincy Adams to the Presidency. He soon became known as a 
political leader, and was largely instrumental in securing the election of An- 
drew Jackson, who rewarded his efforts by appointing him Secretary of 
State. In 1831, he was appointed Minister to England, but the Senate re- 
fused to ratify his nomination. He returned to America only to receive 
higher poHtical honors, and was elected to the \'ice-Presidency in 1832. 
In that office he presided with such fairness and courtesy that he won the 
esteem of both parties in the Senate. He was elected President in 1836. 
In 1844 an efifort was made to nominate \'an Buren for a second presidential 
term, but without success. After an extensive tour abroad he retumeil 
to his estate in Kinderhook, where he died July 24, 1862. 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 

"\ X 7ILLIAM HENRY HARRiSOX, the niiith President of the United 
^ ' States, was born at Herkely, \'a., Fel:)ruary 9, 1773. He was care- 
fidly reared and went to the best schools of the times, and afterward entered 
Hampden Sidney College, from which he was graduated with honor. Later 
he went to Philadelphia, to study medicine, but at nineteen entered the army, 
having succeeded in obtaining a commission from President Washington. 
He showed his military ability at once and in a short time was promoted 
to a Lieutenancy and in 1792, in an engagement with the Indians, he won 
the praise of his commanding ofificer, and was promoted to the rank of 
Captain, hi 1795, he married Anna Symmes, and two years later was ap- 
pointed Secretary of the Northwest Territory. In 1800, he was appointed 
Governor of that Territory, which included what now forms the States of 
Indiana. Illinois and Wisconsin. In 181 1, Tecumseh, a famous Shawnee 
warrior, aroused the Indians, and men, women and children were butchered 
in cold blood. Gen. Harrison marched against the savages and defeated 
them at Tippecanoe. In 1814, Gen. Harrison was ordered to seize Detroit, 
which he did after a sharp battle. In 18 16, he was elected to Congress, and 
in 1819, he went to the Ohio Senate. In 1824 he was one of the presidential 
electors, and voted for Henry Clay. In 1828 President Adams appointed 
him Alinister Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Colombia. In 1836 he 
was nominated for the Presidency, but was defeated. Four years later, how- 
ever, he was elected, but had hardly taken his seat when he was taken ill with 
pneumonia, and died April 4, 1841. 



JOHN TYLER. 

T OHN TYLER, the tenth President of the United States, was born in 
*^ Charles City, Va., March 29, 1790. As a boy he early showed a gift for 
scholarship, and at twelve years of age entered William and Mary College, 
from which he was graduated in 1807. He then studied law, and from the 
beginning- was successful in the profession. He soon became prominent in 
political life, and for five successive years was elected to the State Legisla- 
ture. When only twenty-six he went to Congress, where he soon attracted 
attention. About three \'ears previous to his election he married Letitia 
Christian. He left Congress, and resumed his seat in the \'irginia Legisla- 
ture; and in 1825 was elected Governor of the State. Afterward he went 
to the Senate, where he became prominent as an opponent to the administra- 
tion of John Ouincy Adams. He was elected to the A'ice-Presidency. in 
1840, on the same ticket with William Henry Harrison, and soon afterward, 
upon the death of the President, succeeded to the office of chief executive. 
It was a very critical time, the annexation of Texas and the question of a 
National Bank Bill were questions of great moment. The latter measure 
was twice prepared and carried through Congress, but each time was vetoed 
by the President. John Tyler was a strong advocate of slavery and nat- 
urally excited the antagonism of the North. His administration proved 
very unfortunate and he made many enemies. In the meantime his wife 
died and he was glad when his term closed, and he could retire to his estate 
in Virginia, although he continued to take a profound interest in public 
afifairs. When the Civil War broke out he became a member of the Con- 
federate Congress. He died Tanuarv 18, 1862. 



JAMES KNOX POLK. 

T AMES KNOX POLK, the eleventh President of the United States, was 
^ born in Mecklenburg county, N. C, November 2, 1795. His father was a 
farmer, and when James was eleven years of age his family removed to the 
West and settled in eastern Tennessee. The elder Polk became a surveyor; 
and when he made his tours throughout the country' he took his eldest son 
James. As a boy he showed an aptitude for study, and attended the com- 
mon schools of the day, where he acquired the rudiments of an English 
education. His father placed him in a store, but later relented and sent 
him to Murfreesborough Academy, where he studied industriously for nearly 
three years. In 1815 he entered the sophomore class of the North Caro- 
lina University, from which he was graduated with honor. He studied for 
the bar and was duly admitted. Returning to his native town, he began 
the practice of his profession and became sticcessful, not only as a lawyer, 
but also as a political speaker. In 1823 he went to the Tennessee Legis- 
lature; and one year later, married Sarah Childless. He was elected to 
Congress in 1825, and was a member of that body for fourteen years. Dur- 
ing five sessions he was Speaker of the House, for which ol^ce he was 
eminently fitted. He was elected Governor of Tennessee in 1839. The in- 
fluence of Andrew Jackson, who was still a power in American politics, se- 
cured the nomination of James K. Polk for the Presidency. He was 
elected, and his inauguration took place March 4, 1845. He retired from 
his office at the close of his first term. But he was destined not to enjoy 
the peace of domestic life. He succumbed to that dread disease, cholera, 
on June 19, 1849. 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 

'^ ACHARY TAYLOR, the twelfth President of the United States, was 
'-^ born November 24, 1784, in Orange county, Va. His father had been a 
stanch patriot in the Revolutionary War, at the close of which he removed 
with his family to Kentucky, and settled at a point a few miles from the 
present city of Louisville. Zachary's boyhood was spent amid the hard- 
ships of the frontier, and his early life was full of eventful experiences. He 
received a very meager schooling; and although he grew up a sturdy, 
self-reliant }outh, he did not evince any tendency to become a scholar. 
When twenty-four years of age his father secured for him a Lieutenancy in 
the United States army. He went to New Orleans to join the troops, and 
soon afterward married Margaret Smith, a young lady belonging to one 
of the old Maryland families. Later he was promoted to the rank of Cap- 
tain, and was placed in command of Fort Harrison. In 1812 the noted 
chief, Tecumseh, attempted to surprise the fort, but the little garrison de- 
fended itself bravely and the Indians were driven oiT with considerable loss. 
For this gallant action he was made a Major-General by brevet. At the 
close of the war between England and America he was ordered to the 
frontier. In the Black Hawk war he took an active part, and displayed 
marked military genius in his pursuit of this wily savage. It was natural 
that his ability should receive recognition, and his service in the defense of 
the frontier won him the title of Brigadier-General. In 1845 Texas was 
annexed to the Union, and war with Mexico followed as a consequence. 
The battle of Buena \'ista closed the military career of General Taylor, and 
he returned home to receive the nomination of President. He was elected 
in 1848, but died July 9, 1850. 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 

A /I ILLARD FILLAlCJRl-:, tlie tliirtcenth President of the United States, 
■* ' ^ was born at Summer Hill, Cayuga county, N. Y., January 7, 1800. His 
early opportunities were few, but he attended the common schools of the 
neighborhood until he was fourteen years of age. As time went on he grew 
eager for knowledge, and determined to devote every spare moment to 
study. When nineteen years of age his ambition urged him to prepare him- 
self for the law. In the winters he taught school, and at twenty-one he went 
to Bufifalo and entered a law office, where he studied with untiring zeal. In 
1823 he was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas, and began his prac- 
tice in the little village of Aurora. In 1826 he married Abigail Powers, and 
three years later he removed to Buffalo where he entered upon a prosperous 
practice. Soon afterward he became a member of the New York Legislature, 
and in 1832 he was elected to Congress. He returned to his home and his 
profession, but the quality of the man had made itself felt among his 
political associates, and in 1837 he was re-elected to the House. He made 
many effective speeches, and soon became prominent in all the most impor- 
tant movements of the day. At the close of his term he declined a re-election, 
and retired to private life. In 1847 he became Comptroller of the State, and 
discharged his duties with characteristic fidelity. He was elected Vice- 
President with Zachary Taylor, in 1848, and sixteen months later, when the 
cliair of the chief executive became vacant, Millard Fillmore took the dead 
President's place. His administration closed amid much intense disapproval 
at the North. He received the nomination of the "Know Nothing" wing 
of his jiarty, but was defeated. He died March 8, 1874. 



J 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 

■pKAXKLIX PIERCE, the fourteenth President of the United States, was 
born November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, X. H. At an earlv age 
he attended the neighboring academies of Hancock and Francestown, and 
in 1820 entered Bowdoin College. He had inherited strong military tastes, 
and while at college he became an officer of a company in which Nathaniel 
Hawthorne was a private. Young Pierce was graduated in 1824, and at 
once began the study of law. He became a member of the bar and returned 
to his native town to enter upon his chosen profession. He was sent to 
the State Legislature, where he served four years, the last two of which he 
was Speaker of the House. In 1833 he was elected to Congress, where he sup- 
ported all the measures of President Jackson and won his personal regard. 
At the age of thirty-three he entered the Senate, and soon attracted the at- 
tention of everyone by his forceful speeches. In 1834 he married Jane 
Appleton, the daughter of a President of Bowdoin College. In 1838 he re- 
moved to Concord, and rapidly won a brilliant legal reputation. President 
Polk appointed him Attorney General of the United States, but he declined 
the office. The war with Mexico offered a new career to him. He was 
commissioned Brigadier-General, and showed himself to be not only a 
brave soldier but an able leader. At the close of the war he returned to his 
home at Concord, and soon became deeply interested in politics. In 1852 
franklin Pierce was elected President of the United States. The question 
of slavery was the most important one in American politics, and the sym- 
pathies of the President were always with the South. At the close of his 
administration he returned to his home. He died at Concord, October 
8, 1869. 



J 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 

AMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President of the United States, was 
born April 23, 1791, in Frankhn county, Pennsylvania, \^^len James 
reached his eighth year the family removed to Mercersburg, when the lad 
began his studies in English, Latin, and Greek. He was a bright scholar, 
and at fourteen entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, from which institu- 
tion he was graduated in 1809. He decided upon the legal profession and 
at the age of twenty-one was admitted to the bar. He soon acquired dis- 
tinction as a lawyer of ability. In 182 1 he was elected to Congress, where he 
remained for ten years. In the memorable canvass of 1824 he devoted his 
energies to securing the election of Andrew Jackson. In return for his 
support the President appointed him Minister to Russia. He possessed all 
the qualities of a successful diplomat, and rendered his country great service 
by negotiating a treaty of commerce with Russia. He returned to America 
to enter the Senate where he was conspicuous for his advocacy of state-right 
theories. He supported the administration of John Tyler; and when James 
K. Polk became President he appointed Buchanan Secretary of State. On 
the election of Franklin Pierce he was sent as Minister to England. In 
1856 he was elected President of the United States, but proved wholly unfit 
to meet the demands of the office. He made no effort to stem the tide of 
secession. Had another man stood at the helm the Civil War might have 
been averted. His administration had been a succession of failures, and no 
doubt it was a relief to him to return to private life. He died at Wheatland, 
June I, 1868, having witnessed the return of peace and the restoration of the 
Union. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

A BRAHAAI LIXL'( »LX,the sixteenth President of the United States, was 
born in La Rue county, Kentucky. Februarv 12, 1809. When Abra- 
ham was only eight years old his father removed to Indiana, and the boy 
grew up rapidly into a tall, vigorous youth, with a growing fondness for 
books. In 1830 the family went to Illinois, and young Lincoln obtained a 
position, in New Salem, as clerk in a store. He was chosen Captain of 
the militia, and in 1832 served in the Black Hawk War under Zachary 
Taylor. Upon his return to New Salem he was appointed postmaster, and 
a year later found employment as a sur\-eyor. He then made up his mind to 
study law. He became a candidate for the State Legislature, and was 
triumphantly elected. He was again elected in 1836 and in 1839 1^^ ^^- 
moved to Springfield, where he began the practice of law. In 1841 he mar- 
ried Mary Todd, and the record of the next twenty years is one of public life 
and responsibilities. In 1847 the Sangamon district sent him to Congress, 
where he took an active part against the extension of slavery. It was at 
this time that he delivered the immortal campaign speeches in which he 
matched his strength against his political rival. Stephen A. Douglas. He 
speedily won a national reputation, and was recognized as one of the leaders 
of the Republican party. In i860 he was elected President of the United 
States. Then followed the Civil War, and in due time the Emancipation 
Proclamation. During his first administration the people had learned to 
love and trust him, and in 1864 he was re-elected by an overwhelming ma- 
jority. On April 14, 1865, the news was flashed over the country that Abra- 
ham Lincoln, the Preserver of the Nation, had been stricken down by the 
hand of an assassin. 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 

A iNDREW JOHNSON, the seventeenth President of the L'nited States, 
■'* was born December 29, 1808, at Raleigh. N. C. His parents were too 
poor to give him any advantages and at ten he was unable to read or write. 
He was apprenticed to a tailor, and worked at that trade until he was six- 
teen, at which time he had managed to learn his letters. When only eigh- 
teen years of age he removed with 'his mother to Greenville, a small town in 
eastern Tennessee. Here he married Eliza McCardle, who possessed educa- 
tional advantages very much superior to his own. Under her tuition he 
riC(|uired the rudiments of an education, and as he possessed natural ability 
and a good memory, he made rapid progress. At twenty he was an alder- 
man, and at twenty-two he was mayor of Greenville. In 1836 he was elected 
to the Tennessee House of Representatives, and afterward to the State Sen- 
ate. In 1843 Tennessee sent him as a representative to Congress, and by 
succeeding elections he held the office for ten years. In 1853 he was made 
Governor of Tennessee, and was re-elected at the expiration of his first 
term. In 1857 he was elected L'nited States Senator by the Democratic 
party. Here he worked on party lines until the prospects of secession 
aroused his patriotism, and he separated from his party. He w'as elected 
\Mce -President of the United States in 1864, and six weeks after his inaugu- 
ration he succeeded Abraham Lincoln. He became involved in a quarrel 
with Congress and a series of unfortunate speeches nearly resulted in im- 
peachment. Six years after he retired from the Presidency he was elected 
to the Senate, and at the close of the session he returned to Tennessee, where 
he died in 1875. 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT. 

T T LYSSES SIMPSON GRANT, the eig-hteenth President of the United 
^-^ States, was born April 29, 1822, at Point Pleasant, "Clerniont countw 
( ). His father resolved that his young son should have the best school ad- 
vantages that the neighborhood afforded. \\'hen Ulysses was seventeen 
years of age he entered West Point, but the life, with its unvarying routine 
and rigid discipline, never suited him. He graduated in 1843, and was as- 
!=igned to duty with the Fourth I'nited States Infantr\- at Jeft'erson Barracks, 
St. Louis. In the Mexican War he did his duty honestly and bravely, and 
was promoted to a First Lieutenancy. Later he became Regimental Quar- 
termaster and Commissary. He was married to Julia Dent in 1848, and the 
following year was ordered for garrison duty to Detroit, where he remained 
two vears. In 185 1 the Fourth Infantry was sent to California, and after- 
ward to Fort ^■ancouver. In 1853 he was made a Captain, but finally re- 
signed his post and returned to the East. In i860 he removed to Galena 
and took a clerkship in his father's leather store. On the outbreak of the 
Civil War he organized a company of volunteers and marched with them 
to Springfield, and here he accepted a position in the Adjutant General's 
office, where he had charge of mustering the Illinois regiments into service. 
In return for his services Governor Yates appointed him Colonel of the 
•Twentv-first Illinois \'oluntecrs. The military record of this great comman- 
der is familiar to all. ^^'hen the war was ended the nation showed is faith 
in General Grant by bestowing on him the highest office in its gift, the 
I'residencv of the United States. He was elected in 1868 and re-elected at 
the close of his first administration. In i88o an unsuccessful effort was 
made to nominate him for a third term. He died July 23, 1885, after a long 
and painful illness. 



ll 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES. 

OUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES, the nineteenth President of the 
^ *■ United States, was liorn at Delaware, ()., October 4, 1822. His child- 
hood "ran quiet as a brook." He first attended the common schools of 
the neighborhood, and then went to the academy at Newport. Later he 
entered Kenyon College, from which he was graduated in 1842. He began his 
legal studies at Columbus, but later attended the Harvard Law School, in 
i:rder to equip himself more thoroughly for the bar. He established him- 
self at Cincinnati, where his abilities as a lawyer were speedily recognized, 
in 1852 he married Lucy Webb. The firing on Fort Sumter exercised a 
great change in his life. He gave up his law practice and entered the army. 
He was appointed ^lajor of the Twenty-third Ohio \ olunteer Infantry, and 
shortly afterward was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He 
served with gallantry and distinction throughout the war, and his services 
won him the rank of Brigadier-lieneral. He was elected to Congress in 
1865, and in 1867 he became Governor of ( )hio. to v.'hich ofifice he was twice 
re-elected. In 1876 he was nominated for President by the Republican Na- 
tional Convention. The contest which followed was bitter in the extreme; 

t 
both parties claimed the election, and there were threts of civil war. The 

>torm, however, finally subsided, and Rutherford B. Hayes took the oath 
vi ofifice, and was duly inaugurated President of the United States. The 
administration gave general satisfaction, and the policy of leniency toward 
the reconstructed states had the efifect of obliterating sectional feeling. After 
his retirement he took part in many reforms. The closing years of his life 
were quiet and uneventful. He died on January 17, 1893. 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD. 

TAMES ABRAM GARFIELD, the twentieth President of the United 
^ States, was born November 19, 1831, in Cuyahoga county, Ohio. Tlie 
story of his youth is the usual tale of pioneer life in the West — a fatherless 
boy's long, brave battle with misfortune under the scanty roof of a widowed 
mother. Young James attended the district school in the winter, and 
worked on the farm in the summer. He secured a position with his uncle, 
as tow-boy on a canal boat. In 1849 he entered the academy at Chester, 
and later went to Hiram College, where he remained for three years. In 
1854 his uncle loaned him money to complete his studies in an Eastern col- 
lege. He entered the junior class at Williams College, and at the age of 
twenty-four he graduated and returned to Ohio. He was offered a pro- 
fessorship in Hiram College, and later became its President. In 1858 he 
married Lucretia Rudolph, and in 1859 was elected to the State Senate. In 
1861 a regiment of enthusiastic volunteers was organized at Hiram College 
and sent to the front, Garfield was appointed its Colonel, but was after\vard 
promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General. After his recovery from a 
severe illness he joined the Army of the Cumberland as General Rosecrans' 
chief of stafif. The last engagement in which he took part was the battle of 
Chickamauga. where he earned the title of Alajor-General. He retired from 
military service to enter Congress. Here he rendered his country splendid 
aid during a period that was full of new and untried issues. He was after- 
ward elected to the I'nited States Senate, and in 1880 was chosen President 
of the LTnited States. The country is familiar with the story "of assassination 
and his long struggle against death, but the fatal bullet had done its work, 
and he died September 19, 1881. 



CHESTER ALAN ARTHUR. 

/'^HESTER ALAX ARTHUR, the twenty-first President of the United 
^-^ States, was born (Jctober 27, 1830, in ^'airfield, Frankhn county, \'t. 
His father was bent on giving his son a hberal education, and Chester's iioy- 
hood had the advantage of careful training. At the age of fourteen he en- 
tered Union College. After he graduated he taught school for two years, 
and having saved a little money he went to New York where he studied 
diligently pre]iaring liiniself for admission to the bar. He entered into a 
partnership with an intimate friend, and fortune smiled upon the young firm. 
Tor ten years young Arthur devoted himself to his profession, and his prac- 
tice became extensive and lucrative. He earl}' took part in anti-slaverv 
mo\'ements. and his arguments in the famous Lemon slave case won him 
much honor, and he succeeded in securing the right of the negro to ride in 
the New York street cars. In 1855 he became Judge-Advocate of a New 
York regiment, was afterward appointed Chief Engineer on General Mor- 
gan's staff, and two years later became I'lspector-General of the State. When 
the war broke out he was appointed a Brigadier-General, and served for 
si.x months. In 1871, President (irant made him Collector of the Port of 
New York. He occupied this high ofiice for four years, at the end of which 
time he was re-appointed. He was elected A'ice-President in 1880, and after 
the death of President Garfield he became the chief magistrate of the nation. 
His administration was a surprise to many, for everyone remembered ineffi- 
ciencies of former \'ice-Presidents who had succeeded to the office. In the 
end he earned the respect and admiration of the entire country. He died 
November 18, 1886. 



GROVER CLEVELAND. 

/^~> ROVER CLE\'ELAND, the twenty-second and twenty-fourth Presi- 
^-* dent of the United States, was Iwrn hi Caldwell. N. J., March i8, 1837. 
At an early age he attended the schools at Fayetteville and Clinton. Yonng 
Cleveland was a sensible, practical youth who took a common-sense view of 
lite. At seventeen he went to Xew York City, where he became clerk and 
assistant teacher in an institution for the blind. In 1855 he went to Buffalo 
vvhere he entered a law office. In 1859 Grover Cleveland was admitted to 
the l.)ar, and soon attained high rank as a lawyer. He was noted for the 
simplicity and directness tjf his logic, and for the thorough 
mastery of his cases. In 1881 he was nominated Mayor of BufTalo, 
and after his election became known as the "Veto Mayor." He was elected 
( Governor of New^ York, and in this position showed his dislike of official 
parade and ceremony. He went on foot through the streets of Albany to 
the capitol, accompanied only l)y a friend, to take the oath of office. He 
])roved a:i able executive, and although his opponents expressed their dis- 
approval of his political measures no one c|uestioned his honesty. In 1884 
the Democratic National Convention at Chicago nominated Grover Cleve- 
land for President of the I'nited States. The campaign which followed was 
characterized by l)itter jiarty strife, but the election resulted in an overwhelm- 
nig majorit^■ for the Democratic Candidate. His administration was 
luarked bv the same forcible and independent qualities that distinguished 
him as Mayor of Buffalo and Governor of Xew York. In 1886 the Presi- 
dent was married to Frances h'olsom, the daughter of his intimate friend and 
former law partner. In 1892 he was again elected President of the United 
States. 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 

DEXJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third President of the United 
^—^ States, was born at North Bend, Hamilton county, O., August 23, 
1S33. P)cnjamin was christened after tiie great-grandfather who set his 
name to the Declaration of Independence, and who served his country faith- 
fully in the Colonial Congress, and as Cjovernor of the young State of Vir- 
ginia. His grandfather was the ninth President of the United States. After 
a jireliminary schooling Benjamin was sent to an academy near Cincinnati 
where he remained for two years, when he entenred the Miami University, 
lie graduated at eighteen, taking the fourth honors of his class. He en- 
tered a law office in Cincinnati, and set about his legal studies with great 
earnestness. \Mien l)arel\' twent\- he married Caroline Scott. He became a 
member of the Indianapolis bar. and in i860 was elected Reporter for the 
Supreme Court. His success dates from this period. In 1862 with a 
brilliant fntiu'e before him. he made up his mind that his country had a claim 
upon his services, and, with characteristic promptness, he set about recruit- 
ing a company. He was commissioned Colonel of the Seventieth Regiment of 
Indiana \'olunteers. He remained with his regiment until it was mustered 
out at the close of the war. As a soldier he rendered gallant service, and 
returned to Indianapolis with the rank of Brevet Brigadier-General. He re- 
sinned his law practice, and was re-elected to the office of Reporter of the 
Supreme Court. He refused a seat in President Garfield's Cabinet, because 
he had been unanimously chosen to the United States Senate, where he 
served for the next six years with marked al)ilitv. In 1888 he was elected 
President of the I'nited States. 



I 



HISTORY 



UNITED STATES 



STATE OF INDIANA 



SPECIAL EDITION FOR FULTON COUNTY. 



CHICAGO: 

NATIONAL PUKLISHING CO. 

1896. 



I 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



FORMER OCCUPANTS. 



PREHISTORIC RACES- 



Scientists have ascribed to the Mound Builders varied 
origins, and though their divergence of opinion may for a time 
seem incompatible with a thorough investigation of the sub- 
ject, and tend to a confusion of ideas, no doubt whatever can 
exist as to the comparative accuracy of conclusions arrived at 
by some of them. Like the vexed question of the Pillar Tow- 
ers of Ireland, it has caused much speculation, and elicited the 
opinions of so many learned antiquarians, ethnologists and 
travelers, that it will not be found beyond the range of possi- 
bility to make dediictions that may suffice to solve the problem 
who were the prehistoric settlers of America. To achieve this 
it will not be necessary to go beyond the period over which 
Scripture history extends, or to indulge in those airy flights 
of imagination so sadly identified with occasional writers of 
even the Christian school, and all the accepted literary expo- 
nents of modem paganism. 

That this continent is co-existent with the world- of the 
ancients cannot be questioned. Every investigation, instituted 
under the auspices of modern civilization, confirms the fact 
and leaves no channel open tlirough which the skejrtic can 
escape the thorough refutation of his opinions. China, with 
its numerous living testimonials of antiquity, with its ancient, 
thougli limited literature and its Babelish superstitions, claims 
a continuous history from antediluvian times; but although 
its continuity may be denied with every just reason, there is 
nothing to prevent the transmission of a hieroglyphic record of 
its history prior to Ifiofi nnno minuli. since many traces of its 
early settlement survived the Deluge, and became sacred 
objects of the first historical epoch. This very survival of a 
record, such as that of which the Chinese boast, is not at vari- 



18 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

ance with the designs of a God who made and nUed the uni- 
verse; but that an atitedihivian people inhabited this conti- 
nent, will not be claimed; because it is not probable, though 
it may be possible, that a settlement in a land which may be 
considered a portion of the Asiatic continent, was effected by 
the immediate followers of the hrst progenitors of the bumau 
race. Therefore, on entering the study of the ancient peoj)le 
who raised these tumulus monuments over large tracts of the 
country, it will be just sulticient to wander back to that time 
when the flood-gates of heaven were swung open to hurl de- 
struction on a wicked world; and in doing so the inquiry must 
be based on legendary, or rather upon many circumstantial evi- 
dences; for, so far as written narrative extends, there is noth- 
ing to show that a movement of people too far east resulted in 
a Western settlement. 

THE FIRST rSIMIGRATIOX. 

Tlie first and most probable sources in which the origin of 
the Builders must be sought, are those countries lying along 
the eastern coast of Asia, which doubtless at that time 
stretched far beyond its present liuiits, and presented a con- 
tinuous shore from Lopatka to I'oint ('ambodia, holding a pop- 
ulation comparatively civil'zed, and all professing some ele- 
mentary form of the Boodhism of later days. Those peoples, 
like the Chinese of the present, were bound to live at home. 
and probably observed that law until after the confusion of 
languages and the dispersion of the builders oi' Babel in 1757, 
A.M.; but subsequently, within the following century, the old 
Mongolians, like the new, crossed the great ocean in the very 
paths taken by the present rejjresentatives of the race, arrived 
on the same shores, which now extend a very questionable hos- 
pitality to them, and entered at once upon the colonization of 
the country south and east, while the Caucasian race engaged 
in a similar movement of exploration and colonization over 
what ma.v be justly termed the western extension of Asia, and 
both peoples growing stalwart under the change, attained a 
moral and physical eminence to which they never could lay 
claim under the tropical sun which shed its beams upon the 
cradle of the human race. 

That mysterious people who, like the Brahmins of today, 
worshiped some transitory deit.v, and in after years, evidently 
embraced the idealization of Boodhism. as preached in Mon- 
golia early in the 35th century of the world, together with ac- 
quiring the learaing of the Confucian and Pythagorean schools 



i 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 19 

of the same period, spread all over the land, and in their nu- 
merous settlements erected these raths. or mounds, and sacri- 
ficial altars whereon they received their periodical visiting 
gods, surrendered their bodies to natural absorption or annihi- 
lation, and watched for the return of some transmigrated soul, 
the wiiile adoring the universe, which with all beings thev be- 
lieved would be eternally existent. They possessed religions 
orders corresjxmding in external show at least with the Es- 
senes or Theraputie of the pre-Christian and Christian epochs, 
and to the reformed Theraputie or monks of the present. 
Every memento of their coming and their stay which has de- 
scended to us is an evidence of their civilized condition. The 
free copper found within the tumuli; the open veins of the Su- 
perior and Iron ^fountain copiier-miues, with all the modus 
operandi of ancient mining, such as ladders, levers, chisels, 
and hammer-heads, discovered by the French explorers of the 
Xorthwest and the Mississippi, are conclusive proofs that those 
prehistoric people were highly civilized, and that many flourish- 
ing colonies were spread throughout the Mississippi valley, 
while yet the mammoth, the mastodon, and a hundred other 
animals, now only known by their gigantic fossil remains, 
guarded the eastern shore of the continent as it were against 
supposed invasions of the Tower P.uilders who went west from 
Babel; while yet the beautiful isles of the Antilles formed an 
integral portion of this continent, long years before the Euro- 
pean Northman dreamed of setting forth to the discovery of 
Greenland and the northern isles, and certainly at a time when 
all that portion of America north of latitude 4.o° was an ice- 
incumbered waste. 

Within the last few years great advances have been made 
toward the discovery of antiquities whether pertaining to re- 
mains of organic or inorganic nature. Together with many 
small, but telling relics of the early inhabitants of the country, 
the fossils of prehistoric animals have been unearthed from 
end to end of the land, and in districts, too, long pronounced 
by geologists of some repute to be without even a vestige of 
Vertebrate fossils. Among the collected souvenirs of an age 
about which so very little is known, are twenty-five vertebrae 
averaging thirteen inches in diameter, and three vertebra? os- 
sified together measure nine cubical feet; a thigh-bone five feet 
long by twenty-eight, by twelve inches in diameter, and the 
shaft fourteen by eight inches thick, the entire lot weighing 
GOO lbs. These fossils are presumed to belong to the cretaceous 
period, when the Dinosaur roamed over the country from East 
to West, desolating the villages of the people. This animal is 



20 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

said to have been sixty feet long, and when feeding in cvpress 
and palm forests, to extend himself eightv-flve feet, so that 
he may devour the budding tops of those great trees. Other 
efforts in this direction may lead to great results, and culmi 
nate probably in the discovery of a tablet engraven by some 
learned Mound Builder, describing in tlie ancient hieroglyphics 
of China all these men and beasts whose history excites so 
miicli speculation. The identity of the Mound Builders with 
the Mongolians might lead us to hope for such a consummation; 
nor is it bej'ond the range of probability, particularly in this 
practical age, to find the future labors of some industrious an- 
tiquarian requited by the upheaval of a tablet, written in the 
Tartar characters of 1700 yeai's ago, bearing on a subject 
which can now be treated only on a purely circumstantial basis. 

THE SECONTD IMMIGRATION 

may have begun a few cenluries prior to the Christian era. 
and unlike the former expedition or expeditions, to have tra- 
versed northeastern Asia to its Arctic confines, and then east 
to the narrow channel now known as Behriug's Straits, which 
they crossed, and sailing up the unchanging Yukon, settled 
under the shadow of ^Mount St. Elias for many years, and 
pushing South commingled with their countrraien, soon ac- 
quiring the characteristics of the descendants of the first col- 
onists. Chinese chronicles tell of such a people, who went 
North and were never heard of more. Circumstances conspire 
to render that particular colony the carriers of a new religious 
faith and of an alphabetic system of a representative character 
to the old colonists, and they, doubtless, exercised a most bene- 
ficial influence in other respects; because the influx of immi- 
gi'ants of such culture as were the Chinese, even of that remote 
period, must necessarily bear very favorable results, not only in 
bringing in reports of their travels but also accounts from 
the fatherland bearing on the latest events. 

With the idea of a second and important exodus there are 
many theorists united, one of whom says: "It is now the gen- 
erally received opinion that the first inhabitants of America 
passed over from Asia through these straits. The number of 
small islands lying between both continents renders this opin- 
ion still more probable; and it is yet further confirmed by 
some remarkable traces of similarity in the physical conforma- 
tion of the northern natives of both continents. The Esqui- 
maux of North America, the Samoieds of Asia, and the Lap- 
landers of Europe, are supposed to be of the same family; and 



HISTORY OF IXDIANA. 21 

this supposition is strengthened bv the affinity which exists 
in their languages. The researches of Humboldt have traced 
the ^lexicans to the vicinity of Behring's Straits; whence it is 
conjectured that they, as well as the Peruvians and other 
tribes, came originally from Asia, and were the Hiongnoos, 
who are, in the Chinese annals, said to have emigrated under 
Puno. and to have been lost in the Xorth of Siberia." 

Since this theory is accepted by most antiquaries, there is 
every reason to believe that from the discovery of what may 
be called an overland route to what was then considered an 
eastern extension of that country which is now known as the 
"Celestial Empire," many caravans of emigrants passed to their 
new homes in the land of illimitable possibilities until the way 
became a well-marked trail over which the Asiatic might travel 
forward, and having once entered the Elysian fields never en- 
tertained an idea of returning. Thus from generation to gen- 
eration the tide of immigration poured in until the slopes of 
the Pacific and the banks of the great inland rivers became 
hives of busy industry. ifagniflcent cities and monuments 
were raised at the bidding of the tribal leaders and populous 
settlements centered with happy villages sprang up evervT\'here 
in manifestation of the power and wealth and knowledge of 
the people. The colonizing Caucasian of the historic period 
walked over this great country on the very ruins of a civiliza- 
tion which a thousand years before eclipsed all that of which 
he could boast. He walked through the wilderness of the 
\^^est over buried treasures hidden under the accumulated 
growth of nature, nor i-ested until he saw, with great surprise, 
the remains of ancient pyramids and temples and cities, larger 
and evidently more beautiful than ancient Egypt could bring 
forth after its long years of uninterrupted history. The pyra- 
mids resemble those of Egypt in exterior form, and in some 
instances are of larger dimensions. The pyramid of Cholula 
is sqnarp. having each side of its base 1,3.3.5 feet In length, and 
its height about 172 feet. Another pyramid, situated In the 
north of Vera Cruz, is formed of large blocks of highly-polished 
porphyry, and bears upon its front hieroglyphic inscriptions 
and curious sculpture. Ench side of its square base is 82 feet 
in length, and a flight of .57 steps conducts to its summit, which 
is 05 feet in height. The ruins of Palenque are said 'o extend 
20 miles along the ridge of a mountain, and the remains of an 
Aztec city, near the banks of the river Gila, are spread over 
more than a square league. Their literature consisted of hi- 
erogl>-phics; but their arithmetical knowledge did not extend 
farther than their calculations by the aid of grains of corn. 



IZ HISTdUY OP INDIANA. 

Yet, notwithstanding all tlifir varied acfoniplisliments, and 
they were evidently many, tlieir notions of religions dnty led 
to a most demoniac zeal at once barbarously savage and fero- 
ciously cruel. Each visiting god, instead of bringing new life 
to tlie people, brought death to thousands; and their gro- 
tesque idols, exposed to drown the senses of the beholders in 
fear, wrought wretchedness ratlier ihan spiritual happiness, 
until, as some learned and humane Monteznmian said, the 
people never approached these idols without fear, and this 
fear was the great animating principle, the great religious mo- 
tive power which sustained the terrible religion. Their al- 
tars were sprinkled with blood drawn from their own bodies 
in large quantities, and on tliem thousand!!' of human victims 
were sacrificed in honor of the demons whom they worshiped. 
The head and heart of every captive taken in war were offered 
up as a bloody sacrifice to tlie god of battles, while the victor- 
ioiis legions feasted on the remaining portions of the dead 
bodies. It has been ascertained that during the ceremonies at- 
tendant on the consecration of two of their temples, the num- 
ber of prisoners offered up in sacrifice was 12,210; while their 
own legions contributed voluntary victims to the terrible be- 
lief in large numbers. Xor did this horrible custom cease im- 
mediately after 1521, when Cortez entered the imperial city 
of the ilontezumas; for, on being driven from it, all liis troops 
who fell into the hands of the native soldiers were subjected 
to the most terrible and prolonged suffering that could be ex- 
perienced in tliis world, and when about to yield up that spirit 
which is indestructible, were offered in sacrifice, their hearts 
and heads consecrated, and the victors allowed to feast on the 
jet warm flesh. 

A reference is made here to the period when the ilontezumas 
ruled over Mexico, simply to gain a better idea of the hideous 
idolatry which took the place of the old Boodhism of the Mound 
Builders, and doubtless helped in a great measure to give vic- 
tory to the new comers, even as the tenets of Mohametanism 
urged the ignorant followers of the prophet to the conquest of 
great nations. It was not the faith of the people who built 
the mounds and the pyramids and the temples, and who, 200 
years before the Christian era, built the great wall of jealous 
China. Xo: rather was it that terrible faith born of the Tar- 
tar victory, which carried the great defenses of China at the 
point of the javelin and hatchet, who afterward marched to 
the very walls of Borne, under Alaric, and spread over the 
islands of Poljiiesia to the Pacific slopes of South America. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 23 

THE TARTARS 

came there, and, like the pure Mongols of Mexico and the Mis- 
sissippi valler, rose to a state of civilization bordering on that 
attained by them. Here for centuries the sons of the fierce Tar- 
tar race continued to dwell in comparative peace jintil the all- 
ruling ambition of empire took in the whole country from the 
Pacific to the Atlantic, and peop'.ed the vast territory watered 
by the Amazon with a race that was destined to conquer all 
the peoples of the Orient, and only fall before the march of the 
arch-civilizing Caucasian. In course of time those fierce Tar- 
tars pushed their settlements northward, and ultimately en- 
tered tlie territories of the Mound Builders, putting to death 
all who fell within their reacli, and causing the survivors of 
the death-dealing invasion to seek a refuge from the hordes 
of this semi-barbarous people in the wilds and fastnesses of 
the Xorth and Northwest. The beautiful country of the Mound 
Builders was now in the hands of savage invaders, the 
quiet, industrious people who raised the temples and pyramids 
were gone; and the wealth of intelligence and industry, ac- 
cumulating for ages, passed into the possession of a rapacious 
horde, who could admire it only so far as it offered objects 
for plunder. Even in this the invaders were satisfied, and 
then having arrived at the height of their ambition, rested on 
their swords and entered upon the luxury and ease in the en- 
joyment of which they were found when the vanguard of Eu- 
ropean civilization appeared upon the scene, ifeantime the 
southern countries which those adventurers abandoned after 
ha^^ng completed their conquests in the North, were soon peo- 
pled by hundreds of people, always moving from island to isl- 
and and ultimately halting amid the ruins of villages deserted 
by those who, as legends tell, had passed eastward but never 
returned ; and it would scarcely be a matter for surprise if those 
emigrants were found to be the progenitors of that race found 
by the !^.i)aniards in 1532, and identical with the AraucanianSj 
Cuenches and Huiltiches of to-day. 

RELICS OF THE MOUND BUHDERS. 

One of the most brilliant and impartial historians of the "Re- 
pnblic stated that the valley of the Mississippi contained no 
monuments. So far as the word is entertained now, he was 
literally correct, but in some hasty effort neglected to qualify 
his sentence by a reference to the nuuiM-ous relics of antiquity 
to be found throughout its length and breadth, and so exposed 



2-1 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

his chapters to criticism. The valley of the Father of Waters, 
and iudeed the country from the trap rocks of the Great Lakes 
southeast to the Gulf and southwest to Mexico, abound in 
tell-tale monuments of a race of people much farther advanced 
in civilization than the Montezumas of the sixteenth century. 
The remains of walls and fortifications found in Kentucky and 
Indiana, the eartiiworks of Vinceunes and throufihout the val- 
ley of the Wabash, the mounds scattered over Alabama, Flor- 
ida, Georgia and Virginia, and those found in Illinois, Wiscon- 
sin and Minnesota, are all evidences of the universality of the 
Chinese Mongols and of their advance toward a comparative 
knowledge of man and cosmology. At the mouth of Fourteen- 
Mile creek, in Clark county, Indiana, there stands one of these 
old monuments known as the "iStone Fort." It is an unmistak- 
able heirloom of a great and ancient people, and must have 
formed one of their most important posts. The State Geolo- 
gist's report, filed among the records of the State and furnished 
by Prof. Cox, says: "At the mouth of Fourteen-Mile creek, and 
about three miles from Charleston, the county seat of Clark 
county, there is one of the most remarkable stone fortifications 
which has ever come under my notice. Accompanied by my 
assistant. Mr. Borden, and a number of citizens of Charleston, 
I visited the 'Stone Fort' for the purpose of making an examina- 
tion of it. The locality selected for this fort presents many 
natural advantages for making it impregnable to the opposing 
forces of prehistoric times. It occupies the point of an elevated 
narrow ridge which faces the Ohio river on the east and is bor- 
dered by Fourteen-Mile creek on the west side. This creek 
empties into the Ohio a short distance below the fort. The top 
of the ridge is pear-shaped, with the part answering to the neck 
at the north end. Tliis part is not over twenty feet wide, and 
is protected by precipitous natural walls of stone. It is 280 
feet above the level of the Ohio river, and the slope is very grad- 
ual to the south. At the upper field it is 240 feet high and one 
hundred steps wide. At the lower timber it is 120 feet high. 
The bottom land at the foot of the south end is sixty feet above 
the river. Along the greater part of the Ohio river front there 
is an abrupt escarpment rock, entirely too steep to be scaled, 
and a similar natural barrier exists along a portion of the north- 
west side of the ridge, facing the creek. This natural wall is 
joined to the neck of an artificial wall, made by piling up, mason 
fashion but without mortar, loose stone, which had evidently 
been pried up from the carboniferous layers of rock. This made 
wall, at this point, is about loO feet long. It is built along the 
slope of the hill and had an elevation of about 75 feet above its 



mSTORY OF INDIANA. 25 

base, the upper ten feet being vertical. The inside of the wall 
is protected by a ditch. The remainder of the hill is pro- 
tected by an artificial stone wall, built in the same man- 
ner, but not more than ten feet hi.nh. The elevation of the side 
wall above the creek bottom is 80 feet. Within the artificial 
walls is a string of mounds which rise to the height of the wall, 
and are protected from the washing of the hillsides by a ditch 
20 feet wide and four feet deep. The position of the artificial 
walls, natural cliffs of bedded stone, as well as that of the 
ditch and mounds, are well illustrated. The top of the enclosed 
ridge embraces ten or twelve acres, and there are as many as 
five mounds that can be recognized on the flat surface, while 
no doubt many others existed which have been obliterated by 
time, and through the agency of man in his eiforts to cultivate 
a i>ortion of the ground. A trench was cut into one of These 
mounds in search of relics. A few fragments of charcoal and 
decomposed bones, and a large, irregular, diamond-shaped boul- 
der, with a small circular indentation near the middle of the 
upper part, that was worn quite smooth by the use to which 
it had been put, and the small pieces of fossil coral, comprised 
all the articles of note which were revealed by the excavation. 
The earth of which the mound is made resembles that seen on 
the hillside, and was probably in most part taken from the 
ditch. The margin next to the ditch was protected by slabs 
of stone set on edge, and leaning at an angle corresponding to 
the slope of the mound. This stone shield was two and one- 
half feet wide and one foot high. At intervals along the great 
ditch there are channels f(U'nied between the mounds that prob- 
ably served to carry off the surplus water through openings in 
the outer wall. On the top of the enclosed ridge, and near its 
narrowest part, there is one mound much larger than any of 
the others, and so situated as to command an extensive view up 
and down the Ohio river, as well as affording an unobstructed 
view east and west. This is designated as 'Lookout ]Mound.' 
There is near it a slight break in the cliff of rock, which fur- 
nished a narrow passage way to the Ohio river. Though the 
locality afforded many natural advantages for a fort or strong- 
hold, one is compelled to admit that much skill was displayed 
and labor expended in making its defense as perfect as possible 
at all points. Stone axes, pestles, arrow-heads, spear-points, 
totnms. channs and flint flakes have been found in great abun- 
danci^ in plowing the field at the font of the old fort." 

From the "Stone Fort'' the Professor turns his steps to Posey 
county, at a point on the Wabash, ten miles above the mouth 
called "Bone Bank," on account of the mimber of human bonea 



20 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

continually washed o\it from the river bank. "It is," he states, 
"sitnated in a bend on the left bank of the river; and ihe ground 
is about ten feet above high water mark, being the only land 
along this portion of the river that is not submerged in seasons 
of high water. The bank slopes gradually back f ram the river 
to a slough. This slough now seldom contains water, but no 
doubt at one time it was an arm of the Wabash river, which 
flowed around the Bone Bank and afforded protection to the 
island home of the Mound Builders. The Wabash has been 
changing its bed for many years, leaving a broad extent of new- 
ly made land on the right shoi'e, and gradually making inroads 
on the left shoi'e by cutting away the Bone Bank. The stages 
of growth of land on the right bank of the river are well de- 
fined by the cottonwood trees, which increase in size as you go 
back from the river. Unless there is a change in the current 
of the river, all trace of the Bone Bank will be obliterated. Al- 
ready within the memory of the white inhabitants, the bank has 
been removed to the width of several hundred yards. As the 
bank is cut by the current of the river, it loses its sujipirt. and 
wlien the water sinks it tumbles over, carrying with it the bones 
o' tho Mound Bni'ders and the cherislied articles buried with 
theui. Xo locality in the country furnislies a greater number 
and variety of relics than this. It has proved especially rich in 
pottery of quaint design iind skillful workmanship. I have a 
number of jugs and pots and a cup found at the Bone Baiik. 
This kind of work has been very abundant, and is still found in 
such quantities that we are led to conclude that its manufac- 
ture formed a leading industry of the inhabitants of the Bone 
Bank. It is not in Europe alone that we find a well-founded 
claim of high antiquity for the art of making hard and durable 
stnne by a mixture of clay, lime, sand and stone, for I am con- 
vinced that this art was possessed by a race of j)eople who in 
habited this continent at a period so remote that neither tradi 
tion nor history can furnish any account of them. They be- 
longed to the Xeolithic. or polished-stone, age. They lived in 
towns and built mounds for sepulture and worship, and pro- 
tected their homes by sun-ounding them with walls of earth 
and stone. In some of these mounds specimens of various 
kinds of pottery, in a perfect state of preservation, have from 
time to time been found, and fragments are so common that 
every student of archseology can have a bountiful supply. 
Some of these fragments indicate vessels of very great size. At 
the Saline springs of Gallatin I picked up fragments that indi- 
cated, by their curvature, vessels five to six feet in diameter, 
and it is probable they are fragments of artificial stone p;ins 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. Si 

used to hold brine that was manufactiired into salt by solar 
evaporation. 

'•Xow, all the pottery belonging to the Mound Builders" age, 
which T have seen, is composed of alluvial clay and sand, or a 
mixture of the former with pulverized fresh-water shells. A 
paste made of such a mixture possesses, in high degree, the 
properties of hydraulic Puzzuoland and Portland cement, so 
that vessels formed of it hardened witliout being burned, as is 
customary with modern pottery." 

The Professor deals very aptly with this industry of the 
aborigines, and concludes a very able disquisition on the Bone 
Bank in its relation to the prehistoric builders. 

The great circular redoubt or earth-work found two miles 
west of the village of New Washington, and the "Stone Fort," 
on a ridge one mile west of the village of Deputy, offer a sub- 
ject for the antiquarian as deeply interesting as any of the 
monuments of a decayed empire so far discovered. 

From end to end of Indiana there are to be found many 
other relics of the obscure past. Some of them have been 
unearthed and now appear among the collected antiquities at 
Indianapolis. The highly finished standstone pipe, the copper 
ax. stone axes, flint arrowheads and magnetic plummets found 
a few years ago beneath the soil of Cut-Oft' Island near Xew 
Harmony, together with the pipes of rare workmanship and un- 
doubted age, unearthed near Covington, all live as it were in 
testimony of their owner's and maker's excellence, and hold a 
share in the evidence of the partial annihilation of a race, with 
the complete disruption of its manners, customs and industries; 
and it is possible that when numbers of tliese relics are placed 
together, a key to the phonetic or rather hieroglyphic system 
of that remote period might be evolved. 

It may be asked what these hieroglyphical characters really 
are. Well, they are varied in form, so much so that the pipes 
found in the mounds of Indians, each bearing a distinct rep- 
resentation of some animal, may bi^ taken for one species, used 
to represent the abstract ideas of th/ Mound Builders. The sec- 
ond form consist's of pure hieroglyphics or phonetic characters, 
in which the sound is represented instead of the object; and 
the third, or painted form of the first, conveys to the mind that 
which is desired to be represented. This form exists among 
the Cree Indians of the far Northwest, at present. They, when 
departing from their permanent villages for the distant hunt- 
ing grounds, paint on the barked trees in the neighborhood the 
figure of a snake or eagle, or perhaps huskey dog; and this ani 
mal is supposed to g-uard the p tsition until the warrior's return. 



28 HISTORY OF INDIAJSTA. 

or welcome any friendly tribes that may arrive there in the in- 
terim. In the case of the Mound Builders, it is unlikely that 
this latter extreme was resorted to, for the simple reason that 
the relics of their occupation are too high in the ways of art to 
tolerate such a barbarous science of language; but the sculpt- 
ured pipes and javelins and spear-heads of the Monnd Builders 
may be taken as a collection of graven images, each conveying 
a set of ideas easily understood, and perhaps sometimes or more 
generally used to designate the vocation, name or character of 
the owner. That the builders possessed an alphabet of a plio- 
netic form, and purely hieroglyjihic, can scarcely be queslioned; 
but until one or more of the unearthed tablets, which bore all 
or even a portion of such characters are raised from their cen- 
turied graves, the mystery which surrounds this people must 
remain, while we must dwell in a world of mere speculation. 

Vigo, Jasper, Sullivan, Hwitzevland and Ohio counties can 
boast of a most liberal endowment in this relation; and wher 
in other days the people will direct a minute inqiiiry, and pene- 
trate to the very heart of tlie thousand cones which are scat- 
tered throughont the land, they may possibly extract the blood 
in the shape of metallic and porcelain works, with hieroglyphic 
tablets, while leaving the form of the heart and body complete 
to entertain and delight unborn generations, who in their time 
will wonder much when they leam that an American people, 
living toward the close of the o9th century, could possibly in- 
dulge in such an anachi'onism as is implied in the term "^ew 
World." 

THE INDIANS. 

The origin of the Red Men, or American Indians, is a 
subject which interests as well as instructs. It is a favorite 
with the ethnologist, even as it is one of deep concern to the 
ordinary reader. A review of two works lately published on 
the origin of the Indians treats the matter in a peculiarly rea- 
sonable light. It says: 

''Recently a Grerman writer has put forward one theory on 
the subject and an English writer has put forward another 
and directly opposite theory. The difference of opinion con- 
cerning our aboriginals among authors who have made a pro- 
found study of races is at once curious and interesting. Blu- 
menbach treats them in his classification as a distinct A'ariety 
of the human family; but, in the threefold division of Dr. La- 
tham, they are ranked among the ISIongoIidiB. Other writers 
on race regard them as a branch of the great Mongolian family, 



HISTOKY OP INDIANA. '-^^ 

which at a distant period found its way from Asia to tliis con- 
tinent, and remained here for centuries separate from tlic rest 
of mankind, passing meanwhile, through divers phases of bar- 
barism and civilization. ^Morton, our eminent ethnologist, and 
his followers, Nott and Gliddon, claim for our native Eed ^Men 
an origin as distinct as the flora and fauna of this continent. 
I'richard, whose views ai'e apt to differ from Morton's, finds 
reason to believe, on comjiaring the American tribes together, 
that they must have formed a separate department of nations 
from tlie earliest period of the world. The era of their e.-^ist- 
ence as a distinct and insulated p 'ople must probably be dated 
back to the time which separated into nations the inhabitants 
of the Old World, and gave to each its individuality and primi- 
tive language. Dr. Robert Brown, tlie latest authority, attrib- 
utes, in his 'Races of Mankind,' an Asiatic origin to our aborig- 
inals. He says that the Western Indians not only personally 
resemble their nearest neighbors — the Northeastern Asiatics— 
but they resemble them in language and traditions. The Es- 
quimaux on the American and the Tchuktchis on the Asiatic 
side understand one anotlier perfectly. Modern anthropolo- 
gists, indeed, are disposed to think that Japan, the Kuriles, 
and neighboring regions, may be regarded as the original home 
of the greater part of the native American race. It is also ad- 
mitted by them that between the tribes scattered from the Arc- 
tic sea to Cape Horn there is more uniformity of physical fea- 
tures than is seen in any oth'^r quarter of the globe. The weight 
of evidence and authority is altogether in favor of the opinion 
that our so-called Indians are a branch of the Mongolian family, 
and all additional researches strengthen the opinion. Tlie 
tr bes of b th Xortli and South America are unquestionably 
homogeneous, and, in all likelihood, had their origin in Asia, 
though they have been altered and modified by thousands of 
years of total separation from the parent stock.'' 

The conclusions arrived at by the reviewer at that time, 
though safe, are too general to lead the reader to form any defi- 
nite idea on the subject. No doubt whatever can exist, when 
the American Indian is regarded as of an Asiatic origin; but 
there is nothing in the works or even in the review, to which 
these works were subjected, which might account for the vast 
difference in manner and form between the Red Man, as he is 
now known, or even as he appeared to Columbus and his suc- 
cessors in the field of discovery, and the comparatively civil- 
ized inhabitants of Mexico as seen in 1521 by Cortez, and of 
Peru, as witnessed by Pizarro in 1532. The fact is that the pure 
bred Indian of the present is descended directly from the earli- 



Si) HISTORY OF ]ndia:xa. 

est inhabitants, or in otlier words from the survivors of that 
perple v/iio. on being driven from their fair possessions, retired 
to the wilderness in sorrow and rearedup their children under 
the s-iddeniug influences of their unquencliable oriefs, beipieath- 
ing th'm only the habits of the wild, cloud-roofed home of their 
declining years, a sullen silence and a rude moi'al code. In af- 
ter yeai s these wild sons of the forest and prairie grew in num- 
bers and in strength. Some legend told them of their present 
sufferings, of the station which their fathers once had known, 
and of the riotous i"ace which now reveled in wealth which 
should be tJieirs. The tierce passions of the savage were 
aroused, and uniting their scattered bands, marched in silence 
upon the villages of the Tartars, driving them onward to Tlie 
capital of their Incas, and consigning their homes to tlic (lames. 
Once in view of the great city, the hurrying bands halted in sur- 
prise; but Tartar cunning took in the s'tuation and offered 
pledges of amity, which were sacredly observed. Hencefoitli 
Mexico was open to the Indians, bearing precisely the same 
relation to them that the Hudson's Bay Company's villages 
do to the Northwestern Indians of the present; obtaining all, 
and bestowing very little. The subjection of the ^ilomjolian 
race represented in Xor h Anerita by that branch of it to 
which the Tartars belouued. represented in the Southern por 
tion of the continent, se uns ti have taken phice some five 
centuries before the advent of the European, while it may be 
concluded that the war of the races which resulted in reduc- 
ing the villages erected by the Tartar hordes to ruin took place 
between one and two hundred years later. These statements 
tliough actually referring to events which in point of time are 
compai-atively modern, can only be substantiated by the facts 
that, about the periods mentioned the dead bodies of an nn 
Icnown race of men were washed ashore on the Eurooean 
coasts, while previous to that time there is no account wliat 
ever in European annals of even a vestige of trans-Atlantic hu- 
manity being transferred by ocean currents to the gaze of a 
wondering jieople. Towards the latter half of the 1.5th centui'v 
two dead bodies entirely free from decomposition, and corre- 
sponding with the Eed Men as they afterward appeared to 
Columbus, were cast on the shores of the Azores, and con- 
firmed Columbus in his belief in the existence of a western 
world and western penph^. 

Storm and flood and disease have created sad havoc in llie 
ranks of the Indian since the occupation of the country bv 
The white man. These natural causes have conspired to deci- 
mate the race even more than the advance of civilization. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 31 

Avliicli seems not to affect it to anj material extent. In its 
maintenance of the same number of representatives during 
three centuries, and its existence in the very face of a most 
unceremonious, and, whenever necessary, cruel 'conquest, the 
grand dispensations of the unsc en Ruler of the universe is dem- 
onstrated; for, without the aborigines, savage and treacherous 
as they were, it is possible that tJie explorers of former times 
would have so many natural difficulties to contend with, that 
their work would be surrendered in despair, and the most fer- 
tile regions of the continent saved for the plowshares of gen- 
erations yet unborn. It is questionable whether we owe the 
discovery of this continent to the unaided scientific knowledge 
of Columbus, or to the dead bodies of the two Indians re- 
ferred to above; nor can their services to the explorers of an- 
cient and modern times be over-estimated. Their existence is 
embraced in the plan of the Divinity for the government of 
the world, and it will not form subject for surprise to learn 
that the same intelligence which s.ut a thrill of liberty into 
every corner of the republic will, in the near future, devise 
some method under which the remnant of a great and an- 
cient race may taste the sweets of public kindness, and feel 
that, after centuries of turmoil and tyranny, they have at last 
found a shelter amid a sympathizing peo])le. Many have looked 
at the Indian as the pessimist does at all things; they say 
that he was never formidable until the white man supplied 
him with the weapons of modern warfare; but there is no men- 
tion made of his eviction from his retired home, and the lit- 
tle plot of cultivated garden which formed the nucleus of a 
village that, if fostered instead of being destroyed, might pos 
sibly hold an Indian population of some importance in the 
economy of the nati(>n. There is no intention whatever to main- 
tain that the occupation of th's country by the favored races 
is w'rong even in ]>rinciple; for where any obstacle to advanc- 
ing civilization exists it has to fall to the ground; but it may 
be said, with some truth, that the white man, instead of a 
policy of conciliation formed upon the power of kindness, in- 
dulged in beH'gerency as imjjolitic as it was unjust. A mod 
em writer says, when speaking of the Indian's character: "He 
did not exhibit that steady valor and efficient discipline of 
the American soldier; and to-day on the plains She-'dan's 
troopers would not hesitate to attack the bravest band, though 
outnumbered three to one." This ])iece of information applies 
to the European and African, as well as to the Indian. The 
American soldier, and particularly the troopers referred to, 
would not fear or shrink from a verv legion of demons, even 



32 HISTORY OF INDIANA, 

with odds against them. This mode of warfare seems stran2;ely 
peculiar when compared with the military systems of civil- 
ized countries; yet, since the main object of armed men is to 
defend a country or a principle, and to destroy anything which 
may oppose itself to them, the mode of warfare pursued by the 
savage will be found admirably adapted to their requirements 
in this connection, and will doubtless compare favorably with 
the systems of the Afghans and Persians of the present, and 
the Caucasian people of the first historic period. 

MAJSTNERS AND CUSTOMS. 

The art of hunting not only supplied the Indian with food, 
but lilie that of war, was a means of gratifying his love of 
distinction. The male children, as soon as they acquired suf- 
ficient age and strength, were furnished with a bow and arrow 
and taught to shoot birds and other small game. Success in 
killing a large quadraped required years of careful study and 
practice, and the art was sedulously inculcated in the minds 
of the rising generation as are the elements of reading, writ- 
ing and arithmetic in the common schools of civilized com- 
munities. The mazes of tbe forest and the dense, tall grass 
of the prairies were the best fields for the exercise of tlie 
hunter's skill. No feet could be impressed in the yielding 
soil but that the tracks were the objects of the most search- 
ing scrutiny, and revealed at a glance tlae animal that made 
them, the direction it was pursuing, and the time that had 
elapsed since it had passed. In a forest country he selected 
the valleys, because they were most frequently the resort of 
game. The most easily taken, perhaps, of all the animals of 
the chase was the deer. It is endowed with a curiosity which 
prompts it to stop in its fl'ght and lookback at the approach- 
ing hunter, who always avails himself of this opportunity to 
let fly the fatal arrow. 

Their general councils were composed of the chiefs and old 
men. When in council, they usually sat in concentric circles 
around the speaker, and each individual, notwithstanding the 
fiery passions that rankled within, preserved an exterior as 
immovable as if cast in bronze. Before commencing business 
a person appeared with the sacred pipe, and another with fire 
to kindle it. After being lighted it was first presented to 
heaven, secondly to the earth, thirdly to the presiding spirit, 
and lastly to the several councillors, each of whom took a 
whiif. These formalities were observed with as close exact- 
ness as state etiquette in civilized courts. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 33 

Tile dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest and rudest 
cliiuacter. On some pleasant spot bv the bank of a river, or 
near an ever-running spring, they raised their groups of wig- 
wams, constructed of the bark of trees, and easily taken down 
and removed to another spot. The dwelling-places of the 
chiefs were sometimes more spacious and constructed with 
greater care, but of the same materials. Skins taken in the 
chase served them for repose. Though principally dependent 
upon hunting and fishing, the uncertain supply from those 
sources led them to cultivate small patches of corn. Every 
family did everything necessary within itself, commerce, or 
an interchange of articles being almost unknown to them. In 
cases of dispute and dissension, each Indian relied upon him- 
self for retaliation. Blood for blood was the rule, and the 
relatives of the slain man were bound to obtain bloody re- 
venge for his death. This principle gave rise, as a matter of 
course, to innumerable and bitter feuds, and wars of exter 
mination where such were possible. War, indeed, rather than 
peace, was the Indian's glory and delight, — war, not conducted 
rs civilization, but war where individual skill, endurance, gal- 
lantry and cruelty- were prime requisites. For such a purpose 
as revenge tlie Indian would make great sacrifices, and display 
a patience and perseverance truly heroic; but when the excite- 
ment was over, he sank back into a listless, unoccupied, well- 
nigh useless savage. During the intervals of his more excit 
ing pursuits, the Indian employed his time in decorating his 
person with all the refinement of paint and feathers, and in 
the manufacture of his arms and of canoes. These w'ere con- 
si rncted of bark, and so light that they could easily be cai'- 
li; d on the shoulder from stream to stream. His amusements 
were the war-dance, athletic games, the narration of his ex- 
ploits, and listening to the oratory of the chiefs; but during 
long periods of such existence he remained in a state of tor- 
por, gazing listlessly upon the trees of the forests and the 
clouds above them; and this vacancy imprinted an habitual 
gravity, and even melancholy, upon his general deportment. 

The main labor and drudgery of Indian communities fell 
upon the women. The planting, tending and gathering of the 
crojis, making mats and baskets, carrying burdens — in fact, 
all things of the kind were performed by them, thus making 
their condition but little better than that of slaves. ^larriage 
was merely a matter of b-trgain and sale, the husband giving 
presents to the father of the bride. In general they had but 
few children. They were suljjected to many and severe at 
tacks of sickness, and at times famine and pestilence swept 
away whole tribes. 
3 



EXPLORATIONS BY THE WHITES. 

EAELIEST EXPLORERS. 

The state of Indiana is bounded on the east by the meridian 
line wliieh forms also the western boundary of Ohio, extend- 
ing due north from the moutli of the Great Miami river: on tlio 
soutli by the Ohio river from the mouth of the Great Miami to 
the mouth of the Wabash; on the west by a line drawn alonj; 
the middle of the Wabash river from its mouth to a point where 
a due north line from the town of "S'iueennes would last touch 
the shore of said river, and thence directly north to Lake 
^Michigan; and on the north by said lake and an east and 
west line ten miles north of the extreme south end of the 
lake and extending to its intersection with the aforesaid 
meridian, the west boundary of Ohio. These boundaries in- 
clude an area of 33,809 square miles, lying between 37° 47' 
and 41° 50' north latitude, and between 7° 45' and 11° 1' 
west longitude from Washington. 

After the discovery of America by Columbus in 1402, more 
than 150 years passed away before any jiortion of the terri- 
tory now comprised within the above limits was explored by 
Europeans. Colonies were established in Florida. Virginia and 
Nova Scotia by the principal rival governments of Europe, 
but not until about l(J70-'2 did the first white travelers ven- 
ture as far into the Northwest as Indiana or Lake Michigan. 
These explorers were Frenchmen by the names of Claude Al- 
louez and Claude Dablon, who then visited what is now the 
eastern part of Wisconsin, the northeastern portion of Illinois 
and probably that portion of this State north of the Kanka- 
kee river. In the following year M. Joliet, an agent of the 
French Colonial government, and James ilarquette, a good 
and simple-hearted missionary who had his station at ilack- 
inaw, explored the country about Green Bay, and along Fox 
and Wisconsin rivers as far westward as the ilississippi. the 
banks of which they reached June 17, 1673. They descended 
this river to about 33° 40', but returned by way of the Illi- 
nois river and the route they came in the Lake Region. At a 
^•illage among the Illinois Indians, ^Marquette and his small 
band of adventurers were received in a friendly manner and 
treated hospitablv. Thev were made the honored guests at a 
(34) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 35 

great feast, where hominy, fish, dog meat and roast buffalo 
meat were spread before them in great abundance. In 1CS2 La 
Salle explored the West, but it is not known that he entered 
the region now embraced within the State of Indiana. He 
took formal possession, however, of all the Mississippi region 
in the name of the King of France, in whose honor he gave 
all this Mississippi region, including what is now Indiana, the 
name "Louisiana." Spain at the same time laid claim to all 
the region about the Gulf of Mexico, and thus these two great 
nations were brought into collision. But the country was 
actually held and occupied by the great Miami confederacy of 
Indians, the Miamis proper (anciently the Twightwees) being 
the eastern and most powerful tribe. Their territory extended 
strictly from the Scioto river west to the Illinois river. Their 
Tillages were few and scattering, and their occupation was 
scarcely dense enough to maintain itself against invasion. 
Their settlements were occasionally visited by Christian mis- 
sionaries, fur traders and adventurers, but no body of white 
men made any settlement sufficiently permanent for a title to 
national possession. Christian zeal animated France and Eng- 
land in missionary enterprise, the former in the interests of 
Catholicism and the latter in the interests of Protestantism. 
Hence their haste to preoccupy the land and proselyte the 
aborigines. No doubt this uglv rivalry was often seen by In- 
dians, and they refused to be proselyted to either branch of 
Christianity. 

The "Five Xations." farther east, comprised the ^Mohawks, 
Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondaguas and Senecas. In ,1G77 the 
number of warriors in this confederacy was 2,150. About 1711 
the Tuscaroras retired from Carolina and joined the Iroquois, 
or Five Xations, which, after that event, became known as the 
^'Six Nations." In ](;8!) hostilities broke out between the Five 
Nations and the colonists o.f Canada, and the almost con- 
stant wars in which France was engaged until the treaty of 
Kyswick in 1097 combined to check the grasping policy of Louis 
XIV., and to retard the planting of French colonies in the 
Mississijipi valley. ^lissionary efforts, however, continued 
with more failure than success, the Jesuits allying themselves 
with the Indians in habits and customs, even encouraging in- 
ter-marriage between them and their white followers. 

OUABACHE. 

Tlie Wabash was first named by the French, and spelled by 
them Ouabache. This river was known even before the Ohio, 
and was navigated as the Ouabache all the wav to the Missis- 



36 HISTORY OF INDIANA, 

sippi a long time before it was discovered that it was a tribu- 
tary of the Ohio (Belle Riviere). lu navifiuting the Mississippi 
they thought they passed the mouth of the Ouabache instead 
of the Ohio. In traveling from the Great Lakes to the south, 
the French always went by the way of the Ouabache or Illinois. 

"STNCENTS^ES. 

Francois Morgan de Vinsenne served in Canada as early as 
1720 in the regiment of "De Carrignan" (^f the French service, 
and again on the lakes in the vicinity of Sault Ste. Marie in the 
same service under M. de Yaudriel, in 1725. It is possible 
that his advent to Vincennes may have taken place in 17;?2; 
and in proof of this the only record is an act of sale under 
the joiut names of himself and ^Madame Vinsenne, the daugh- 
ter of M. Philip Lougprie, and dated Jan. o, 1735. This docu- 
ment gives his military position as coramamlant of the post of 
Ouabache in the service of the French King. The will of 
Longprie, dated March 10. same year, bequeaths him, among 
other things, 408 pounds of poi-k, which he ordered to be kept 
safe until Musenne, who was then at Ouabache, returneil to 
Kaskaskia. 

There are many other documents connected with its early 
settlement by '\'insenne, among which is a receipt for the 100 
pistoles granted him as his wife's marriage dowry. In 173G 
this officer was ordered to Charlevoix by D'Artagette, viceroy 
of the King at New Orleans, and commandant of Illinois. 
Here M. St. ^'iuseime received his mortal woimds. The event 
is chronicled as follows in the words of D'Artagette: "We 
have just received very bad news from Louisiana, and our 
war with the Chickasaws. The French have been defeated. 
Among the slain is M. de Vinsenne, who ceased not until his 
last breath to exhort his men to behave worthy of their faith 
and fatherland." 

Thus closed the career of this gallant officer, leaving a name 
which holds as a remembrancer the present beautiful town of 
Vincennes, changed from Vinsenne to its present orthography 
in 1719. 

Post Vincennes was settled as early as 1710 or 1711. In a 
letter from Father Marest to Father Gemion, dated at Kas- 
kaskia, Xov. 9, 1712, occurs this passage: "Les Franroifi itoient 
itahli uii fort sur le fieure Ovahaehe; ils demavdemit vn 
missionaire; cf le Pere Mernirf leur fut envnjie- Ce Perc end 
devoir trarniUer a la eonrrrsion des Mascoutens qui nvoient 
fait vn rillage sur les bords diimeme flettve- Vest une nation 
Indians qui entend Pi hui(/ue lUinoise-'' Translated: "The 



HISTORY OF IXDIANA. 37 

French have established a fort upon the river Wabash, and 
want a niissiouarv; and Father Mermet has been sent to them. 
Tliat Father believes he should labor for the couversion of the 
Mascoutens, who have built a villaiie on the banks of the same 
river. They are a nation of Indians who understand the lan- 
guage of the Illinois." 

Mennet was therefore the first preacher of Christianity in 
this part of the world, and his mission was to convert the Mas- 
coutens, a branch of the Mianiis. "The way I took," says he. 
"was to confound, in the presence of the whole tribe, one of 
these charlatans (medicine men), whose Manitou, or great 
spirit which he worshiped, was the buffalo. After leading 
him on insensibly to the avowal that it was not the buffalo 
that he worshiped, but the Manitou, or spirit, of the buffalo, 
which was under the earth and animated all buffaloes, which 
heals the sick and has all power, I asked him whether otlier 
beasts, the bear for instance, and which one of his nation 
worshiped, was not equally inhabited by a Manitou, which was 
under the earth. 'Without doubt,' said the grand medicine 
man. 'If this is so,' said I, 'men ought to have a Manitou who 
inhabits them.' 'Xothing more certain,' said he. 'Ought not 
that to convince you," continiied I, 'that you are not very rea- 
sonable? For if man upon the earth is the master of all ani- 
mals, if he kills them, if he eats them, does it not follow that 
the Manitou which inhabits him miist have a mastery over all 
oilier Manitous? Why then do you not invoke him instead 
of the Manitou of the bear and the Ijuffalo, when you are sick?' 
This reasoning disconcerted the charlatan. But this was all 
the effect it produced." 

The result of con\incing these heathen by logic, as is gen- 
erally the case the world over, was only a temporary logical 
victory, and no change whatever was produced in the profes- 
sions and practices of the Indians. 

Cut the first Christian (Catholic) missionary at this place 
whose name we find recorded in the Church annals, was 
Meurin, in-i^3tf>r 

The church building used by these early missionaries at Vin- 
cennes is thus described by the "oldest inhabitants": Front- 
ing on Water street and running back on Church streer, it 
was a plain building with a rough exterior, of upright posts, 
chinked and daubed, with a rough coat of cement on the out- 
side; about 20 feet wide and HO long; one story high, with a 
small belfry and an equally small bell. It wns dedicated to 
St. Francis Xa^ier. This spot is now occupied by a splendid 
cathedral. 



38 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Yincennes has ever lieen a stronghold of Catholicism. Tlie 
Chuirh there has educated and sent out many clergymen of 
her faith, some of whom have become bishops, or attained 
other high positions in ecclesiastical authority. 

Almost contemporaneous with the progress of the <_'hurch 
at Yincennes was a missionary Mork near the mouth of the 
Wea river, among the Ouiatenons, but the settlement there 
was broken up in an early day. 



NATIONAX, POLICIES. 

THE GREAT FRENCH SCHE5IE. 

Soon after the discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi by 
LaSalle in 1CS2, the government of France began to encourage 
the policy of establishing a line of trading posts and mission- 
ai'y stations extending through the West from Canada to 
Louisiana, and this policy was maintained, with partial suc- 
cess, for about 75 years. The traders persisted in importing 
whisky, which cancelled nearly every civilizing influence that 
could be brought to bear upon the Indian, and the vast dis- 
tances between posts prevented that strength which can be 
enjoyed only by close and convenient intercommunication. 
Another characteristic of Indian nature was to listen atten- 
tively to all the missionary said, jnetending to l^elieve all lie 
preached, and then offer in turn his theory of the world, of 
religion, etc., and because he was not listened to with the same 
degree of attention and pretense of belief, would go off dis- 
gusted. This was his idea of the golden rule. 

The river St. Joseph of Lake Michigan was called "the river 
Miamis" in 1C79, in which year LaSalle built a small fort on 
its bank, near the lake shore. The principal station of the 
mission for the instruction of the ilinmis was established on 
the borders of this river. The first French post within the 
territory of the Miamis was at the mouth of the river ^liamis, 
on an eminence naturally fdrtified on tsvo sides by the river, 
and on one side by a deep ditch made by a fall of water. I^ 
was of triangular form. The missionaiy Henneiiin gives a 
good description of it, as he was one of the company who 
built it, in 1679. Says he: "We fell the trees that were on 
the top of the hill; and having cleared the same from bushes 
for about two musket shot, we began to build a redoubt of 
80 feet long and 40 feet broad, with great square pieces of 
timber laid one upon another, and prepared a great number of 



inSTORY OF INDIANA. 39^ 

staJves of about 25 feet long to drive into the ground, to make 
our fort more inaccessible on the river side. We employed 
the whole month of November aboiit that work, which was 
very hard, though we had no other food but the bear's flesh oui 
savage killed. These beasts are very common in that place 
because of the great quantity of grapes they find there; but 
their tlesh being too fat and luscious, our men began to be 
weary of it and desired leave to go a hunting to kill some wild 
goats. M. LaSalle denied them that liberty, which caused 
some murmurs among them; and it was but unwillingly that 
they continued their work. This, together with the approach 
of winter and the apprehension that M. LaSalle had that his 
vessel (the Griffin) was lost, made him vei-y melancholy, though 
he concealed it as much as he could. We made a cabin where- 
in we performed divine service every Sunday, and Father 
Gabriel and I, who preached alternately, took care to take 
such texts as were suitable to our present circumstances and 
fit to inspire us with courage, concord and brotherly lova 
* * * The fort was at last perfected, and called Fort Mi- 
amis." 

In the year 1711 the missionary Cbardon, who was said to be 
very zealous and apt in the acquisition of languages, had a 
station on the St. Joseph about 60 miles above the mouth. 
Charlevoix, another distinguished raissionaiy from France, vis- 
ited a post on this river in 1721. In a letter dated at the 
place, Aug. 16, he says: ''There is a commandant here, with 
a small garrison. His house, which is but a very sorry one, 
is called the fort, from its being surrounded with an indifferent 
palisado, which is pretty near the case in all the rest. We 
have here two villages of Indians, one of the Miamis and the 
other of the Pottawatomies, both of them mostly Christians; 
but as they have been for a long time without any pastors, 
the missionary who has been lately sent to them will have no 
small difficulty in bringing them back to tlie exercise of their 
religion." He speaks also of the main commodity for which 
the Indians woiild part with their goods, namely, spirituous 
liqnois, which they drink and keep drunk upon as long as a 
supply lasted. More than a century and a half has now passed 
since Charlevoix penned the above, witliout a.ny change vhat- 
ever in this trait of Indian character. 

In 1765 the Miami nation, or confederacy, was composed of 
four tribes, whose total number of warriors was estimated at 
only 1,050 men. Of these about 250 were T«ightwees, or 
Miamis proper, ."^OO Weas, or Ouiatenons, .300 Piankeshaws and 
200 Shockeys; and at this time the principal villages of the 



40 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Twightwees were situated about the head of the Maumee river 
at and near the phice where Fort Wayne now is. The lai'get 
Wea villages were near the banks of the Wabash river, in the 
vicinity of the Tost Ouiutenon; and the Shockeys and Pianke- 
shaws dwelt on the banks of the "\'ermillion and on the bor- 
ders of the Wabash between Yincennes and Ouiatenon. 
Branches of the rottawatomie, Shawnee, Delaware and Kick- 
apoo tribes were permitted at different times to enter within 
the boundaries of the Miamis and reside for a while. 

The wars in which France and England were engaged, from 
1088 to 1()97, retarded the growth of the colonies of those na- 
tions in North America, and the efforts made by France to 
connect Canada and the Gulf of Mexico by a chain of trading 
posts and colonies naturally excited the jealousy of England 
and gradually laid the foundation for a struggle at arms. 
After several stations were established elsewhere in the West, 
trading posts were started at the Miami villages, which stood 
at the head of the Maumee, at the Wea villages aboiit Ouiate- 
non on the Wabash, and at the Piankeshaw villages about the 
present site of Viacennes. It is probable that before the 
close of the year 1719, temporary trading posts were erected 
at the sites of Fort Wayne, Ouiatenon and Yincennes. These 
points were probably often visited by French fur traders prior 
to 1700. In the meanwhile the English people in this country 
commenced also to establish military posts west of the Alle- 
ghanies, and thus matters went on until they naturally cul- 
minated in a general war, which, being waged by the French 
aud Indians combined on one side, was called "the French and 
Indian war." This war was tei-minated in 17(53 by a treaty 
at Paris, by which France ceded to Great Britain all of North 
America east of the Mississippi except New Orleans and the 
island on which it is situated; and indeed, France had the pre- 
ceding autunm, by a secret convention, ceded to Spain all the 
country west of that river. 

PONTIAC'S WAE. 

In 1702, after Canada and its dependencies had been sur- 
rendered to the English, Pontine and his partisans secretly 
organized a powerful confederacy in order to crush at one 
blow all English power in the West. This great scheme was 
skillfully projected and cautiously matured. 

The principal act in the programme was to gain admittance 
into the fort at Detroit, on jiretense of a friendly visit, with 
shortened muskets concealed under their blankets, and on a 



HISTOItY OF INDIANA. 41 

given signal siuldeulr brenlc forth upon the garrison; but an 
inadvertent remark of an Indian woman led to a discovery 
of the plot, which was consequently averted. Pontiac and his 
warriors afterward made many attacks upon the English, 
some of which were successful, but the Indians were finally 
defeated in the general war. 

BKITISH POLICY. 

In 1765 the total number of French families within the lim- 
its of the Northwestern Territory did not probably exceed 600. 
These were in settlements about Detroit, along the river Wa- 
bash and the neighborhood of Fort Chartres on the Mississippi. 
Of these families, about SO or 90 resided at Post Vincennes, 
14 at Fort Ouiatenon, on the Wabash, and nine or ten at the 
confluence of the St. Mary and St. Joseph rivers. 

The colonial ])olicy of the British government opposed any 
measures which miiiht strengthen settlements in the interior 
of this country, lest they become self-supporting and indepen- 
dent of the mother country; hence the early and rapid settle- 
ment of the Northwestern territory was still further retarded 
by the short-sighted s-elflshness of England. That fatal policy 
consisted mainly in holding the land in the hands of the gov- 
ernment and not allowing it to be subdivided and sold to set- 
tlers. But in spite of all her efforts in this direction, she con- 
stantly made just such efforts as provoked the American peo- 
ple to rebel, and to rebel successfullv, which was within 15 
years after the perfect close of the French and Indian war. 

A3IERICA:X POLICY. 

Thomas Jefferson, the shrewd statesman and wise Governor 
of Virginia, saw from the first tliat actual occupation of West- 
ern lands was the only way to keep them out of the hands of 
foreigners and Indians. Therefore, directly after the conquest 
of Vincennes by Clark, he engaged a scientific corps to pro- 
ceed under an escort to the Mississippi, and ascertain by ce- 
lestial observations the point on that river intersected by lati- 
tude .jfi° no', the southern limit of the State, and to measure 
its distance to the Ohio. To Oen. Clark was entrusted the 
conduct of the military operations in that quarter. He was 
instructed to select a strong position near that point and es- 
tablish thei'e a fort and garrison; thence to extend his con- 
quests northward to the lakes, ereeting forts at different 
points, which might serve as monuments of actual possession. 



42 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

besides affording protection to that portion of the country. 
Fort "Jefferson" was erected and garrisoned on the Mississippi 
a few miles above tire southern limit. 

The result of these operations was the addition, to the char 
tered limits of Virginia, of that immense region known as the 
"Xorthwestei-n Territory." The simple fact that such and 
such forts were established by the Americans in this vast re- 
gion convinced the British Commissioners that we had en- 
titled ourselves to the land. But where are those "monu- 
ments" of our power now? 

INDIAN SAVAGERY. 

As a striking example of the inhuman treatment which the 
early Indians were capable of giving white people, we ipiote 
the following blood-curdling stoi-y from Mr. Cox's "Recollec- 
tions of the Wabush A^alley." 

On the 11th of February, 1781, a wagoner named Trvin ITin- 
ton was i-ent from the block-house at Louisville, Ky., to Har- 
rodsburg for a load of pro\nsions for the fort. Two young men. 
Eichard Rue and Greorge Holman, aged respectively l!t and 16 
years, were sent as guards to protect the wagon from the dep- 
redations of any hostile Indians who might be lurking in the 
cane-brakes or ravines through whicli they must pass. Soon 
after their start a severe snow-storm set in which lasted until 
afternoon. Lest the melting snow might dampen the powder 
in their rifles, the g-uards fired them off, intending to reload 
them as soon as the storm ceased. Hinton drove the horses 
while Rue walked a few rods ahead and Holman about the 
same distance behind. As they ascended a hill about eight 
miles from Louisville Hinton heard some one say "Ulioa to the 
horses. Supposing that something was wrong about the 
wagon, he stopped and asked Holman why he had called him 
to halt. Holman said that he had not spoken; Rue also de- 
nied it, but said that he had heard the voice distinctly. At 
this time a voice cried out, "I will solve the mystery for yon; 
it was Simon Girty that cried Whoa, and he meant what he 
said," — at the same time emerging from a sink-hole a few rods 
from the roadside, followed by 13 Indians, who immediately 
surrounded the three Kentuckians and demanded them to sur- 
render or die instantly. Tlie little party, making a virtue of 
necessity, surrendered to this renegade white man and his In- 
dian allies. 

Being so near two forts. Girty made all possible speed in 
making fast his prisoners, selecting the lines and other parts 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 43. 

of the harness, he prepared for an immediate flight across the 
Ohio. Tlie pantahions of the prisoners were cut ott' about four 
inches above the knees, and thus they started through the deep 
snow as fast as the horses could trot, leaving the wagon, con- 
taining a few empty barrels, standing in the road. They con- 
tinued their march for several cold days, without tire at night, 
until they reached Wa-puc-ca-nat-ta, where they compelled 
their prisoners to run the gauntlet as they entered the village. 
Hinton first ran the gauntlet and reached the council house 
after receiving several severe blows upon the 'head and shoul 
ders. Ruo next ran between the lines, pursued by an Indian 
with an uplifted tomahawk. He far outstripped his pursuer 
and dodged most of the blows aimed at him. Holman com- 
plaining that it was too severe a test for a worn-out stripling 
like himself, was allowed to run between two lines of squaws 
and boys, and was followed by an Indian with a long switch. 

The first council of the Indians did not dispose of these 
young men; they were waiting for the presence of other chiefs 
and warriors. Hinton escaped, but on the afternoon of the 
second day he was re-captured. Now the Indians were glao 
that they had an occasion to indulge in the infernal joy of burn- 
ing him at once. Soon after their supper, which they shared 
with their victim, they drove the stake into the ground, piled 
up the fagots in a circle around it. stripped and blackened 
the prisoner, tied him to the stake, and applied the torch. I. 
was a slow fire. The war-whoop then thrilled through the 
dark surrounding forest like the chorus of a band of infernal 
spirits escaped from pauderaoniura, and the scalp dance was 
struck up by those demons in human shape, who for hours en- 
circled their victim, brandishing their tomahawks and war 
clubs, and venting their execrations u])on the helpless sufferer, 
who died about midnight from the effects of the slow heat. 
As soon as he fell upon the ground, the Indian who first dis- 
covered him in the woods that evening sprang in. sunk his 
tomahawk into his skull above the ear, and with his knife 
stripped off the scalji, which he bore back with him to the 
town as a trophy, and which was tauntingly thrust into the 
faces of Rue and Holman, with the question, "Can you smell 
the fire on the scalp of your red-headed friend? We cooked 
him and left him for the wolves to make a breakfast upon; 
that is the way we serve runaway prisoners." 

After a march of three days more, the prisoners. Rue and 
Holman, had to run the gauntlets again, and barely got 
througli with their lives. It was decided that they shonlcT 
both be burned at the stake that night, though this decision 



44 HISTOUY OF IXDIANA, 

was far from being unanimous. The necessary preparation!: 
•were made, dry sticks and brush, were gathered and piled 
around two stakes, the faces and hands of the doomed men 
were blackened in the customary manner, and as the eveninj« 
approached the poor wretches sat looking upon the setting siin 
for the last time. An unusual excitement was manifest in a 
number of chiefs who still lingered about the council- 
house. At a pause in the contention, a noble-looking Indian 
approached the prisoners, and after speaking a few words to 
the guards, took Holman by the hand, lifted him to his feet, 
cut the cords tbat bound him to his fellow prisoners, removed 
the black from his face and hands, put his hand kindly upon 
his head and said: "I adopt you as my son, to fill the place 
of the one I baye lately buried; you are now a kinsman of 
Logan, the white man's friend, as he has been called, but 
who has lately proven himself to be a terrible avenger of the 
wrongs inflicted up;in him by the blondy Cresajj and his men." 
With evident reluctance, Girty interpreted this to Holman, 
who was thus unexpectedly freed. 

But the pieparations fur the burning of Eue went on. Hol- 
man and Rue embraced each other most affectionately, with 
a sorrow too deep for description. Eue was then tied to one 
of the stakes; but the general contention among the Indians 
liad not ceased. Just as the lighted fagots were about to be 
applied to the dry brush piled around the devoted youth, a 
tall, active young Shawnee, a son of the victim's captor, sprang 
into the ring, and cutting the cords which bound him to the 
stake, led him out amidst the deafening plaudits of a part of 
the crowd and the execrations of the rest. Regardless of 
threats, he caused water to be brought and the black to be 
washed from the face and hands of the prisoner, wliose clothes 
were then returned to him. when the young brave said: "I 
talvC this young man to be my brother, in the place of one I 
lately lost; I loved that brother well; I will love this one, too; 
my old mother will be glad when I toll her that I have brotight 
lier a son, in place of the dear departed one. We want no 
more victims. The burning of Re.l-head iHinton^ ought to 
satisfy us. These innocent young men di) not merit such cruel 
fate; I would rather die myself than see this adopted broth/T 
burned at the stake." 

A loud shout of approbation showed that the young Shawnee 
had triumphed, though dissension was manifest among the 
various tribes afterward. Some of them abandoned their trip 
to Detroit, others returned to Wa-ptic-ca-nat-ta. a few turned 
toward the Mississiuewa and the Wabash towns, while a por- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 45 

tion contiuufd to Detroit. Holmau was taken back to Wa- 
jinc-ca -natta, where he remained most of the time of his cap- 
tinty. Rue was taken first to the Mississinewa, then to the 
Wabash towns. Two years of his eventful captivity were spent 
in the region of the Wabash and Illinois rivers, but the last 
few months at Detroit; was in captivity altogether about three 
yiars and a half. 

Rue ellected his escape in the following manner: During 
one of the drunken revels of the Indians near Detroit one of 
theui lost a purse of |90; various tribes were suspected of 
feloniously keeping the treasure, and much ngly speculation 
was indulged in as to who was the thief. At length a prophet 
of a tribe that was not suspected was called to divine the mys- 
tery. He spread sand over a green deer-skin, watched it 
awhile and performed various manipulations, and professed 
to see that the money had been stolen and carried away by a 
tribe entirely different from any that had been suspicioned; 
but he was shrewd enough not to announce who the thief was 
or the tribe he belonged to, lest a war might arise. His de- 
cision quieted the belligerent uprisings threatened by the ex- 
cited Indians. 

Rue and two other prisoners saw this display of the projihet's 
skill and concluded to interrogate him soon concerning theii 
families at home. The opportunity occurred in a few days, 
and ihe Indian seer actually astonished Rue with the accuracy 
with which he described his family, and added, "You all in- 
tend to make your escape, and you will effect it soon. You 
win meet with many trials and hardships in passing over so 
wild a district of country, inhabited by so many hostile na- 
tions of Indians. You will almost starve to death; but about 
the time you have given up all hope of finding game to sus- 
tain you in your famislied condition, succor will come when 
you least expect it. The first game you will succeed in Ink- 
ing will be a male of some kind; after that you will have 
plenty of g.ime and return home in safety."' 

The prophet kept this matter a secret for the prisoners, and 
the latter in a few days set off upon their terrible journey, 
and had just such experience as the Indian prophet had fore 
told; they arrived home with their lives, but were pretty well 
worn out with the exposures and privations of a thi*ee weeks' 
journey. 

On the return of Holman's party of Indians to Wa-puc-ca 
natta, much dissatisfaction existed in regard to the manner 
of his release from the sentence of condemnation pronounced 
against him by the council. Many were in favor of recalling 



46 HISTORY OF IXDIANA. 

the council and trying him again, and this was finally agreed 
to. The young man was again put upon ti'ial for his life, with 
a strong probability of his being condemned to the stake. 
Both parties worked hard for rietory in the final vote, which 
eventually proved to give a majority of one for the prisoner's 
acquittal. 

While with the Indians, Holman saw tbem burn at the stake 
a Kentuckian named Eichard Hogeland, who had been taken 
prisoner at the defeat of Col. Crawford. They commenced 
burning him at nine o'clock at night, and continued rousting 
him until ten o'clock the next day, before he expii'ed. During 
his excruciating tortures he begged for some of them to end 
his life and sufferings with a gun or tomahawk. Finally his 
cruel tormentors promised they would, and cut several deep 
gashes in his flesh with their tomahawks, and shoveled up hot 
ashes and embers and threw them into the gaping wounds. 
When he was dead they stripped off his scalp, cut him to pieces 
and burnt him to ashes, which they scattered through the 
town to expel the evil si)irits from it. 

After a captivity of about three years and a half. Holman 
saw an opportunity of going on a mission for the destitute 
Indians, namely, of going to Harrodsburg, Ky., where he had 
a rich uncle, from whom they could get what supplies they 
wanted. They let him go with a guard, but on arriving at 
Louisville, where Gen. Clark was in command, he was ran- 
somed, and he reached home only three days after the arrival 
of Eue. Both these men lived to a good old age, tenninating 
their lives at their home about two miles south of Richmond, 
lud. 



EXPEDITIOXS OF COL. GEOEGE ROGERS CLARK. 

In the summer of 1778. Col. George Rogers Clark, a native 
of Albemarle county, Va., led a memorable expedition against 
the ancient French settlements about Kaskasliia and Post ^'in• 
cennes. With respect to the magnitude of its design, the valor 
and perseverance with which it was carried on, and the mem 
orable results which were produced bv it, this expedition 
stands without a parallel in the early annals of the valley of 
the Mississii)pi. That jwrtion of the West called Kentucky 
was occupied by Henderson & Co., who pretended to own the 
land and who held it at a h'gh price. Col. Clark wished to 
test the validity of their claim and adjust the government of 
the country so as to encourage immigration. He accordingly 
called a meeting of the citizens at Harrodstown. to assemble 
June 0, 1776. and consider the claims of the company and con 
suit with reference to the interest of the cimntry. He did not 
at first publish the exact aim of this movement, lest parlies 
would be formed in advance and block the enterprise; also, if 
the object of the meeting were not announced beforehaTid, the 
curiosity of the people to know what was to be proposed would 
bring out a much greater atlendance. 

The meeting was held on the day appointed, and delegates 
were elected to treat with the government of Virginia, to see 
whether it would be best to become a county in that State and 
be protected by it, etc. Various delays on account of the re- 
moteness of the white settlers from the older communities of 
Virginia and the hostility of Indians in every direction, pre- 
vented a consummation of this object uutil some time in 1778. 
The government of Virginia was friendly to Clark's enterprise 
to a certain extent, but claimed that they had not authority to 
do much more than to lend a little assistance for which pay 
ment should be made at some future time, as it was not certain 
whether Kentucky would become a part of Virginia or not. 
Gov. Henry and a few gentlemen were individually so hearty 
in favor of Clark's benevolent undertaking that they assisted 
him all they could. Accordingly :Mr. Clark organized his ex- 
pedition, keeping every particular secret lest powerful parties 
would form in the West against him. He took in stores at 
Pittsburg and TMieeling. proceeded down the Ohio to the 
"Falls," where he took possession of an island of about seven 



48 HISTORY OP INDIANA. 

acres, and divided it among a small nnmber of families, for 
whose protection he consti'ucted some lij^lit fortifications. At 
this time Post Vincennes comprised about 400 militia, and it 
was a daring- undertaking for Col. Clark, with his small force, 
to go up against it and Kaskaskia, as he had planned. In- 
deed, some of his men, on hearing of his plan, deserted him. 
He conducted himself so as to gain the sympathy of the 
French, and through them also that of the Indians to some 
extent, as both these people were very bitter against the Brit- 
ish, who had possession of the Lake Region. 

Prom the nature of the situation Clark concluded it was 
best to take Kaskaskia first. The fact that tlie people re- 
garded him as a savage rebel, he regarded as really a good 
thing in his favor; for after the first victory he Mould show 
them so much unexpected lenity that they would rally to his 
standard. In this policy he was indeed successful. He ar- 
rested a few men and put them in irons. The priest of the 
village, accompanied by five or six aged citizens, waited on 
Clark and said that the inhabitants expected to be separated, 
jterhaps never to meet again, and they begged to be permitted 
to assemble in their church to take leave of each other. Clark 
mildly rejdied that he had nothing against their religion, that 
they might continue to assemble in their church, but not ven- 
ture out of town, etc. Thus, by what has since been termed 
the "Riirey" method of taming horses, Clark showed them he 
had power over them but designed them no harm, and they 
readily took the oath of allegiance to Virginia. 

After Clark's arrival at Kaskaskia it was difficult to induce 
the Fr, ncli settlers to accept the "Continental paper" intro- 
duced by him and his troops. Xor until Col. Vigo arrived 
there and guaranteed its redemption would they receive it. 
Peltries and piastres formed the only currency, and Vigo found 
great difficulty in explaining Clark's financial arrangements. 
"Their commandants never made money," was the reply to 
Vigo's explanation of the policy of the old Dominion. lUit 
notwithstanding the guarantees, the Continental paper fell 
very low in the market. Vigo had a trading establishment at 
Kaskaskia, w'here he sold coffee at one dollar a pound, and 
all the other necessaries of life at an e(pially reasonable price. 
The unsophisticated Frenchmen were generally asked in what 
kind of money they would pay their little bills. "Douletir," 
was the general reply; and as an authority on the subject says, 
"It took about twenty Continental dollars to purchase a silver 
dollar's worth of coffee; and as the French word "douleur" 
signifies grief or pain, perhaps no other word either in the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 49 

French or Englisli languages expressed tlie idea more correctly 
than the doulcur for a Continental dolhir. At any rate it was 
truly doiik'iir to the Colonel, for he never received a single 
dollar in exchange for the large amount taken from him in 
order to sustain Clark's credit. 

Now, the post at Mncennes, defended by Fort Saclcville. 
came next. The priest just mentioned, Mr. Gibault, was really 
friendly to "the American interest;'" he liad spiritual charge 
of the church at Tiiiccnues, and he with several others wera 
deputed to assemble the people there and authorize tliem to 
garrison their own fort like a free and independent people, etc. 
This plan had its desired effect, and the people took the oath 
of allegiance to the State of Virginia and became citizens of 
the T'nited States. Their style of language and conduct 
changed to a better hue, and they surprised the numerous In- 
dians in the vicinity by disjilaying a new flag and informing 
them that their old father, the King of France, was come to 
life again, and was mad at them for fighting the English; and 
they advised tliem to make peace with tlie Americans as soon 
as they could, otherwise they miglit expect to make the land 
very bloody, etc. The Indians concluded they would have to 
fall in line, and they offered no resistance. Capt. Leonard 
Helm, an Americnn, was left in charge of this post, and Clark 
began to turn his attention to other points. But before leav- 
ing this section of the country he made treaties of peace with 
the Indians; this he did, however, by a different method from 
what had always before been followed. By indirect methods 
he caused them to come to him, instead of going to them. 
He was convinced that inyiting them to treaties was consid- 
ered by them in a different manner from what the whites ex- 
pected, and imputed them to fear, and that giving them great 
presents confirmed it. He accordingly established treaties 
with the Piankeshaws, Ouiatenons, Kickapoos, Illinois, Kas- 
kaskias, Peorias and branches of some other tribes that in- 
habited the country between Lake Michigan and the Missis- 
sippi. Upon this tlie General Assembly of the State of Vir- 
ginia declared all the cit'zens settled west of the Ohio organ- 
ized into a county of that State, to be known as "Illinois" 
county; but before the provisions of the law could be carried 
into effect, Henry Hamilton, the British Lieutenant-Governor 
of Detroit, collected an army of about 30 regulars, 50 French 
volunteers and 400 Indians, went down and re-took the post 
Vincennes in December, 1778. 3v^o attempt was made by thf 
p'ipulation to defend the town. Capt. Helm and a man named 
Henry were the only Americans at the fort, the only members 
4 



50 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

of the garrison. Oapt. Helm was taken prisoner and a mini 
bar of the French inhabitants disarmed. 

Col. Clark, hearing of the situation, determined to re-capture 
the place. He accordingly gathered together what force he 
could in this distant land, 170 men, and on the 5th of Feb- 
mary, started from Kaskaskia and crossed the river of that 
name. The weather was very wet, and the low lands were 
pretty well covered with water. The inarch was difficult, and 
the Colonel had to worlc hard to keep his men in spirits. Ho 
suffered them to shoot g ime whenever they wish(-d and eat it 
like Indian war-dancers, each company by turns inviting th(^ 
others to their feasts, which was the case every night. Clark 
waded through water as mncli as any of them, and thns stim- 
ulated the men by his example. They reached the Little 'Wa- 
bash on the 1.3th, after suffering many and great hardships. 
Here a camp was formed, and without waiting to discuss plans 
for crossing the river, Clark ordered the men to construct a 
vessel, and pretended that crossing the stream would be only 
a piece of amusement, although inwardly he held a different 
opinion. 

The second day afterward a reconnoitering party was sent 
across the river, who returned and made an encouraging re 
port. A scaffolding was built on the opposite shore, upon 
which the baggage was placed as it was ticlionsly ferried over, 
and the new camjiing ground was a nice half acre of dry land. 
There were many amusements, indeed, in getting across tin" 
river, which put all the men in high spirits. The succeeding 
two or three days they had to mai'ch tlirough a great deal of 
water, having on the night of the 17th to encamp in the Vv-ater, 
near the Big Wabash. 

At daybreak on the 18th they heard the signal gnn at Vin- 
cennes, and at once commenced their march. Reaching the 
Wabash about two o'clock, they constructed rafts to cross the 
river on a boat-stealing expedition, but labored all day and 
ni.ght to no purpose. On the 15)th they b(\gan to make a canoe, 
in which a second attempt to steal boats was made, but tliis 
exjiedition returned, reporting that there were two "large 
flres" within a mile of them. Clark sent a canoe down the 
river to meet the v( ssel that was supposed to be on her way 
up with the supplies, with orders to hasten forward day and 
night. This was their last hop?, as their provisions were en 
tirely gone, and staiwation seemed to b(> hovering about them. 
The next day tliey commenced to make more canoes, when 
about noon the sentinel on tlie river brnufflit a boat with fivp 
Frcnclimen from the fin-t. Frcmi tlii.-i party they learned that 



HISTOIIY OF INDIANA. 51 

they were not as vet discovered. All the amiy crossed the 
river in two canoes tlie next day, and as Clark had determined 
to reach the town that nij;ht. he ordeied his men to move for 
ward. They ])lnn;.;('(l into the water sometimes to the neck, 
for over three miles. 

Without fond, benumbed with cold, up to their waists in 
water, covered with broken ice, the men at one time mutinied 
and refused to march. All the persuasions of Clark had nc 
effect upon the half-starved and half-frozen soldiers. In one 
company was a small drummer boy. and also a seriijeant who 
stood six feet two inches in socks, and stout and athletic. He 
was devoted to Clark. The General mounted the little drum- 
mer on the shoulders of the stalwart sergeant and ordered 
him to ])luuge into the water, half-frozen as it was. He did so, 
till' little boy beating tlu' cliars'e from his lofty perch, while 
Clark, sword in hand, followed them, giAins the command as 
he threw aside the floatiu"; ice. "Forward." Elated and amused 
with the scene, the men promptly obeyed, holdins' their rirles 
ab .ve th?ir heads, and in sp'te of all the obstacles they reached 
the high land in perfect safety. But for this and the ensuins; 
days of this campaijjn we quote from Clark's account: 

"This last day's march throujjh the water was far su]ierioi 
to anythinn' the Frenchmen had any idea of. They were back- 
ward in speakin<>-; said that tlie nearest land to us was a small 
league, a sugar cnmp on the bank of the river. A canoe was 
sent off and retur^'ed witlimt finding that we could pass. 1 
went in her myself and sounded the water and found it as 
deep as to my neck. I returned with a design to have the 
men transported on board the canoes to the sugar camp, which 
I knew would expend the whole day and ensuing night, as 
tlie vessels would pass slowly through the bushes. The loss 
of so much time to men half starved was a matter of conse 
quence. I would have given now a great deal for a day's jjro- 
vision, or for one of our horses. I returned but slowly to the 
troops, giving myself tinn' to think. On our arrival all ran 
to hear what was the report; every eye was fixed on me; I un 
fortunately spoke in a serious manner to one of the officers 
The who.le were alanned without knowing what I said. I 
viewed their confusion for abmit one minute; I whispered to 
those near me to do as I did, immediately put some water in 
myhmd, poured on powder, blackened my face, gave the war 
whoop, and marched into the water without saying a ^ord. 
The party gazed and fell in, one after another without saying 
a word, like a flock of sheep. I ordered those near me to be- 
gin a favorite snug of theirs; it soon passed through the line, 
and the whole went on che.u'fullv. 



52 HISTORV OF INDIANA. 

'•I now intended to have them transported across the dee]> 
est part of the water; but when about waist-deep, one of the 
men informed me that he thought he felt a path; we examined 
and found it so, and concluded that it kept on the highest 
ground, which it did. and by taking pains to follow it, we got 
to the sugar camp with no difficulty, where there was about 
half an acre of dry ground. — at least ground not under water, 
and there we took up our lodging. 

''The night had been colder than any we had had. and the 
ice in the morning was one-half or three-quarters of an inch 
thick in still water; the. morning was the tiuest. A little after 
sunrise I lectured the whole; what I said to them I forget, but 
I concluded by informing them that passing the plain then in 
full view, and reaching the opposite woods would put an en<T 
to their fatigue; that in a few hours they would have a sight 
of their long wished-for object; and immediately stepped into 
the water without waiting for any reply. A huzza took place. 
As we generally marched through the water in a line, before 
the third man enteied, I called to Major Bowman, ordering him 
to fall in the rear of the 25 men. and put to death any man 
who refused to mai'ch. This met with a cry of aiiprobation, 
and on we went. Getting about the middle of the plain, the 
water about mid-deep, I found myself sensibly failing; and as 
there were no trees nor bushes for the men to support them- 
selves by, I feared that many of the weak would be drowned, 
I ordered the canoes to make the land, discharge their loading, 
and play backward and forward with all diligence and pick 
np the men; and to encourage the party, sent some of the 
strongest men forward, with orders when they got to a certain 
distance, to pass the word back that the water was getting 
shallow, and when getting near the woods, to cry out land. 
This stratagem had its desired effect; the men exerted them- 
selves almost beyond their abilities, the weak holding by the 
stronger. The water, however, did not become shallower, br,t 
continued deepening. Getting to the woods where the nie; 
expected land, the water was up to my shoulders; but gaiii- 
ing the woods was of great consequence; all the low men and 
weakly hung to the tiees and floated on the old logs nntil they 
were taken off by the canoes; the strong and tall got ashore 
and built fires. Many would reach the shore and fall with 
their bodies half in the water, not being able to support them- 
selves without it. 

"This was a dry and delightful spot of ground of about ten 
acres. Fortunately, as if designed by Providence, a canoe of 



HISTORY OF INDIAJ^A. 53 

Indian squaws and children was coming up to town, and took 
through this part of the phiin as a high way; it was discovered 
by our canoe-men as they were out after the other men. 
They gave chase ami tooli the Indian canoe, on board of which 
was nearly half a quarter of buffalo, some corn, tallow, ket- 
tles, etc. This was an invaluable prize. Broth was immedi- 
ately made and served out, especially to the weakly; nearly 
all of us got a little; but a great many gave their part to the 
weakly, saying somi-thng cheering to their comrades. By the 
afternoon, this refreshment and tine weather had greatly in- 
vigorated the whole party. 

"Crossing a narrow and deep lake in the canoes, and march- 
ing some distance, we came to a copse of timber called 'TN'ar- 
rior's Island.' We were now in full view of the fort and town; 
it was about two miles distant, with not a shrub intervening. 
Every man now feasted his eyes and forgot that he had suf- 
fered anything, saying that all which had passed was owing 
to good policy, and nothing but what a man could bear, and 
that a soldier had no right to think, passing from one extreme 
to the other, — which is common in such cases. And now 
stratagem was necessary. The plain between us and the town 
was not a perfect level ; the sunken grounds were covered with 
water full of ducks. We observed several men within a half 
a mile of us shooting ducks, aud sent out some of our active 
young Frenchmen to take one of these men prisoners without 
alarming the rest, whicli Ihey did. The information we got 
from this person was similar to that which we got from those 
taken on the river, except that of the British having that 
evening completed the wall of the fort, and that there were a 
gi-eat many Indians in town. 

"Our situation was now critical. No possibility of retreat 
in case of defeat, and in full view of a town containing at 
this time more than HOO men, troops, inhabitants and Indians. 
The crew of the galley, though not ."0 men, would have been 
now a re-enforcement of immense magnitude to our little army, 
if I miy so call it, but we would not think of them. We were 
now in the situation that I had labored to get ourselves in. The 
idea of being made jirisoner was foreign to almost every man, 
as they expected nothing but torture from the savages if they 
fell into their hands. Our fate was now to be determined, 
probably in a few hours; we knew that nothing but the most 
daring conduct would insure success; I knew also that a num- 
ber of the inliabitants wished us well. This was a favorable 
circumstance; and ns there was but little probability of our 
remaining until dark undiscovered, I determined to begin op- 



54 IILS'iViKY OF INDIANA. 

erations immediately, and therefore wrote the following phic- 
ard to the inhabitants: 

To the Iiiliahitaiits of Post Tiitccnnes. 

Gentlemen: — Being- now within two miles of yonr village 
with my army, determined to take your fort this niglit, and 
not being willing to surprise you, I take this method to request 
such of you as are true citizens and willing to enjoy the lib- 
erty I bring you, to remain still in your houses; and those, if 
any there be, that are friends to the king, will instantly re- 
pair to the fort and join the hair-buyer general and figlit like 
men; and if any such as do not go to the fort shall be dis- 
cos^ered afterward, they may depend on severe punishment. On 
the contrary, those who are true friends to liberty may de 
pend on being well ti'eated; and I once more request them to 
keep out of the streets; for every one I find in arms on my 
arrival I shall treat as an enemy, 

(Signed) G. R. CLAIJK. 

"I had various ideas on the results of this letter. I knew 
it could do us no damage, but that it would cause the luke- 
warm to be decided, and encourage our friends and astonish 
our enemies. We anxiously viewed this messenger until he 
entered the town, and in a few minutes we discovered by our 
glasses some stir in evi^ry street we could penetrate, and great 
numbers running or riding out inti) the commons, we supposed 
to view us. \^•llich was tlie c.ise. Hut what surprised us was that 
nothing had yet happiened that had the appearance of the 
garrison being alarmed, — neither gun nor drum. We began to 
suppose that the information we got from our prisoners was 
false, and that the enemy had already knew of us, and were 
prepared. A little before sunset we displayed ourselves in full 
view of the town, — crowds gazing at us. We were plunging 
ourselves into certain destruction or success; there was no 
midway thought of. We had but little to say to our men. 
except inculcating an idea of the necessity of obedience, etc. 
We moved on slowly in full ^■iew of the town; but as it \\nf-) 
a point of some consequence to us to make ourselves appear 
formidable, we, leaving the covert we were in, marched and 
counter-marched in suili a manner that we appeared numer- 
ous. Our colors were disyjlayed to the best advantage; and as 
the low plain we marchel through was not a perfect level, 
but had fretpient risings in it, of 7 or 8 higher than the com- 
mon levtl. which was covered with water; and as these ris- 



HISTORY OF IXPIANA. 55 

mgs grenerallT run in an oblique direction to the town, we 
took advantage of one of tbem, marching through the water 
by it, whicli completely prevented our being numbered. We 
gained the heights back of the town. As there were as yet 
no hostile appearance, we were impatient to have the cause 
unriddled. Litut. Bayley was orlered with 14 men to march 
and fire on the fort; the main bady moved in a different di- 
rcfon and took po.ssession of the strongest part of the town." 

Clark then sent a written order to Hamilton commanding 
him to surrender immediately or he would be treated as a 
murderer; Hamilton replied that he and his garrison were not 
disjyosed to be awed into any actitm unworthy of British sub- 
jects. After one hour more of fighting, Hamilton proposed a 
Truce of three days for conference, on condition that each side 
cease all defensive work; Chirk rejoined that he wonld "not 
agree to any terms other than Mr. Hamilton sun-endeiing him- 
self and garrison prisoners at discretion," and added that if 
he, Hamilton, \\islied to talk with him he could meet him imme- 
diately at th'^ church with Capt. Helm. In less than an hour 
Clark dictated the terms of surrender, Feb. 24, 1779. Hamil- 
ton agreed to the total surrender because, as he there claimed 
in writing, he ' was too far from aid from his own govern- 
ment, and because of the "unanimity" of his offlcers in the 
surrender, and his "confidence in a generous enemy." 

"Of this expedition, of its results, of its importance, of the 
merits of those engaged in it, of their bravery, their skill, of 
their prudence, of their success, a volume would not more than 
suffice for the details. Suffice it to say that in my opinion, 
and I have accurately and critically weighed and examined all 
the results produced by the contests in which we Vv'ere <'ii- 
gaged during the Revolutionary war, that for bravery, for hard- 
ships endured, for skill and consummate tact and prudence on 
the part of the commander, obedience, discipline and love of 
country on the part of his followers, for the immense benefits 
acquired and signal advantages obtained by it for the whole 
union, it was second to no enterprise undertaken during rhat 
struggle. I might add. second to no undertaking in ancient or 
modern warfare. The whole credit of this conquest belongs 
to two men; Gen. George Rogers Clark and Col. Francis Vigo. 
And when we consider that by it the whole territory now 
covered by the three gi-eat states of Indiana, Illinois and 
Michigan was added to the union, and so admitted to be by 
the British commissioners at the preliminaries to the treaty 
of pence in 17S3; (and but for this very conquest the boundaries 
of our territories west would have been the Ohio instead of 



OG HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

the Mississippi, and so acknowledged by both our commis- 
sioners and the British at that conference;) a territory embrac- 
ing upward of 2,000,000 people, the human mind is lost in the, 
contemplation of its effects; and we can but wonder that a 
force of 170 men, the whole number of Clark's troops, should , 
by this single action have produced such important results." ' 
— John Law. | 

The next day Clark sent a detachment of 00 men iip the rivet 
Wabash to intercept some boats which were laden with pro- 
visions and goods from Detroit. This force was placed under 
command of Capt. Helm, Major Bosseron and Major Legras, 
and they proceeded up the river in three armed boats, about 
120 miles, when the Britisli boats, about seven in number, 
■were surprised and captured without firing a gun. These boats 
which had on board about |50,000 worth of goods and provis- 
ions, were manned by about 40 men, among whom was Philip 
Dejean, a magistrate of Detroit. The provisions were taken 
for the public, and distributed among the soldiery. 

Having organized a military government at Yincennes and 
appointed Capt. Helm commandant of the town, Col. Clark re- 
turned in the vessel to Kaskaskia. where he was joined by re- 
inforcements from Kentucky under Capt. George. Meanwhile, 
a party of traders who were going to the falls, were liilled 
and plundered by the Delawares of Mliite Eiver; the news of 
this disaster having reached Clark, be sent a dispatch to 
Cai)t. Helm ordering him to make war on the Delawares and 
use every means in his power to destroy them; to show no 
mercy to the men. but to save the women and children. This 
ord(^r was executed without delay. Their camps were atta>'ked 
in every quarter where they could be found. ]\Iauy fell, and 
others were carried to Post Yincennes and put to death. The 
surviving Delawares at once pleaded for mercy and a])peared 
anxious to make some atonement for their bad conduct. To 
these overtures Capt. Helm replied that Col. Clark, the "Big 
Knife," had ordered the war, and that he had no power to 
lay down the hatchet, but that he would suspend hostilities 
until a messenger could be sent to Kaskaskia. This was done, 
and the crafty Colonel, well understanding the Indian charac- 
ter, sent a message to tlie Delawares telling them that he 
would not acce])t their friendship or treat with theai for peace; 
but that if they could get some of the neighboring tribes to 
become responsible for their future conduct, he would discon- 
tinue the war and spare their lives; otherwise they must all 
perish. 

Accordingly a council was called of all the Indians in the 



HISTOKY OF IXDIA^'A oi 

ueiffliborliooil. and T'lark's answer was read to the assenilily. 
Alter due delibeiatioii the Piaukeshaws took on themselves 
to answer for the future good conduct of the Delawares, and 
the "Grand Door"' in a long speech denounced their base con- 
duct. This ended the war with the Delawares aud secnred the 
respect of the neighboring tribes. 

Clark's attention was next turned to the British post at 
Detroit, but being unable to obtain sufficient troops he aban- 
doned the enterprise. 

CLAKK'S IXGENIOrS RI'SE AGAINST THE INDIANS. 

Tradition savs that when Clark captured Hamilton and his 
garrison at Fort Sackville, he took possession of the fort and 
kept the British flag flving, dressed his sentinels with the uni- 
form of the British soldiery, and let everything about the 
premises remain as they were, so that when the Indians sym- 
pathiz'ng with the British arrived they would walk right into 
the citadel, into the jaws of death. His success was perfect. 
Sullen and silent, with the scalplock of his victims hanging 
at his giidle, and in full expectation of his reward from Ham- 
ilton, the unwary savage, unconscious of danger and wholly 
ignorant of the change that had just been effected in liis ab- 
sence, passed the supposed British sentry at the gate of the 
fort, unmolested and unchallenged; but as soon as in, a vol- 
ley from the rifles of a platoon of Clark's men, drawn up and 
awaiting his coming, pierced their hearts and sent the uncon- 
sc'ou-; savage, reeking with murder, to that tribunal to which 
he had so frequently, by order of the hair-buyer general, sent 
his American captives, from the infant in the cradle to the 
grandfather of the family, tottering with age and infirmity. 
It was a just retribution, and few men but Clark would have 
planned such a ruse or carried it out successfully. It is re- 
ported that fifty Indians met this fate within the fort; and 
probably Hamilton, a prisoner there, witnessed it all. 

SUBSEQUENT CAREER OF HAiirLTON. 

Henry Hamilton, who had acted as Lieutenant and Gov- 
ernor of the British possessions under Sir George Carleton, 
was sent forward, with two other prisoners of war. Dejean 
and La^Mothe, to Williamsburg. Va., early in June following. 
1770. Broclamations, in his own handwriting, were found, in 
vihich he had offered a specific sum for every American scalp 
brouglit into the camp, either by his own troops or his allies. 



58 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

the Indians; and from this he was denominated the "hair-buy- 
er General.'" This and mucli other testimony of livini; wit- 
nesses at the time all showed what a savage he was. Thouias 
Jefferson, then Governor of Vii-ginia, being made aware of the 
inhumanity of this wretch, concluded to resort to a little re- 
taliation by way of closer coufinement. Accordingly he or- 
dered that these three pnisoners be put in irons, confined in 
a dungeon, deju'ived of the use of pen, ink and paper, and be 
excluded from all conversation except with their keejier. Major 
(ieneral Phillips, a British officer out on parole in the vicinity 
of ( 'harlottesville, where the prisoners now were, in closer 
confinement, remonstrated, and President Washington, while 
approving of Jefferson's course, reijuested a mitigation of the 
severe order, lest the British be goaded to desperate measures. 
Soon afterward Hamilton was released on parole, and he 
subsequently appeared in Canada, still acting as if he had 
jurisdiction in the United States. 

GIBAULT. 

The faithful, self-sacrificing and patriotic services of Father 
Pierre Gibault in behalf of the Americans recjuire a special 
notice of him in this connection. He was the parish priest at 
Vincennes, as well as at Kaskaskia. He was, at an early per- 
iod, a Jesuit missionary to the Illinois. Had it not been for the 
influence of this man, Clark could not have obtained the in- 
fluence' of the citizens at either place. He gave all his jirop- 
erty. to the value of 1500 Spanish milled dollars, to the sup- 
port of Col. Clark's troops, and never received a single dollar 
in return. So far as the records inform us, he was given 
1500 Continental paper dollars, which proved in the end en- 
tirely valueless. He modestly jjetitioned from* the Govern- 
ment a small allowance of land at Cahokia, but we find no ac- 
count of his ever receiving it. He was dependent upon the 
public in his older days, and in 1790 Winthrop Sargent "con- 
ceded" to him a lot of about "14 toises, one side to Mr. Mil- 
let, another to Mr. Yaudrey, and to two streets," — a vague de- 
scription of land. 

TEGO. 

Col. Francis Vigo was born in Mondovi. in the kingdom of 
Sardinia, in 17-17. He left his parents and guardians at a 
very early age, and enlisted in a Spanish regiment as a sol- 
dier. The regiment was ordered to Havana, and a detach- 



HISTORY OF IXDI^VNA. 5U 

ment of it substquently to New Orleans, then a Spanish post. 
Col. ^'i{;o ac(omi)auied tliis detachment. But he left the army 
and enj;aged in tradinj,^ with the Indians on the Arkansas and 
its tributaries. Next he settled at St. Louis, also a Spanish 
post, where he became closely connected, both in friendship 
and business, with the Goveinor of Upper Louisiana, then resid- 
ing at the same place. This friendship he enjoyed, though he 
could only write his name; and we have many circumstantial 
evidences that he was a man of high intelligence, honor, pur« 
ity of heart, and ability. Here he was living when Clark cap- 
tured Kaskaskia, and was extensively engaged in ti-ading up 
the Missouri. 

A Spaniard by birth and allegiance, he was under no obli- 
gation to assist the ^Vmericans. Sjiain was at i)eace with (iieat 
Britain, and any interference by her citizens was a breach of 
neutrality, and subjected an individual, especially one of the 
high character and standing of Col. ^"igo, to all the contumely, 
loss and vengeance which British power could inflict. But 
Col. Yigo did not falter. Witli an innate love of liberty, an 
attachment to Republican principles, and an ardent sympathy 
for an oppressed people struggling for their rights, he over- 
looked all personal consequences, and as soon as he learned 
of Clark's arrival at Kaskaskia, he crossed the line and went 
to Clark and tendered him his means and influence, both of 
Avhich were joyfully accepted. 

Knowing Col. Vigo's influence with the ancient inhabitants 
of the country, and desirous of obtaining some infoi'mation 
from Yincennes, from wliich he had not heard for several 
months. Col. Clark proposed to him that he might go to that 
place and Iftirn the actual state of affairs. Vigo went with- 
out hesitation, but on the Embarrass river he was seized by 
a party of Indians, plundered of all he possessed, and brought 
a prisoner before Hamilton, then in possession of the post, 
which he had a short time previously captured, holding Capt. 
Helm a prisoner of war. Being a Spanish subject, and con- 
sequently a non-combatant, Crov. Hamilton, although he strong- 
ly suspected the motives of the visit, dared not confine him, 
but admitted him to parole, on the single condition that he 
should daily report h'ms"lf at the fort. But Hamilton was 
embarrassed by his detention, being besieged by the inhab- 
itants of the town, who loved Algo and threatened to with- 
draw their support from the garrison if he would not release 
him. Father (Mbault was the chief pleadei- for Vigo's re- 
lease. Hamilton fi'ially yielded, on condition that he, Vigo, 
would do no injury to th(.' British interests on his way to St. 



(iO HISTORY OF INDIANA, 

Louis. ITe went to St. Louis, sure enough, doing no inju)-y to 
liiitisli interests, but immediately returned to Kaskaskia and 
reported to Clark in detail all lie had learned at Vincennes. 
without which knowledge Clark would have been unable to 
accomplish his famous expedition to that post with final tri- 
umph. The redemption ot this country from the British is due 
as much, probably, to Col. Vigo as Col. Clark. 



governjMent of the noethwest. 

CoL John Todd, Lieuteuant for the county of Illinois, in 
the spring of 1779 visited the old settlements at Vincennes 
and Kaskaskia, and organized temporary civil governments in 
nearly all the settlements w^est of the Ohio. Previous to this, 
however, Clark had established a military government at Kas- 
kaskia and Vincennes, apjiointed commandants in both places 
and taken up his headquarters at the falls of the Ohio, where 
he could watch the operations of the enemy and save the fron- 
tier settlements from the depredations of Indian warfare. On 
reaching the settlements. Col. Todd issued a proclamation reg- 
ulating the settlement of unoccupied lands and requiring the 
presentation of all claims to the lands settled, as the number 
of adventurers who would shortly overrun the country would 
be serious. He also organized a Court of civil and criminal 
jui'isdiction at Vincennes, in the month of June, 1770. This 
Court was composed of several magistrates and presided over 
by Col. J. M. P.Legras, who had been appointed commandant 
at Vincennes. . Acting from the precedents established by the 
early French commandants in the West, this Court began to 
grant tracts of land to the French and American inhai^itants; 
and to the year 1783, it hud granted to different parties about 
2().000 acres of land; 22.000 more was granted in this man- 
ner by 1787, when the practice was prohibited by Oen. Har- 
mer. Tliese tracts varied in size from a house lot to 500 acres. 
Besides this loose business, the Court entered into a stupen- 
dous speculation, one not altogether creditable to its honor 
and dignity. The commandant and the magistrates under him 
suddenly adopted the opinion that they w'ere invested with 
the authority to dispose of the whole of that large region 
which in 1812 had been granted by the Piankeshaws to the 
French inhabitants of Vincennes. Accordingly a very con- 
venient arrangement was entered into by which the whole 
tract of country mentioned was to be divided between the 
members of the honorable Court. A record was made to that 



HISTOKi' OF INDIAMA. (>1 

eiTecl. .'md in order to gloss over the ste;il, each meuiber took 
pains to be absent from Court on the day that the order was 
made in hi.s favor. 

In the fall of 1780 La Baline, a Frenchman, made an atteiiijit 
to capture the Itritisli tiarrison of Detroit by leading an ex]K' 
dition against it from Kaskaslda. At the head of 30 men In 
marched to N'incennes. where his force was slightly iuci-eased. 
From this place he proceeded to the Uritish trading post at 
the head of the Maumee, where Fort Wayne now stands, plun- 
dered the British traders and Indians and then retired. T\Tiile 
encamped on the bank of a small stream on his retreat, he 
was attacked by a band of ilianiis, a number of his men 
were killed, and his expedition against Detroit was ruined. 

In tliis mnnniT bo der war continued between .Americans 
and their enemies, with varying victory, until ITS:',, when tlie 
treaty of Paris was concbided, resulting in the establisliment 
of the independence of the Tuited States. [']) to this time 
the territory now included in Indiana belonged by conquest 
to the State of Virginia; but in January. 17S3, the General 
As.sembly of that State resolved to cede to the Congress of the 
United States all the territory northwest of the Ohio. The 
conditions offered by Virginia were accepted by Congress Dec. 
20, that year, and early in 1784 the transfer was completed. 
In 1783 Virginia had platted the town of Clarksville. at the 
falls of tlie Ohio. The deed of cession provided that the ter- 
ritory sliould be laid out into States, containing a suitable ex- 
tent of territory not less than 100 nor more tlian 150 miles 
square, or as near thereto as circumstances would permit; 
and that the States so formed shall be distinct Republican 
States and admitted mi mbers of the Federal Union, having 
the same rights of sovereignty, freedom and independence as 
the other States. The other conditions of the deed were as 
follows: That the necessary and reasonable exjwnses incurred 
by Virginia in subdu'ng any British post, or in maintaining 
forts and gaiaisons witliin and for the defense, or in acquir- 
ing any pait of the territory so ceded or relinquished, shall 
Iw fully reimbursed by the United States: that the French 
and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of the Kaskaskia. 
Post Mncennes and the neighboring villages who have pro- 
fessed themselves citizens of Virginia, shall have their titles 
and ]X)ssessions confirmed to them, and be protected in the 
enjoyment of their rights and privileges; that a quantity not 
exceeding liiO. 000 acres of land, promised by "^'irginia, shall be 
allowed and granted to the then Colonel, now General, George 
Eogers Clark, and to the officers and soldiers of his regiment, 



tj- HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

who marched with him when the posts of Kaskaskin and Vin 
t-ennes were redueed, and to the officers and soldiers that have 
heen since incorporated into tlie said rejjiment, to be hiid off in 
one tract, the length of which not to exceed double the 
breadth, in such a place on the northwest side of the Ohio as a 
majority of the officers shall choose, and to be afterward di- 
vided among the officers and soldiers in due proportion accord 
ing to the laws of Virginia; that in case the quantity of good 
lands on the southeast side of the Ohio, upon the waters of 
Cumberland river, and between Green river and Tennessee 
river, which have been reserved by law for the Virginia trnopg 
upon Continental establishment, should, from the Xortli Caro- 
lina line, bearing in further ui)i)u the Cumberland lands than 
was expected, prove insufficient for their legal bounties, the de 
ficiency shall be made up to the said troops in good lands to 
be laid off between tlu- rivers Scioto and Little iliami, on the 
northwest side of the river Ohio, in such proportions as ixave 
been engaged to them by the laws of Virginia; that all the 
lands within the territory so ceded to the I'nited States, and 
not reserved for or appropriated to any of the bef ore-men 
tloned purposes, or disp sed of in bounties to the officers and 
soldiers of the American army, shall be consideivd as a com- 
mon fund for the use and benefit of such of the United States 
as have become, or shall become, members of the confedera- 
tion or federal alliance of the said States, Virginia included, 
according to their usual res])ective proportions in the general 
charge and x])enditure, and shall be faitlifully and honn pdr 
disposed of for that purpose and for no other use or pur]iosc 
whatever. 

After the above deed of cession had been accepted by Con 
.gross, in the spring of 1784, the matter of the future govern- 
ment of the territory was referred to a committee consisting 
of Messrs. Jefferson of Virginia, Chase of ^Maryland and FTow- 
ell of Rhode Island, which committee reported an ordinance 
for it=; government, providing, among other things, that slav- 
erv sliould not exist in said territory after 1800, except as pun- 
ishment of criminals; but this article of the ordinance was 
rejected, and an ordinance for the temporarv government of 
the county was adopted. In 178.'5 laws were passed by Con 
gress for the disposition of lands in the territorv and pro 
hibitiiig Vhe settlement of unappropriated hinds b.v reckless 
speculators. But human passion is ever strong enough to evade 
the law to some extent, and large associations, representing 
considerable means, were formed for the purpose of mouopo 
lizing the land business. Millions of acres were sold at one 



HISTUIIY OF INDIANA. 63 

tiiiT^ by Tonpress to associations on tlip installment jilan 
and so far as the Indian tith s could be extinguished, the work 
of settling and improving the lands was pushed rapidity for- 
ward. 

ORDINANCE OF 1787. 

This oi'dinnnce has a marvelous and interesting history. 
Considerable controversy has been indulged in as to wlio is 
entitled to the credit for framing it. This belongs, undoubt 
edly, to Xathan Dane; and to Rufus King and Timothy ]*ick 
ering belong the credit for suggesting the proviso contained 
In it against slavery, and also for aids to religion and knowl- 
edge, and for assuring forever the common use. without 
charge, of the great national highways of the Mississippi, the 
8t. Lawrence and their trihutaries to all the citizens of the 
United States. To Thomas Jefferson is also due much credit, 
as some features of this ordinance were embraced in his ordi- 
nance of 1784. But the part taken by each in the long, labor- 
ions and eventful struggle which had so glorious a consumma- 
tion in the ordinance, consecrating forever, by one imprescript- 
ible and unchangeable monument, the very heart of our country 
to Freedom, Knowledge, and Union, will forever honor the 
names of those illustrious statesmen. 

Mr. Jefferson had vainly tried to secure a system of gov- 
ernment for the Northwestern territory. He was an emanci- 
pationist and favored the exclusion of slavery from the ter- 
ritory, but the South voted him down every time he proposed 
a measure of this nature. In 1787, as late as July 10, an or- 
ganizing act without the anti-slavery chiuse was pending. This 
concession to the South was expected to carry it. Congress 
was in session in New York. On July 5, Rev. Manasseh Cut- 
ler, of Massachusetts, came into New York to lobby on the 
Northwestern territory Everything seemed to fall into his 
hands. Events were ripe. The state of the public credit, tlie 
growing of Southern prejudice, the basis of his mission, his 
personal character, all combined to complete one of those sud- 
den and marvelous revolutions of pulilic sentiment tliat once 
in five or ten centuries are seen to sweep over a country like 
the breath of the Almighty. 

Cutler was a graduate of Yale. He had studied and taken 
decrees in the three learned professions, medicine. law and di- 
A-'nity. He had published a scientific examination of the plants 
of New England. As a scientist in America his name stood 
second only to that of Franklin. He was a courtiv gentleman 



64 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

of tlie old style, a man of commanding presence and nf in- 
Titinji' face. The Sontliern members said they had never seen 
such a gentleman in the Xorth. He came representing a jlas- 
sachusetts company that dtsiied to purchase a tract of land, 
now included in Ohio, for the purpose of planting a colony. 
It was a speculation. Government money was worth eighteen 
cents on the dollar. This company had collected enough to 
purchase 1,500,0011 acres of land. Other speculators in New 
York made Dr. Cutler their agent, which enabled him to rep- 
resent a demand for 5.500,000 acres. As this would reduce 
the national debt, and Jefferson's policy was to provide for 
the public credit, it presented a good opportunity to do some- 
thing. 

Massachusetts then owned the territory of Maine, which 
she was crowding on the market. She was opposed to open- 
ing the Xorthwestern region. This fired the zeal of "^'irginia. 
The South caught the inspiration, and all exalted Dr. Cutler. 
The entire South rallied around him. Massachusetts coiild 
not vote against him, because many of the constituents of her 
members were interested pin-sonally in the Western specula- 
tion. Thus Cutler, making friends in the South, and doubtless 
using all the arts of the lobby, was enabled to command the 
situation. True to deep?r convictions, he dictated one of the 
most compact and finished documents of wise statesmanshlj) 
that has ever adorned any human law book. He borrowed 
from Jeft'ei-sou the term "Articles of Compact," which, preced- 
ing the federal constitution, rose into the most sacred char- 
acter. He then followed very closely the constitution of Mas- 
sachusetts, adopted three years before. Its most prominent 
points were: 

1. The exclusion of slavery from the territory forever. 

2. Provision for public schools, giving one township for a 
seminary and every section numbered IC in each town.sliip; 
that is, one-thirty-sixth of all the land for ])ublic schools. 

3. A provision prohibiting the adoption of any constitution 
or the enactment of any law that should nullify pre-existing 
contracts. 

Be it forever remejibered that this compact declared that 
"religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good gov- 
ernmeut and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means 
of education shall always be encouraged." Dr. Cutler jjlanted 
himself on this platform and would not yield. Giving his un- 
qualified declaration that it was that or nothing, — that unless 
they could make the land desirable they did not want it, — he 
took his horse and buggy and started for the constitutional con- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. <35 

vention at Philadelphia. On July 13, 1787, the bill was put upon 
its passage, and was uuauiniously adopted. Thus the f;reat 
States of Ohio, Indiaua, Illinois, ilichigau and Wisconsin, a 
vast empire, were consecrated to freedom, intelligence and mor- 
ality. Thus the great heart of the nation was prepared to 
save the union of States, for it was this act that was the sal- 
vation of the republic and the destruction of slavery. Soon the 
South saw their great blunder and tried to have the com- 
pact repealed. In 1803 Congress referred it to a committee, 
of which John Randolph was chairman. He reported that this 
ordinance was a com]iact, and ojiposed repeal. Thus it stood, 
a rock in the way of the (m-rushing sea of slavery. 

The '"Xorthwestern Territory" included of course what is 
now the State of Indiana; and Oct. 5, 1787, Maj. Gen. Arthur 
St. Clair was elected by Cougress Governor of this territory. 
Upon commencing the duties of his office he was instructed 
to ascertain the real temper of the Indians and do all in his 
power to remove the causes for controversy between them 
and the United States, and to effect the extinguishment of In- 
dian titles to all the land pissible. The Governor took up 
quarters in the new setllement of Marietta, Ohio, where he 
immediately began tlie organization of the government of the 
territory. The first session of the General Court of the new 
territory was held at that place in 1788, the Judges being 
Samuel H. Parsons, James M. Varnum and John C. Symmes, 
but under the ordinance Gov. St. Clair was President of the 
Court. After the first session, and after the necessary laws 
for government were adopted, Gov. St. Clair, accompanied by 
the Judges, visited Kaskaskia for the purpose of organizing a 
civil government there. Full instructions had been sent to 
Maj. Hamtramck, commandant at Vincennes, to ascertain the 
exact feeling and temppr of the Indian tribes of the Wabash. 
These instructions were accompanied by speeches to each of 
the tribes. A Frenchman named Antoine Gamelin was dis- 
patched with these messages April 5, 17110, who visited nearly 
all the tribes on the Wabash, St. Joseph and St. Mary's rivers, 
but was coldly received; most of the chiefs being dissatisfied 
with the policy of the Americans toward them, and prejudiced 
through English misrepresentation. Full accounts of his ad- 
A'entm-es among the tribes reached Gov. St. Clair at Kaskas- 
kia in June, 1700. Being satisfied that there was no prospect 
of effecting a general peace witli the Indians of Indiana, he 
resolved to visit Gen. Hannar at his headquarters at Foi't 
Washington and consult with him on the means of carrying 
an expedition against the hostile Indians; but before leaving 
5 



tJO HISTORY OF INDIAI^A. 

lie intrusted Wintlirop Sargent, the Secretary of the Territory, 
with the execution of the resolutions of Congress regarding 
the lands and settlers on the Wabash. He directed that of- 
ficer to proceed to Vincennes. lay out a county there, estab- 
lish the militia and app:)int the necessai'j' civil and military 
officers. Accordingly Mr. Sargent went to Vincennes and or- 
ganized Camp Knox, appointed the officers, and notified the 
inhabitants to present tlieir claims to lands. In establishing 
these claims the settlers found great difficulty, and concern- 
ing this matter the Secretary in his report to the President 
wrote as follows: 

"Although the lands and lots which were awarded to the in- 
hiabitants appeared from very good oral testimony to belong 
to those persons to whom they were awarded, either by original 
grants, purchase or inheritance, yet there was scarcely one 
case in twenty where the title was complete, owing to the 
desultory manner in which public business had been trans- 
acted and some other unfortunate causes. The original con- 
cessions by the French and British commandants were gen- 
erally made upon a small scrap of paper, which it has been 
customary to lodge in the notary's office, who has seldom kept 
any book of record, but committed the most important land 
concerns to loose sheets, which in process of time have coine 
into possession of persons that have fraudulently destroyed 
them; or, unacquainted with their consequence, innocently 
lost or trifled them away. By French usage tliey are consid- 
ered family inheritances, and often descend to women and 
children. In one instance, and during the government of St, 
Ange here, a royal notary I'an off with all the public papers 
in his possession, as by a certificate produced to me. And I 
am very .sorry further to observe that in the office of ilr. 
Le Grand, which continued from 1777 to 1787, and where 
should have been the vouchers for important land transactions, 
the records have been so falsified, and there is such gross fraud 
and forgery, as to invalidate all evidence and information 
which I might have otherwise acquired from his papers.'' 

Mr. Sargent says there were about 1.50 French families at 
Vincennes in 1700. The heads of all the.se families had been 
at some time vested with certain titles to a portion of the 
soil; and while the Secretary was busy straightening out these 
claims, he received a petition signed by SO Americans, asking 
for the confirmation of grants of land ceded by the Court or- 
ganized by Col. John Todd under the authority of Virginia. 
With reference to this cause. Congress, March .3, 1701, em- 
powered the Territorial Governor, in cases where land had 



HISTORY OF Indiana:. 67 

been actually imjiroved and cultivated under a supposed grant 
for the same, to conflrin to the persons who made such improve- 
ments the lands supposed to have been granted, not, however, 
exceeding the quantity of 400 acres to any one person. 

LIQrOR AND GAJIIXG LAWS- 

The General Court in the summer of 1790, Acting Governor 
Sargent presiding, passed the following laws with reference 
to vending liquors among the Indians and others, and with 
reference to games of chance: 

1. An act to prohibit the giving or selling intoxicating 
liquors to Indians residing in or coming into the Territory of 
the United States northwest of the river Ohio, and for pre- 
venting foreigners from trading with Indians therein. 

2. An act prohibiting the sale of spirituous or other intoxi- 
cating liquors to soldiers in the service of the I'nited States, 
being within ten miles of any military post in the territory; 
and to prevent the selling or pawning of arms, ammunition, 
clothing or accoutrements. 

3. An act jwohibiting every species of gaming for money 
or property, and for making void contracts and payments made 
in consequence thereof, and for restraining the disorderly 
practice of discharging arms at certain hours and places. 

Winthrop Sargent's administration was highly eulogized by 
the citizens at Vincennes, in a testimonial drawn up and 
signed bv a committee of officers. He had conducted the in- 
vestigation and settlement of land claims to the entire satis- 
faction of the residents, had upheld the principles of free gov- 
ernment in keeping with the animus of the American Revolu- 
tion, and had established in good order the machinery of a 
good and wise government. In the same address Major Ham- 
tramck also received a fair share of praise for his judicious 
management of affairs. 



MELITAEY HISTORY 1790-1800. 
EXPEDITIOXS OF HAKJIAR, SCOTT AND ■\^^X,IvINSO^^ 

Gov. St. Clair, on his arrival at Fort Washington from Kas- 
kaskia, had a long conversation with Gen. Hanuar, and con- 
cluded to send a powerful force to chastise the savages about 
the head-waters of the Wabash. He had been empowered by 
the President to call on Virginia for 1,000 troops and on Tenn- 
sylvania for 500, and he immediately availed himself of this 
resource, ordering 300 of the Virginia militia to muster at Fort 
Steuben and march with the garrison of that fort to Vincennes, 
and join Maj. Hamtiamck, M'ho had orders to call for aid from 
the militia of Vincennes, march up the Wabash, and attack 
any of the Indian villages which he might think he could over- 
come. The remaining 1,200 of the milita were ordered to ren- 
dezvous at For: Washington, and to join the regular troops 
at that post under command of Gen. Harmar. At this time 
the United States troops in the West were estimated by Gen. 
Harmar at 400 effective men. Tliese, with the roilitia, gave 
him a force of 1,450 men. With this anuy Gen. Harmar 
marched from Fort Washington, Sept. 30, and arrived at the 
Maumee Oct. 17. They commenced the work of punishing the 
Indians, but were not very successful. The savages, it is true^ 
received a severe scourging, but the militia beliaved so badly 
as to be of little or no service. A detachment of 340 militia 
and 60 regulars, under the command of Col. Hardin, were 
sorely defeated on the Maumee Oct. 22. The next day the 
army took up the line of march for Fort Washington, which 
place they reached Nov. 4, having lost in the expedition 1S3 
killed and 31 wounded; the Indians lost about as many. Dur- 
ing the progress of this expedition Maj. Hamtramck marched 
up the Wabash from Vincennes, as far as the Vermillion river, 
and destroyed several deserted tillages, but without finding 
an enemy to oppose him. 

Althcmgh the savages seem to have been severely punished 
by these expeditions, yet they refused to sue for peace, and 
continued their hostilities. Thereupon the inhabitants of the 
frontier settlements of ^Hrginia took alarm, and the delegates 
of Ohio, Monongaheln, Harrison, Randolph, Greenbrier, Ka- 
iCS ) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. l>!' 

nawha and Jlontgouiery counties sent a joint memorial to the 
OoTernor of Virginia, saying that the defenseless condition of 
the counties, forming a line of nearly 400 miles along (he Ohio 
river, exposed to the hostile invasion of their Indian enemies, 
destitute of every Icind of support, was truly alarming; for, 
notwithstanding all tlie regulations of the General Govern- 
ment in that country, tliey have reason to lament that they 
have been up to that time ineffectual for their protection; nor 
indeed could it be otherwise, for the garrisons kept by the Con- 
tinental troops on the Ohio river, if of any use at all, must 
protect only the Kentucky settlements, as they immediately 
covered that country. They further stated in their memorial: 
''We beg leave to observe tliat we have reason to fear that the 
consequences of the defeat of our army by the Indians in the 
late expedition will be severely felt on our frontiers, as there 
is no doubt that the Indians will, in their turn, being flushed 
with victory, invade our settlements and exercise all tlieir hor- 
rid murder Tipon the inliabitants thereof wbenever the weather 
will permit them to travel. Then is it not better to support us 
wliere we are, be the expense what it may, tlian to olilige sach 
a number of your brave citizens, who have so long supported, 
and still continue to support, a dangerous frontier (although 
thousands of their relatives in the flesh have in the prosecu- 
tion thereof fallen a sacrifice to savage inventions) to quit the 
country, after all they have done and suffered, when you know 
that a frontier must be supported somewhere?" 

Tliis memorial caused tlie Legislature of Virginia to author- 
ize the Governor of that State to make any defensive opera- 
tions necessary for tlie temporary defense of the frontiers, un- 
til the general Government could adopt and cari"y out meas- 
ures to suppress the hostile Indians. Tlie Governor at once 
called upon the military commanding officers in the western 
counties of Virginia to raise by the first of 3Iarch, 1701, sev- 
eral small companies of rangers for this purpose. At the same 
time Charles Scott was appointed Brigadier-General of the 
Kentucky militia, with authority to raise 22G volunteers, to 
protect the most exposed portions of that district. A full re- 
port of the proceedings of the Virginia Legislature being trans- 
mitted to Congress, tliat body constituted a local Board of 
War for the district of Kentucky, consisting of five men. ^larch 
9, 1791, Gen. Henry Knox, Secretary of War, sent a letter of 
instructions to Gen. Scott, recommending an expedition of 
mounted men not exceeding 7.50, against the Wea towns on 
the Wabash. With tliis force Gen. Scott accordingly crossed 
the Ohio, May 2.3, 1791, and reached the Wabash in about ten 



70 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

davs. Many of tlie Indians, having discovered his appvoaoli, 
fled, but he succeeded in destroying all the villages around 
Ouiatenon, together with several Kickapoo towns, killing 32 
warriors and taking 58 prisoners. He released a few of the 
most infinn prisoners, giving them a "talk," which they car- 
ried to the towns farther up the Wabash, and which the 
wi'etched condition of his horses prevented him from reaching. 

March 3, 1791, Congress provided for raising and equipping 
a regiment for the protection of the frontiers, and Gov. St. 
Clair was Invested with the chief command of about 3,000 
troops, to be raised and employed against the hostile Indians 
in the territoi^ over which his jurisdiction extended. He was 
instructed br the Secretary of War to march to the Miami vil- 
lage and establish a strong and permanent military post there; 
also such posts elsewhere along ihe Ohio as would be in com- 
munication with Fort Washingion. The post at Miami village 
was intended to keep the savages in that vicinity in check, 
and was ordered to be strong enough in its garrison to afford 
a detachment of 500 or (500 men in case of emergency, either 
to chastise any of the Wabash or other hostile Indians or cap- 
ture convoys of the enemy's provisions. The Secretary of W;ir 
also urged Gov. St. Clair to establish that post as the first 
and most important part of the campaign. In case of a pre- 
vious treaty the Indians were to be conciliated upon this y>oint 
if possible; and he presumed good arguments might be offered 
to induce their acquiescence. Said he: "Having commenced 
your march upon the main expedition, and the Indians continu- 
ing hostile, you will use evei'y possible exertion to make them 
feel the effects of your superiority; and, after having arrived 
at the Miami village and put your works in a defensive state, 
you will seek the enemy with the whole of your remaining 
force, and endeavor by all possiijle means to strike them with 
great severity. » » » * j,j order to avoid fu- 
ture wars, it might be proper to make the Wabash and tlu'uce 
over to the Ma.umee, and down the same to its moutli, at Lake 
Erie, the boundary between the people of the United States 
and the Indians (excepting so far as the same should relate 
to the Wyandots and Delawares), on the supposition of their 
continuing faithful to the treaties; but if they should join in 
the war against the United States, and your army be victor- 
ious, the said tribes ought to be removed without the bouiv 
dary mentioned.'' 

Previous to marching a strong force to the Miami town, Gov. 
St. Clair, June 25, 17!ll, aiitherzcd Gen. Wilkin>-on to conduct 
a second expedition, not exceeding 500 mounted men, a-ain::!: 



HISTORY OF IXDIAXA. 71 

tlie Indian Tillages on the Wabasli. Accordinglr Gen. Wil- 
kinson mustered his forces and was ready July 20, to march 
with 525 mounted volunteers, well armed, and provided with 
30 days' provisions, and with, this force he reached the Ke-ua- 
pa-com-a-qua village on tlie north bank of Eel river about 
six miles above its mouth, Aug. 7, where be kiled six war- 
riors and took 34 prisoners. This town, which was scattered 
along the river for three miles, was totally destroyed. Wil- 
kinson encamped on the ruins of the town that night, and tbe 
next day lie commenced his march for the Kickapoo town on 
the prair-ie. which he was unable to reach owing to the im- 
passable condition of tlie route which he adopted and the fail- 
ing condition of his horses. He rexKH'ted the estimated re- 
sults of the expt^dition as follows: "I have destroyed the 
chief town of the Ouiatenon nation, and have made prisoners 
of the sons and sisters of the king. I have burned a respecta- 
ble Kickapoo village, and cut down at least 400 acres of corn, 
chiefly in the mUk." 

EXTEDITIONS OF ST. CLAIK AND WATIvTI!. 

The Indians were greatly damaged by the expeditions of 
Harraar. Scott and Wilkinson, but were far from being sub- 
dued. They regarded the policy of the United States as cal- 
culated to exterminate them from the land; and, goaded on by 
the English of Detroit, enemies of the Americans, they were 
excited to desperation. At this time the British Cxovernment 
still supported garrisons at Niagara, Detroit and Michilimack- 
inac, although it was declared by the second article of the defin- 
itive treaty of peace of 1783, that the king of Great Britain 
would, "with all convenient speed, and without causing any 
destruction or carrying away any negroes or property of the 
American inhabitants, withdraw all his forces, garrisons and 
fleets from the United States, and from every post, place and 
harbor within the same." That treaty also provided that the 
creditors on either side should meet with no lawful impedi- 
ments to the recovery of the full value, in sterling money, of 
all bona fide debts previously contracted. The British Govern- 
ment claimed that the United States had broken faith in this 
particular understanding of the treaty, and in consequence 
refused to withdraw its forces from the territory. The British 
gan-isons in the Lake Region were a source of much annoy- 
ance to the Americans, as they afforded succor to hostile In- 
dians, encouraging them to make raids among the Americans. 
This state of affairs in the Territorv Northwest of the Ohio 



72 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

continued from the commencement of tlie Revolutionary war 
to 17D6, when under a second treaty all British soldiers were 
withdrawn from the ciiuutry. 

In September, 1791, St. Clair moved from Fort Washin^^ton 
with about 2.000 men, and November 3, the main army, con- i 
sistiug of about 1,400 effective troops, moved forward to the 
head-waters of the Wabash, where Fort Recovery was after- 
ward erected, and here the army encamped. About 1,200 In- 
dians were secreted a few miles distant, awaiting a favorable | 
opportunity to begin an attack, which they improved on the 
morning- of Nov. 4, about half an hour before sunrise. The at- 
tack was first made upon the militia, which immediately gave 
way. St. Clair was defeated and ho returnod to Fort Wash- 
ington with a broken and dispirited army, having lost 39 of 
fleers killed, and 539 men killed and missing; 22 officers and 
232 men were wounded. Several ])ieces of artillery, and all 
the baggage, ammunition and provisions were left on the field 
of battle and fell into the hands of the victorious Indians. The 
stores and other public property lost in the action were valued 
at ^32.800. There were also 100 or more American women 
with the army of the whites, very few of whom escaped the 
cruel carnage of the savage Indians. The latter, character- 
istic of their brutal nature, proceeded in the flush of victory 
to perpetrate the most horrible acts of cruelty and brutality 
ujwn the bodies of the living and the dead Americans who 
fell into their hands. Believing that the whites had made 
war for many years merely to acquire land, the Indians 
crammed clay and sand into the eyes and down the throats 
of the dying and the dead! 

GEN. WAYNTD'S great VICTORY. 

Although no particular blame was attached to Gov. St. Clair 
for the loss in this expedition, yet he resigned the office of 
Major-Geueral. and was succeeded by Anthony Wayne, a dis- 
tinguished officer of tlie Revolutionary war. Early in 1792 
provisions were made by the general Government for re-or- 
ganizing the anny, so that it should consist of an efficient de- 
gree of strenglh. Wayne arrived at Pittsburg in June, where 
the army was to rendezvous. Here he continued actively en- 
gaged in organizing and training his forces until Octolier, 1793, 
when witli an army of about 3, GOO men he moved westward to 
Fort Washington. 

"V^Hnle Wayne was preparing for an offensive campaign, 
every possible means was employed to induce the hostile tribes 



HISTORY OF IXDIANA. 73 

of the Northwest to enter into a general treaty of peace with 
the American Government; speeches were sent among them, 
and agi'uts to make treaties were also sent, bnt little was ac- 
complished. Major Hanitramck, who still remained at Vin- 
ceunes, succeeded in concluding a general peace with the Wa- 
bash and Illinois Indians; hut the tribes more immediately 
under the inllueuce of the British refused to hear the senti- 
ments of friendship that were sent among them, and toma- 
hawked several of the messengers. Their courage had been 
aroused by St. Clair's defeat, as well as by the unsuccessful 
expeditions which had preceded it, and they now felt quite 
l)repared to meet a superior force under Gen. Wayne. The 
Indians insisted on the Ohio river as the boundary line be- 
tween their lands and the lands of the United States, and felt 
certain that they could maintain that boundary. 

Maj. Gen. Siott. with about 1,(!00 mounted volunteers from 
Kentucky, joined the regular troops under Gen. Wayne July 
26, 17!I4, and on the 28th the united forces began their march 
for the Indian towns on the Maumee river. Arriving at the 
mouth of the Auglaize, they erected Fort Defiance, and Aug. 
15 tlie army advanced toward the British fort at the foot of 
the rapids of the Maumet, where, on the 20tli, almost within 
reach of the British the American army gained a decisive vie- 
torj' over tlie combined forces of the hostile Indians and a con- 
siderable number of the Detroit militia. The number of the 
enemy was estimated at 2,000, against about DOO American 
troops actually engaged. This horde of savages, as soon as the 
action began, abandoned themselves to flight and dispersed 
with terror and dismay, leaving Wayne's victorious anny in 
full and quiet possession of the field. The Americans lost 33 
killed and 100 wounded; loss of the enemy more than double 
this number. 

The army remained three days and nights on the banks of 
the Maumee, in front of the field of battle, during which time 
all the houses and cornfields were consumed and destroyed for 
a considerable distance both above and below Fort Miami, as 
well as within pistol shot of the British garrison, who were 
compelled to remain idle spectators to this general devastation 
and conflagration, among which were the houses, stores and 
property of Col. McKee, the British Indian agent and "prin- 
cipal stimulator of the war then existing between the I'nited 
States and savages." On the return march to Fort Defiance 
the villages and cornfields for about 50 miles on each side of 
the Maumee were destroyed, as well as those for a consider- 
able distance around that post. 



74 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Sept. 14, 1794, the army under Gen. Wayne commenced its 
march toward the deserted !Miami villages at the contiuence of 
St. .Joseph's and St. Mary's rivers, arriving Oct. 17, and on 
the following day the site of Fort Wa,^^le was selecteu. The 
fort was completed Xov. 22, and garrisoned by a strong de- 
tachment of infantry and artillery, under the command of Col. 
.John F. Hamtramck, who gave to the new fort the name of 
Fort Wayne. In 1814 a new fort was built on the site of this 
stnicture. The Kentucky volunteers returned to Fort Wash- 
ington and were mustered out of service. Gen. Wayne, with 
the Federal troops, marched to Greenville and took up his head- 
(piarters during the winter. Here, in August, 1795. after sev- 
eral months of active negotiation, this gallant ofticer succeeded 
in concluding a general ti'eaty of peace with all the hostile 
tribes of the Nortliwestern Territory. This treaty opened the 
way for the flood of immigration for many years, and nlti 
mately made the States and territories now constituting the 
mighty Northwest. 

Up to the organization of the Indiana Territory there is but 
little history to record aside from those events connected with 
military affairs. In July, 179G, as before stated, after a treaty 
was concluded between the United States and Spain, the Brit- 
ish garrisons, with their arms, artillery and stores, were with- 
drawn from the posts within the boundaries of the United 
States northwest of the Ohio river, and a detachment of Amer- 
ican troops, consisting of G5 men. under the command of Capt. 
Moses Porter, took possession of the evacuated post of Detroit 
in the same month. 

In the latter part of 179C Winthrop Sargent went to Detroit 
and organized tlie county of Wayne, forming a part of the In- 
diana Territory until it^ division in 1805, wlien the Territory 
of Michigan was organized. 



EEKEIT0RL4L HISTORY. 

ORGAXEZATION OF IXDIA^'A TERRITORY. 

On the flual success of Anieiicau arms and diplomacy in 
ITOti. tlie principal town within tlie Tenitory, now the State, 
of Indiana was Vincennes, which at this time comprised about 
rii» liouses, all presentin.n a thrifty and tidy ajipea ranee. Each 
h .use was surrounded by a garden fenced with poles, and peach 
and apple-trees grew in most of the enclosures. Garden vege- 
tables of all kinds were cultivated with success, and corn, to- 
bacco, wheat, barley and cotton grew in the fields around the 
village in abundance. During the last few years of the ISth 
century the condition of society at Vincennes improved won- 
derfully. 

r.esides Vincennes there was a small settlement near where 
th ■ town of Lawi'enceburg now stands, in Dearborn county, 
and in the course of that year a small settlement was formed 
at "Armstrong's Station," on the Ohio, within the present lim- 
its of Clark county. There were of course several other 
smaller settlements and trading posts in the present limits of 
Indiana, and the number of civilized inhabitants comprised 
within the territory was estimated at 4:,S7.5. 

The Territory of Indiana was organized by Act of Congress 
May 7, 1800, the material parts of the ordinance of 17S7 re- 
maining in force; and the inhabitants were invested with all 
the rights, privileges and advantages granted and secured to 
the people by that ordinance. The seat of government was 
fixed at Vincennes. May 13. 1800, Wm. Henry Harrison, a 
niitive of Virginia, was appointed Oovernor of this new ter- 
ritory, and on the next day John Gibson, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and a distinguishtKl Western pioneer, (to whom the In- 
dian chief Logan delivered his celebrated sp: ech in 1774), was 
ap])ointed Secretary of the Territory. Soon afterward Wm. 
Clark, Henry Vanderburgh and John Griffin were appointed 
territorial Judges. 

Secretary Gibson arrived at Vincennes in July, and com- 
menced, in the absence of Gov. Harrison, the administration 
of government. Gov. Harrison did not arrive until Jan. 10, 
1801, when he immediately called together the Judges of the 
(7.5) 



(0 HISTORY OF INBIANA. 

Territory, Mho proceeded to pass sucli laws as they deemed 
necessary for the present government of the Territory. This 
session began March 3, 1801. 

From this time to 1810 the principal subjects which attracted 
the attention of the people of Indiana were land speculations, 
the adjustment of laud titles, the question of negro slavery, 
the purchase of Indian lands by treaties, the organization of 
Territorial legislatures, tlie extension of the right of suffrage, 
the division of Indiana Territory, the movements of Aaron 
Burr, and the hostile views and proceedings of the Shawanee 
chief, Tecumseh, and his brother, the Prophet. 

Uj) to this time the sixth article of the celebrated ordinance 
of 1787, prohibiting slavery in the Northwestern Territory, 
had been somewhat neglected in the execution of the law, and 
many French settlers still lield slaves in a manner. In some 
instances, according to rules prescribed by Territorial legisla- 
tion, slaves agreed by indentures to remain in servitude under 
their masters for a certain number ol years; but many slaves, 
with whom no such contracts were made, were removed from 
the Indiana Territory either to the west of the Mississippi or 
to some of the slaveholding States. Gov. Harrison convoked 
a session of delegates of the Territory, elected by a popular 
vote, who petitioned Congress to declare the sixth article of 
the ordinance of 1787, prohibiting slavery, suspended; but Con- 
gress never consented to gi-ant that petition, and many other 
petitions of a similar import. Soon afterward some of the 
citizens began to take colored persons out of the Territory for 
tlie purjwse of selling them, and Gov. Harrison, by a procla- 
mation April G, 1804, forbade it, and called upon the authori- 
ties of the Territory to assist him in preventing such removal 
of persons of color. 

During the year 1804 all the country west of the Mississippi 
and north of 33° was attached to Indiana Territory by Con- 
gress, but in a few months was again detached and organized 
into a separate territory. 

"VMien it appeared from the result of a popular vote in the 
Territory that a majority of 138 freeholders were in favor oi 
organizing a General Assembly, Gov. Harrison, Sept. 11, 1804, 
issued a proclamation declaring that the Territory had passed 
into the si'coud grade of government, as contemplated by the 
ordinance of 1787, and fixed Thursday, Jan. 3, 180,^, as the time 
for holding an election in the several counties of the Territory, 
to choose members of a House of Representatives, who should 
meet at Yincennes Feb. 1 and adopt measures for the organi- 
zation of a Territorial Council. These delegates were elected. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA I < 

and met according to the proclamation, and selected ten men 
from whom the President of the United States, Mr. Jefferson, 
should appoint five to be and constitute the Legislative Tonn- 
cil of the Territory, but he declining, requested Mr. Harrison 
to make the selection, which was accordingly done. Before 
the first session of this Council, however, was held, Michigan 
Territory was set off. its south line being one drawn from the 
southern end of Lake Michigan directly east to Lake Erie. 

FIRST TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE. 

The first General Assembly, or Legislature, of Indiana Ter- 
ritory met at Vincennes July 29, ISOo, in pursuance of a gu- 
bernatorial proclamation. The members of the House of Eep- 
resentatives were Jesse B. Thomas, of Dearborn county; Davis 
Floyd, of Clark county; Benjamin Parke and John Johnson, 
of Knox county; Shadrach Bond and William Biggs, of St. 
Clair county, and George Fisher, of Randolph county. July 30 
the Governor delivered his first message to "the Legislative 
Council and House of Erpresentatives of the Indiana TeiTi- 
tory." Benjamin Paike was the first delegate elected to Con- 
gress. He had emigrated from Xew Jersey to Indiana in ISOl. 

THE "^'ESTERN SUN" 

was the first newspaper published in the Indiana Territory, 
now comprising the four great States of Indiana, Blinois. Mich- 
igan and Wisconsin, and the second in all that country once 
known as the "Xorthwestern Territory." It was commenced 
at Vincennes in 1803, by Elihu Stout, of Kentucky, and first 
called the luiJirtiia (kt~rttr. and July -t. ISO-t, \Aas changed to 
the ^ye!<trn^ isliin. Mr. Stout continued the paper until JSio, 
amid many discouragements, when he was appointed post- 
master at the place, and he sold out the office. 

IXDIA^'A IN 181 0, 

Tlie events which we have just been describing really con- 
stitute the initiatory stev>s to the great military campaign of 
Gtu. Harrison which ended in the "battle of Tippecanoe;" but 
before proceeding to an account of that brilliant affair, let us 
take a glance at the resources and strength of Indiana Terri- 
tory at this time. 1810: 

Total population. 21, .520; 33 grist mills; 14 saw mills; 3 
horse mills; IS tanneries; 28 distilleries; 3 powder mills; l,2oG 



7S HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

looms; 1,350 spinning wheels; value of mamif.ictures — woolen. 
■cotton, hempen and flaxen cloths, $159,052; of cotton and wool 
.spun in mills, floO.OOO; of nails, 30,000 pounds, S?4.000; of 
l-'Ulher tanned, SO 300; of distillei-r products, :i5,9o0 uallons, 
|L(;,230; of j,nmpowder, 3.0(10 pounds, .§1,S:00; of wine from 
{■rapes, 96 barrels, .f(j,000, and 50,000 pounds of maple sujjar. 

During' the year 1810 a Board of Commissioners was estab- 
lished to straighten out the confused condition into wliich 
the land-title contioversy had been carried by the various and 
conflicting administrations that had previonsly exercised juris- 
diction in this regard. Tliis work was attended v.ith much la- 
bor on tlie part of the Commissioners :ind groat dissatisfaction 
on the part of a few designing speculators, who thought no 
extreme of perjur-y too hazardous in tlunv mad attempts to 
obtain lauds fraudulently. In closing their report the Com- 
missioners used the following expressive language: "We 
close this melancholy picture of human depravity by render 
ing our devout acknowledgment that, in the awful alternative 
in which we have been placed, of either admitting perjured 
testimony in support of the claims before us, or having il 
turned against our characters and lives, it has as yet pleased 
that divine providence which rules over the affairs of men, 
to preserve us, both from legal murder and private assassina- 
tion." 

The question of dividing the Territory of Indiana was agi- 
tated from 180(3 to 1809, when Congress erected the Territory 
of Illinois, to comi>rise all that part of Indiana Territory lying 
west of the T^'abash river and a direct line drawn from that 
river and Post Vinceunes due north to the territorial line be- 
tween the United States and Canada. This occasioned some 
■confusion in the government of Indiana, but in due time the 
new elections were confirmed, and the new territory started 
off on a journey of prosperity which this section of the I'nited 
States has ever since enjoyed. 

From the first settlement of Yincennes for nearly half a 
century there occurred nothing of importance to relate, at least 
so far as the records inform us. The place was too isolated 
to grow very fast, and we suppose there was a succession of 
priests and commandants, who governed the little world 
around them with almost infinite power and authority, from 
whose decisions there was no appeal, if indeed any was ever 
liesired. The character of society in such a place would of 
course grow gradually different from the parent society, as- 
similating more or less with that of neig'hboring tribes. The 
whites lived in peace with the Indians, each understanding the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 79 

other's peculiarities, which, remained fixed long enough for 
both parties to study out and understand them. The govern- 
ment was a mixture of the militarj- and the civil. There was 
little to incite to enterprise. Speculations in money and prop- 
erty, and their counterpart, beggary, were both unknown; the 
necessaries of life were easily procured, and beyond these 
there were but few wants to be supplied; hospitality was ex- 
ercised by all, as there were no taverns; there seemed to be 
no use for law, judges or prisons; eacli district had its com- 
mandant, and the proceedings of a trial were singiilar. The 
complaining party obtained a notification from the command- 
ant to his adversary, accomj)ani('d by a command to render 
justice. If this had no effect he was notified to appear be- 
fore the commandant on a particular day and answer; and if 
the last notice was neglected, a sergeant and file of men were 
sent to bring him, — no sheriff and no costs. The convicted 
party would be fined and kept in prison until he rendered jus- 
tice according to the decree; when extremely refractory the 
cat-o'-nine-tail's brought him to a sense of justice. In such a 
state of society there was no demand for learning and science. 
Few could read, and still fewer write. Their disposition was 
nearly always to deal honestly, at least simply. Peltries were 
their standard of value. A brotherly love generally prevailed. 
But they were devoid of public spirit, enterprise or ingenuity . 



GOV. HAEKISOX AXD THE LN'DTAXS. 

Immediately after the organization of Indiana Territory 
Governor Harrison's attention was directed, by necessity as 
well as by instructions from Congress, to settling affairs with 
those Indians who still held claims to lands. He entered into 
several treaties, by which at tlie close of 180.5 the United 
States Govennnent had obtained about 4G,0U0 square miles of 
territory, including all the lands lying on the borders of the 
Ohio river between the mouth of the Wabash river and the 
State of Ohio. 

Tlie levying of a tax, especially a poll tax, by the General 
Assembly, created considerable dissatisfaction among many 
of the inlialiitants. At a meeting held Sunday, August 16, 
1807, a number of Frenchmen resolved to "withdraw their con- 
fidence and supjioit forevi-r from those men who advocated or 
in any manner promoted the second grade of govin-nnieiit." 

In 1807 the territorial statutes were revised and under the 
new code, treason, murder, arson and horsestealing were 
each punishable by death. The crime of manslaughter was 
punishable by the common law. P.urglary and robbery were 
punishable by whipping, fine and in some cases by imprison- 
ment not exceeding forty years. Hog stealing was jinnisha- 
ble by fine and whipping. Bigamy was punishal)le by fine, 
wliipping and disfranchisement, etc. 

In 1804 Congress established three land offices for tlie sale 
of lands in Indiana territory; one was located at Detroit, one 
at Mucennes and one at Kaslcasljia. In 1807 a fonrtli one 
was opened at Jeffersonville, Clark county; this town was first 
laid out in 1802, agreeably to plans suggested by Mr. Jefferson, 
then President of the United States. 

Governor Harrison, according to his message to the Legis- 
lature in 1806, seemed to think that the jyeace then existing 
between the wliites and Indians was permanent; but in the 
same document he referred to a matter that might be a source 
of trouble, which indeed it proved to be, namely, the execution 
of white laws among the Indians — laws to which the lattei 
had not been a party in their enactment. The trouble was ag- 
gravated by the partiality with which the laws seem always 
to have been executed; the Indian was nearlv alwavs the suf- 
(80) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA 81 

ferer. All along from 1805 to 1810 the Indians complainod 
bitterly against llie encroachments of the white people ujiuu 
the lands that belonged to them. The invasion of their hunt- 
ing grounds and the unjustifiable killing of many of their peo- 
ple were the sources of their discontent. An old chief, iu lay- 
ing .the trouble of his people before Governor Harrison, said: 
"You call us children; why do you not make us as happy as 
our fathers, the French, did? They never took from us our 
lands; indeed, they were common between us. They planted 
where they pleased, and they cat wood where they pleased; and 
so did we; but now if a poor Indian attempts to take a little 
bark from a tree to cover liim from the rain, up comes a white 
man and threatens to shoot him, claiming the tree as his own.'' 
The Indian truly had grounds for his complaint, and the 
state of feeling existing among the tribes at this time was well 
calculated to develop a patriotic leader who should carry 
them all forward to victory at arms if certain concessions were 
not made to them by the whites. But this golden opportunity 
was seized by an unworthy warrior. A brother of Tecumseh. 
a "prophet" named Law-!e-was-i-kaw, bnt who assumed the 
name of I'ems-quata-wah (Open Door), was the crafty Sha- 
wanee warrior who was enabled to work upon both the super- 
stitions and the rational judgment of his fellow Indians. He 
was a gr>od orator, somewhat peculiar in his appearance and 
well calculated to win the attention and respect of the savages. 
He began by denounciu'X witchcraft, the use of into.xicating 
liquors, the custom of Indian women marrying white men, the 
dress of the whites and the practice of selling Indian lands 
to the United States. He also told the Indians that the com- 
mands of the Gre'at Spirit required them to punish with death 
those who practiced the arts of witchcraft and magic; that 
the Great Spirit had given him power to find out and expose 
such persons; that he had power to cure all diseases^ to con- 
found his enemies and to stay the arm of death in sickness 
and on the battle-field. His harangues aroused among some 
bands of Indians a high degree of superstitious excitement. 
An old Delaware chief named Ta-te-bock-o-she, through whose 
influence a treaty had been made with the Delawares in 1804, 
was accused of witchcraft, tried, condemned and tomahawked, 
and his body consumed by fire. The old chiefs wife, nephew 
("Billy Patterson") and an aged Indian named Joshua were 
next accused of witchcraft and condemned to death. The two 
men were burned at tbe stake, but the wife of Ta-te-bock-o-she 
was saved fi'om death by her brother, who suddenly approached 
her, took her by the hand, and, without meeting anv opposi- 
' 



i^2 HISTORY OF INDIA^^Ji. 

tion from the Indians present, led her out of the council-house. 
He then immediately returned and checked the growing in- 
fluence of the rrophet by exclaiming in a strong, earnest voice, 
"The Evil Spirit has come among us and we are killing each 
other." — [DiUuii's Hhtorji of ImlUinu. 

When Gov. Harrison was made acquainted with these 
events he sent a special messenger to the Indians, strongly 
entreating them to renounce the Prophet and his works. This 
really destroyed to some extent the Prophet's influence; but 
in tlie spring of ISOS, having aroupod nearly all the tribes of 
the Lake Region, the rroi)liet with a large number of followers 
settled near the mouth of the Tipjiecanoe river, at a place 
wliich afterward had the name of "Prophet's-Town." Taking 
advantage of his l>rother's influence. Tecumseh actively en- 
gaged himself in forming tlie various tribes into a confederacy. 
He announced publicly to all the Indians that the treaties by 
which the United States had acquired lands northwest of the 
Ohio were not made in fairness, and should be considered 
void. He also said that no single tribe was invested Avith 
power to sell lands without the consent of all the other tribes, 
and that he and his brother, the Prophet, would oppose and 
resist all future attempts which the white people might make 
to extend their settlements in the lands that belonged to the 
Indians. 

Eaily in 1808, Gov. Harrison sent a speech to the Shawanees, 
in which was this sentence: "My children, this business must 
be stopped; I will no longer suffer it. You have called a num- 
ber of men from the most distant tribes to listen to a fool, 
who speaks not the words of the Great Spirit but those of the 
devil and the British agents. My children, your conduct has 
much alaiined the white settlers near you. They desire that 
you will send away those people; and if they wish to have the 
impostor with them they can carry him along with them. Let 
him go to the lakes; he can hear the British more distinctly.'' 
This message wounded the pride of the Prophet, and he pre- 
vailed on the messenger to inform Gov. Harrison that he was 
not in league with the British, but was speaking truly the 
words of the Great Spirit. 

In the latter part of the summer of 1808, the Prophet spent 
several weeks at Vincennes. for the pui-pose of holding inter- 
views with Gov. Harrison. At one time he told the Governor 
that he was a Christian and endeavored to persuade his ])eople 
also to become Christians, abandon the use of liquor, be united 
in brotherly love, etc., mak'ng Mr. Harrison believe at least, 
that he was honest; but before long it was demonstrated that 



HISTORY or INDIANA. 83 

tlio 'Tropliet" was desiguing, cunnins and unrolialile; that 
b'th he and Tepuniseh were enemies of the United States, and 
friends of the English; and that in case of a war between the 
Americans and English, thev would join the latter. The next 
year the Prophet again visited Vine aiues, with assurances that 
he was not in sympathy with the English, but the Governor 
was not disposed to believe him; and in a letter to tlie Secre- 
tary of War. in July, ISO!), he said that he regarded tlie bands 
of Indians at Pro])h >t's Town as a combination wliich hail been 
prrdnied by British intrigue and influence, in anticipation of 
a war between them and the United States. 

In direct opposition to Tecumseh and the Prophet and in 
spite of all these difficulties. (tOv. Harrison continued the work 
of extinguishing Indiiin titles to lands, with very good success. 
By the close of ISOII, the total amount of land ceded to the 
I'nited States, under tr aties which had been effected by IMr. 
Harrison. exceed< d 30,000,000 acres. 

From 1805 to J 807, the movements of Aaron Burr in the 
Ohio valley created considerable excitement in Indiana . It 
seemed that he intendi^d to collect a force of men, invade Mex- 
ico and found a republic there, comprising all the country 
west of the Alleghany mountains. He gathered, however, bnt 
a few men, started south, and was soon arrested by the Fed- 
eral authorities. But before his arrest he had abandoned his 
expedition and his followers had dispersed. 

hakrison's campaign. 

While the Indians were combining to prevent any fnrther 
transfer of land to the whites, the British were nsing the ad- 
Tantnge as a grou'idwork for a successful war upon the Amer- 
icans. In the spring of 1810 the followers of the Prophet re- 
fused to receive their annuity of salt, and the officials who 
offered it were denounced as "American dogs," and otherwise 
treated in a disrespectful manner. Gov. Harrison, in July, 
attempted to gain the friendship of the Prophet by sending 
Tiim a letter, offering to treat with him personally in the mat- 
ter of his grievances, or to furnish means to send him, with 
three of his principal chiefs, to the President at Washington; 
but the messenger was coldly received, and they returned word 
that the.v would visit Vincennes in a few days and interview 
the Governor. Accordingly, Aug. 12, 1810, the Shawanee 
chief with 70 of h's principal warriors, marched uj) to the door 
of the Governor's house, and from that day until the 22d held 
daily interviews with His Excellency. In all of his speeches 



84 HISTORY OF rXDLAJ^A, 

Tecumseh was liaiiglitv, and sometimes arrogant. On the 20th. 
he delivered that celebrated speech in which he gave the Gov- 
ernor the alternative of returning their lands or meeting them 
in battle. 

While the Governor was replying to this speech Tecumseh 
interrupted him with an angry exclamation, declaring that the 
United States, through Gov. Harrison, had "cheated and im- 
po-ed on tlie Indians." When Tecumseh tirst rose, a number 
of his party also sprung to their feet, armed with clubs, toma- 
hawks and spears, and made some threatening demonstrations. 
The Governor's guards, who .stood a little way off, were 
marched up in haste, and the Indians, awed by the presence 
of this small armed force, abandoned what seemed to be an 
intention to make an open attack on the Governor and his 
attendants. As soon as Tecumseh's remarks were interpreted, 
the Governor reproached him for his conduct, and commanded 
him to depart instantly to his camp. 

On the following day Tecumseh repented of his rash act 
and requested the Governor to grant him another interview, 
and protested against any intention of offense. The Governor 
consented, and the council was re-opened on the 21st, when 
the Shawanee chief addressed him in a respectful and dignified 
manner, but remained immovable in his policy. The Governor 
then requested Tecumseh to state plainly whether or not the 
surveyors who might be sent to survey the lands purchased 
at the treaty of Fort Wayne in 1809, would be molested by In- 
dians. Tecumseh replied: "Brother, when you speak of an- 
nuities to me, I look at the land and pity the women and chil- 
dren. I am authorized to say that they will not receive them. 
Brother, we want to save that piece of land . We do not wish 
you to take it. It is small enough for our purpose. If you do 
take it, you must blame yourself as the cause of the trouble 
between us and the tribes who sold it to you. I want the pres- 
ent boundary line to continue. Should you cross it, I assure 
you it will be productive of bad consequences." 

The next day the Governor, attended only by his interpreter, 
visited the camp of the great Shawanee, and in the course of 
a long interview told him that the President of the United 
States would not acknowledge his claims. 'W^ell," replied the 
brave warrior, "as the great chief is to determine the matter, 
I hope the Great Spirit will put sense enough into his head 
to induce him to direct you to give up this land. It is true, 
he is so far off he will not be injured by the war. He may sit 
still in his town and drink his wine, while you and I will have 
to fight it out." 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 85 

In his message to the new territorial Legislature in 1810 
Gov. Harrison called attention to the dangerous views held by 
Tecuuiseh and the rrojihet, to the pernicious influence of alien 
enemies among the Indians, to the unsettled condition of the 
Indian trade and to the ijolicy of extinguishiug Indian titles 
to lands. The eastern settlements were separated from the 
western by a considerable extent of Indian lands, and the most 
fertile tracts within the territory were still in the hands of 
the Indians. Almost entirely divested of the game from which 
they had drawn their subsistence, it had become of little use 
to them; and it was the intention of the Grovernment to sub- 
stitute for the precarious and scanty supplies of the chase the 
more certain and plentiful support of agriculture and stock- 
raising. Tlie old habit of the Indians to hunt so long as a 
deer could be found was so inveterate that they would not 
break it and resort to intelligent agriculture unless they were 
compelled to, and to this they would not be compelled unless 
they were confined to a -limited extent of territory. The earn- 
est lang-uage of the Governor's appeal was like this: "Are 
then those extinguishments of native title which are at once 
so beneficial to the Indian and the Territory of the United 
States, to be susp?nded on account of the intrigues of a few 
individuals? Is one of the fairest portions of the globe to re- 
main in a state of nature, the haunt of a few wretched sav- 
ages, when it seems destined by the Creator to give support 
to a large population, and to be the seat of civilization, of 
science and true Religion?" 

In the same message the Governor also urged the estab- 
lishment of a system of popular education. 

Among the acts passed by this session of the Legislature, 
one authorized the President and Directors of the A'incennes 
Public Library to raise $1,000 by lottery. Also, a petition was 
sent to Congress for a permanent seat of government for the 
Territory, and commissioners were appointed to select the site. 

T^'!th the beginning of the year ISll the British agent for 
Indian affairs ado])ted measures calculated to secure the sup- 
port of the savages in the war which at this time seemed al- 
most inevitable. Meanwhile Gov. Harrisim did all in his power 
to destroy the influence of Tecumseh and his brother and 
break up the Indian confederacy which was being organized 
in the interests of Great Britain. Pioneer settlers and tlu^ In- 
dians naturally grew more and more aggressive and intohrnnt. 
committing depredations and murders, until the Governor felt 
compelled to send the following speech, substantially, to the 
two leaders of the Indian tribes: "This is the third year that 



■■^'j HISTORY OF INDTANA. 

all the white people in this couuti y have been alarmed at 
vdui- proceedings; ynu threaten us with war; you iurite all 
the tribes nortli and west of you to join against us, while your 
T\-arriors who have lately been here deny this. The tribes on 
the Mississippi have sent me word that you intended to mur- 
der me and then commence a war upon my people, and your 
seizing the salt I recently si;nt up the Wabash is also suffi- 
cient evidence of such intentions on your part. My warriors 
are preparing themselves, not to strike you, but to defend 
themselves and their women and children. You shall not sur- 
prise us, as you expect to do. Your intended act is a rash 
one: consider well of it. What can induce you to undertalce 
such a tiling when there is so little pi'ospect of success? 
Do yon really think that the handful of men you have about 
you are able to contend with the seventeen 'tires"? or even 
that the whole of the tribes combined could contend against 
the Kentucky 'tire" alone? I am myself of the Long -Knife 
fire.' As soon as they hear my voice yon will see them pour- 
ing forth their swarms of hunting-shirt men as numerous as 
the musquitoes on the shores of the Wabash. Take care of 
their stings. It is not our wish to hurt you; if we did, we 
certainly have power to do it. 

"You have also insulted the Government of the Fnited 
States, by seizing the salt that was intended for other tribes. 
Satisfaction must be given for that also. You talk of coming 
to see me, attended by all of your young men; but this must 
not be. If your intentions are good, you have no need to 
bring but a few of your young men with you. I must be plain 
with you. I will not suffer you to come into our settlements 
with such a force. My advice is that you visit the President 
of the I'nited States and lay your grievances before him. 

"W'ith respect to the lands that were purchased last fall I 
can enter into no negotiations with you; the affair is with the 
President. If you wish to go and see him, I will supply you 
with the means. 

"The person who delivers this is one of my war officers, and 
is a man in wliom I have entire confidence; whatever he says 
to you, although it may not be contained in this paper, yon 
may believe comes from me. My friend Tecuniseh. the hearer 
is a good man and a brave warrior; I hope you will treat 
him well. You are yonrself a warrior, and all such should 
have esteem for each other." 

The b?arer of this speech was politely received by Tecum- 
seh, who politely replied to the Governor briefly that he should 
visit Yiucennes in a few davs. Accordinglv he arrived Julv 



HISTORY OF INDIANA, 87 

27, 1811, bringing with him a considerable force of Indians, 
which created much ahirm among the inhabitants. In view ol 
an emergency Gov. Harrison reviewed his militia — about 7.50 
armed men — and stationed two companies and a detaciiment 
of dragoons on the borders of the town. At this interview 
Tecumseh held forth that he intended no war against the 
United States; that he would send messengers among the In- 
dians to prevent murders and depredations on the white set- 
tlements; that the Indians, as well as the whites, who had 
committed murders, ought to be forgiven; that he had set the 
'nhile people an example of forgiveness which tliey ought to 
follow; that it was his wiih to establish a union among all 
the Indian tribes; that the northern tribes were united; that 
he was going to visit the southern Indians, and then return to 
the Prophet's town. He said also that he would visit the 
President the m^xt spring and settle all difticulties with him, 
and that he hoped no attempts would be made to make set- 
tlements on the lands which had been sold to the I'nited 
Stales, at the treaty of Fort Wayne, because the Indians 
wanted to keep those grounds for hunting. 

Tecumseh then, with about 20 of his followers, left for the 
South, to induce the tribes in that direction to join his confed- 
eracy. 

By the way, a lawsuit was instituted by Gov. Harrison 
against a certain Wm. ^Iclntosh, for asserting that the plaint 
iff had cheated the Indians out of their lands and that by so 
doing lie had made them enemies to the I'nited States. The 
defendant was a wealthy Scotch resident of Vincennes, well 
educated, and a man of influence among the people opposed 
to Gov, Harrison's land policy. The jury rendered a verdict in 
favor of Harrison, assessing the damages at fi,000. In exe- 
cution of the decree of Court a large quantity of the defend 
ant's land was sold in the absence of Gov. Harrison; but some 
time afterward Harrison caused about two-thirds of the land 
to be restored to Mr. Mcintosh, and the remainder was given 
to some orphan children. 

Harrison's first movement was to erect a new fort on the 
Wabash river and to break up the assemblage of hostile In- 
dians at the Prophet's town. For this purpose he ordered Gol. 
Boyd's regiment of infantry to move from tie falls of Ohio to 
Vincennes. TMien the military expedition organized by Gov. 
Harrison was nearly ready to march to the Prophet's town, 
several Irdian chiefs arrived at Vincennes Sept. 25, 1811, and 
dwlared that the Indians would comply with the demands of 
the Governor and disperse; but this did not check the mil- 



88 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

itary proceedings. The army under command of Harrison 
moved from Viuceunes Sept. 26, and Oct. 3' encountering no 
opposition from ttie enemy encamped at tlie place where Fort 
Harrison was afterward built, and near where the city of Terre I 
Haute now stiinds. On the night of the 11th a few hostile 
Indians approached the encampment and wounded one of the 
sentinels, which caused ounsidei'able excitement. The army ! 
was immediately drawn up in line of battle, and small de- I 
tachments were sent in all directions; but the enemy could 
not be found. Then the Goremor sent a message to Proph- 
et's Town, requiring the Shawanees, Winnebagoes, Pottawato- 
mies and Kickapoos at that place to return to their respect- 
ive tribes; he also required the Prophet to restore all the 
stolen horses in his possession, or to give satisfactory proof 
that such persons were not there, nor had lately been under 
his control. To this message the Governor received no an- 
swer, unless that answer was delivered in the battle of Tip 
pecanoe. 

The new fort on the Wabash was finished Oct. 28, and at 
the request of all the subordinate officers, it was called "Fort 
Harrison," near what is now Terre Haute. Tliis fort was gar- 
risoned with a small number of men under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Miller. On the 29th the remainder of the army, consisting of 
910 men, moved toward tlie Prophet's town; about 270 of the 
troops were mounted. The regular troops. 2.j0 in number, 
were under the couimantl of Col. Boyd. With this army the 
Governor marched to within a half mile of the Prophet's town, 
when a conference opened with a distinguished chief, in high 
esteem with the Prophet, and he informed Harrison that the 
Indians w^ere much suiprised at the approach of the army, 
and had already dispatched a message to him by another 
route. Harrison rejilied that he would not attack them until 
he had satisfied himself that they would not comply with his 
demands; that ho would continue his encampment on the Wa- 
bash, and on the following morning would have an interview 
with the Prophet. Harrison then resumed his march, and, af- 
ter some difficulty, selected a place to encamp — a spot not 
very desirable. It was a piece of dry oak land rising about 
ten feet above the marshy prairie in front toward the Indian 
town, and nearly twice that height above a similar prairie in 
the rear, through which and near this bank ran a small 
stream clothed with willow and brush wood. Toward the left 
flank this highland widened considerably, but became gradn-' 
ally narrower in the opposite direction, and at the distance of 
150 yards terminated in an abrupt point. The two columns of 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 89 

infantry occupied tlie front and rear of this jiround about 
150 yards from each other on the left, and a little more than 
half that distance on the right, Dank. One Hank was tilled b-i 
two companies of mounted ritlemen, 120 men. under command 
of Major-General Wells, of the Kentucky militia, and one by 
t^pencer's company of mounted riflemen, numbering SO men. 
The front line was comjosed of one battalion of United States 
infantry, under command of Major Floyd, flanked on the right 
by two companies of militia, and on the left by one company. 
The rear line was composed of a battalion of frutod States 
troops, under comnmnd of Capt. Bean, acting' as Major, and 
four companies of militia infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel 
D.cker. The regular trcops of this line joined the mounted 
riflemen under (ien. Wells, on the left flank, and Col. D;'cktr's 
battalion formed an angle with Spencer's company on the left. 
Two troops of dragoons, about 00 men in all, were encamped in 
the rear of the left flank, and Capt. Parke's trooj), which was 
larger than the other two, in rear of the right line. J^or a 
night attack the order of encampment was the order of bat- 
tle, and each man slept opposite his post in the line. In the 
formation of the troops single file was adopted, in order to 
get as gi'ea.t an extension of the lines as possible. 

BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE- 

No attack was made by the enemy until about 4 o'clock on 
the morning of Xor. 7. just after the Governor had arisen. 
The atta<:k was made on the left flank. Only a single gun was 
fired l>y the sentinels or by the guard in that direction, which 
made no resistance, abandoning their ]>osts and fleeing into 
camp; and tlie first notice A\hivli the troops of that line had 
of th€ danger was the yell of the savages within a short dis- 
tance of them. P.ut the men v.'ere courageous and preserved 
good discipline. Such of them as were awake, or easily awak- 
ened, seized arms and took th;'ir stations; others, who were 
more tardy, had to contend .with the enemy in the doors of 
their tents. The storm first fell npDu Capt. Barton's company 
of tlie Fourth Fnited States Regiment, and Capt. Geiger's com- 
pany of mounted riflemen, which formed the left angle of the 
rear line. The fire from the Indians was exceedingly severe, 
and men in these companies suffered considerably before re- 
lief could be brought to them. Some few Indians passed into 
the encampment near the angle, and one or two penetrated 
to some distance before they were killed. All the companies 
formed for action before thev were fired on. The morning was 



9v- HISTORY OP IXDIANA. 

dark and clouay, and the fires of tlie Amerieaus afforded only 
a partial light, which gave greater advautage to the eucniy 
than to the troops, and they were therefore extinguished. 

As soon as the Governor could mount his horse he rode to 
the angle which was attacked, where he found that Barton's 
company had suffered severely, and the left of Geiger's entirely 
broken. He immediately ordered Cook's and Wentworth's com- 
panies to march up to the center of the rear line, where were 
stationed a small company of U. S. riflemen and the companies 
of Bean, Suelliug and Prescott. As the General rode up he 
found Maj. Daviess forming the Dragoons in the rear of tliese 
companies, and having ascertained that the heaviest tire pro- 
ceeded from same trees 15 or 20 paces in front of these com- 
panies, he directed the Major to dislodge them with a part of 
the dragoons; but unfortunately tlie Major's gallantry caused 
him to undertake the execution of the order with a smaller 
force than was r qu'red, wliich enabled the enemy to avoid 
him in front and attack his flanks. He was mortally wounded 
and his men driven back. C.ipt. Snelling, however, with his 
company immediately dislodged those Indians. Capt. Spencer 
and his 1st and 2nd Lieutenants were killed, and Capt. War- 
wick mortally wounded. The soldiery remained brave. Spen- 
cer had too much ground originally, and Harrison re-enforced 
him with a company of nflemen which had been driven from 
their position on the left flank. 

Gen. Harrison's aim was to keep the lines entire, to prevent 
the enemy from breaking into the camp until daylight, which 
would enable him to make a general and effectual charge. 
With this view he had re-enforced every part of the line that 
had suffered much, and with (he ajipioach of morning he with- 
drew several com])anies fi'oni the front and rear lines and re- 
enforced the riglit and left flanks, foreseeing that at these 
points the enemy would make their last effort. Maj. Wells, 
who had commanded the left flank, charged upon the enemy 
and drove them at the point of the ba;. onet into the marsh, 
where they could not be followed. Meanwhile Capt. Coolc 
and Lieut. Larrabee marched tlieir companies to the right 
flank and formed under fire of the enemy, and being there 
joined by the riflemen of that flank, charged upon the enemy, 
killing a number and putting the rest to a precipitate flight. 

Thus ended the famous battle of Tippecanoe, victoriously to 
the whites and honorably to Gen. Harrison. 

Id this battle Mr. Hari-ison liad about 700 efficient men. 
while the Indians had probably more than that. The loss of 
the Americans was 37 killed and 25 mortally wounded, and 



HISTOKY OF IXDIAXA. Di 

126 wounded; tlie Indians lost 38 killed ou the field of battle, 
and the number of the wounded was never known. Among 
the whites killed were Daviess, Spencer, Owen, Warwick, Kan- 
dolph. Bean and TMiite. Standing on an eminence near by, 
the I'rophet encouraged his warriors to battle by singing a 
favorite war-song. He told them that they would gain an easy 
victory, and that the bullets of their enemies would be made 
harmless by the Great Spirit. Being informed during the en- 
gagement that some of the Indians were killed, he said that 
his warriors must fight on and they would soon be victorious. 
Immediately after their defeat the surviving Indians lost faith 
in their great (?) Prophet, returned to their respective tribes, 
and thus the confederacy was destroyed. The I'rophet, wit!* 
a. very few followers, then took up his residence among a 
small band of Wyaudots encamped on Wild-Cat creek. His 
famous town, with all its possessions, was destroyed the next 
day, Xov. 8. 

On the 18tli the American army returned to Vincennes. 
where most of the troops were discharged. The Territorial 
Legislature, being in session, adopted resolutions compli- 
mentary to Gov. Harrison and the officers and men under him, 
and made preparations for a reception and celebration. 

Capt. Logap, the eloquent Sha.wanee chief who assisted our 
forces so materially, died in tlie latter part of Xovember, 1812, 
from the effects of a wound received in a skirmish with a re- 
connoitering party of hostile Indians accompanied by a white 
man in the British service, Xov. 22. In that skirmish the 
white man was killed, and Winamac, a Pottawatomie chief of 
some distinction, fell by the rifle of Logan. The latter was 
mortally wounded, when he retivated with two warriors of 
his tribe, Cnpt. Johnny and Bright-Horn, to the camp of Gen. 
Winchester, where he soon afterward died. He was buried 
with the honors of war. 



WAR OF 1812 WITH GREAT BRITAIN* 

The victory recently gained by th.e Americans at the battle 
of Tippecanoe insured perfect peace for a time, but only a 
short time as the more extensive schemes of the British had 
so far ripened as to compel the United States again to de- 
clare war against them. Tecumseh had fled to Maiden, Can- 
ada, where, counseled by the English, he continued to excito 
the tribes against the Americans. As soon as this wai" with 
Great Britain was declared (June 18, 1812), the Indians, as 
was expected, commenced agaiu to commit depredations. Dur- 
ing the summer of 1812 several points along the Lake Region 
succumbed to the British, as Detroit, under Gen. Hull. Fort 
Dearborn (now Chicago), commanded by Capt. Heald under 
Gen. IIull, the post at Mackinac, etc. 

In the early part of September, 1812, parties of hostile In- 
dians began to assemble in considerable numbers in the vicin- 
ity of Forts Wayne and Harrison, with a view to reducing 
them. Capt. Rhea, at this time, had command of- Fort: Wayne, 
but his drinking propensities rather disqualified him for emer- 
gencies. For two we.dvs the fort was in great jeopardy. An 
express had been sent to Gen. Harrison for re-enforcements, 
but many days passed without any tidings of expected assist- 
ance. At length, one day, Maj. Wm. Oliver and four friendly 
Indians arrived at the fort on hnrsebaclc. One of the Indiana 
was the celebrated Logan. They had come in defiance of ".500 
Indians," had "brolcen their ranks" and readied the fort in 
safety. Oliver reported that Harrison was aware of the sit- 
uation and was raising men for a re-enforcement. Ohio was 
also raising volunteers; 800 were then assembled at St. Mary's, 
Ohio, ()0 miles south of Fort Wayne, and would march to the 
relief of the fort in three or four days, or as soon as they 
were joined by re-enforcements from Kentucky. 

Oliver prepared a letter anntnincing to Gen. Harrison his 
safe arrival at the besieged fort, and giving an account of its 
beleaguered situation, which he dispatclied by his friendly 
Shawanees, while he concluded to take his chances at the 
fort. Brave Logan and his companions started with the mes- 
sage, but had scarcely left the fort when they were discov- 
ered and pursued bv the hostile Indians, vet passing the In- 
(92) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 93 

dian lines in safety, thev were soon out of reach. The In- 
dians now began a furious attack upon the fort; but the lit- 
tle garrison, with Oliver to cheer them on, bravely met the 
assault repelling the attack day after day, until the army ap- 
proached to their relief. During this siege the commanding 
otlicer, whose habits of intemperance rendered him unlit for 
the command, was confined in the "black hole," while the jun 
ior ofticer assumed charge. This course was approved by the 
General, on hi.s arrival, but Capt. Ehea received very little cen- 
sure, probably on account of his valuable services in the Kev- 
olutionary war. 

Sept. (), 1S12. Harrison moved forward with his army to the 
relief of Fort Wayne; the next day he reached a point within 
three miles of St. Mary's river; the next day he reached the 
river and was joined at eveniiig by 200 moiinted volunteers, un- 
der Col. Richard M. Johnson; the next day at "Shane's Cross- 
ing,'' on the St. Mary's, they were joined by 800 men from Ohio, 
under Cols. Adams and Hawkins. At this place Chief Logan 
and four other Indians offered their services as spies to Gen. 
Harrison, and were accepted. Logan was immediately dis- 
guised and sent fonvard. Passing through the lines of the 
hostile Indiiins, he ascertained their number to be about 1,500. 
and entering tlie fort, he encoiiraged the soldiers to hold out, 
as relief was at hand. Gen. Harrison's force at this time was 
about 3..500. 

After an early breakfast Friday moraing they were nnder 
marching orders; it had rained and the guns were damp; they 
were discharged and reloaderl; but that day only one Indian 
was encountered; preparations were made at night for an ex- 
pected attack by the Indians, but no attack came; the next 
day. Sept. 10, they expected to fight their way to Fort Wayne, 
but in that they were happily disappointed ; and "At the first 
grey of the morning,"' as Bryce eloquently observes, "the dis- 
tant halloos of the disappointed savages revealed to the anx- 
ious inmates of the fort the glorious news of the approach of 
the army. Great clouds of dust could be seen from the fort 
rolling up in the distance, as the valiant soldiery under Gen. 
Harrison moved forward to the rescue of the garrison and the 
brave boys of Kentucky and Ohio." 

This siege of Fort Wayne of course occasioned greiit loss to 
the few settlers who had gathered around the fort. At the 
time of its commencement quite a little village had clustered 
around the military works, but during the siege most of their 
improvements and crops were destroyed by the savages. Ev- 
erv building out of the reach of the guns of the fort was lev- 



'Ji HISTORY OF TNDIAXA', 

eled to the ground, and thus the infant settlement was de- 
stroyed. 

During this siege the garrison lost hut three men. while the 
Indians lost 25. Oen. Harrison had all the Indian villages for 
2."} miles ari.mid d strayed. Fort Wayne was nothing but a 
military post until about 1819. 

Himultanennsly with the attack on Fort Wayne the Indians 
also besieged Fort Harrison, which was commanded by Za ch- 
ary Taylor. Tlif Indians commenced firing upon the fort 
Tibout 11 (I'cloik one night, when the garrison was in a rather 
poor plight for receiving them. The enemy succeeded in firing 
one of the block-houst.s, which contained whisky, and the 
whites had great difficulty in preventing the burning of all 
the barracks. The word "fire" seemed to have thrown all 
the men into confusion; soldiers" and citizens' wives, who had 
taken shelter within the fort, were crying; Indians were yell- 
ing; many of the garrison were sick and unable to be on duty: 
the men despaired and gave themselves up as lost; two of 
the strongest and apparently most reliable men ijumped the 
p'ckets in the very midst of the emergency, etc., so that Capt. 
Taylor was art his wit's end to know what to do; but he gave 
directixms as to the many details, rallied the men by a new 
scheme, and after abnnt seven hours succeeded in saving 
themselves. The Indians drove up the horses belonging to 
the citizens, and as they could not catch them very readily, 
shot the whole of them in the sight of their owners, and also 
killed a number of the hogs belonging to the whites. They 
drove off all the cattle, 05 in number, as well as the public oxen. 

Among many other depredations committed by the savages 
during this period was the massacre of the Pigeon Roost set- 
tlement, consisting of one man, five women and IG children; a 
few escaped. An unsuccpssful effort was made to capture 
these Indians, but when the news of this massacre and the 
attack on Fort Harrison reached Viucennes, about 1,200 men. 
under the command of Col. Wm. Russell, of the 7th U. S. In- 
fantry, marched forth for the relief of the fort and to pun- 
ish the Indians. On reaching the fort the Indians had retired 
from the vicinity, but on the 15th of September a small de- 
tachment composed of 11 men, under Lieut. Richardson, and 
acting as escort of provisions sent from Vincennes to Fort 
Harrison, was attacked by a party of Indians within the pres- 
ent limits of Sullivan connty. It was reported that seven of 
these men were killed and one woTmded. The provisions of 
■course fell into the hands of the Indians. 



HISTORY or INDIANA. ' 05 

EXPEDITIONS AGAINST THIC INDIANS- 

By the middle of August, through the disgraceful surrender 
of Gen. Hull, at Detroit, and the evaoiatiou of Fort Dear- 
born and massacre of its garrison, the British and Indians 
were in possession of the whole Xorthwest. The savages, em- 
boldened by their successes, penetrated deeper into the settle- 
ments, committing great depredations. The activity and suc- 
cess of the enemy aroused the people to a realization of the 
great danger their homes and families were in. Gov. Edwards 
collected a force of 3.50 men at Camp Kussell, and Capt. Bus- 
sell came from Viucennes with about 50 more. Being otficered 
and equipped, they proceeded abuut the middle of Octi.ber on 
horseback, carrying with them 20 days' rations, to Peoria. Capt. 
Craig was sent with two boats iip the Illinois, witli provi- 
sions and tools to build a fort. Tlie little army proceedinl to 
Peoria Lake, where was located a Pottawatomie village. They 
arrived late at night, witliin a few miles of the village, with- 
out their presence being known to the Indians. Four men 
were sent out that nig'it to reconnoiter the position of the 
village. The four biave men who volunteered for this peril- 
ous service were Tiiouas Carlin (afterward Governor), and 
Eobei-t, Stephen and Davis Wliiteside. They proceeded to the 
village and explored it rnd the approaches to it thoroughly, 
without starting an Indiiin or provoking the bark of a dog. 
The lo'W lands between the Indian village and the troops was 
covered with a. rank growth of tall grass, so high and dense 
as to readily conceal an Ind'an on horseback, until within a 
few feet of him. The ground had become still more yielding 
by recent rains, rendering it almost impassable by mounted 
men. To prevent detection the soldiers had camped wittiout 
lighting the usual camp-tires. The men lay down in their cold 
and cheerless camp, with many misgivings. They well remem- 
bered how the skulking savages fell upon Harrison's men at 
Tippecanoe during the night. To add to their fears, a gun in 
the hands of a soldier was carelessly discharged, raising 
great con.sternation in the camp. 

Through a dense fog which prevailed the following morn- 
ing, the army took up its line of march for the Indian town, 
Capt. Judy with his coiijs of spies in advance. In the tall grass 
they came up with an Indian and his squaw, both mounted. 
The Indian wanted to surrender, but Judy observed that he 
"did not leave home to take prisoners," and instantly shot one 
of them. With the blood streaming from his mouth and nose, 
and in his agonv "singing the death song," th(^ dving Indian 



96 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

raised his gini, shot and mortilly wounded a Mr. Wi-i,unt, and 
in a few minutes expired! 5Iany p:uns were immediately dis- 
charged at the other Indian, not then known to be a squaw, 
all of which missed her. Badly scared, and her husband Idlled 
by her side, the agouizing wails of the squaw were lieart- 
rending. She was taken prisoner, and afterward restored to 
her nation. 

On Hearing the toMU a general charge was made, the Indians 
fleeing to the interior wilderness. S'ome of their warriors 
made a stand, when a sharp engagement occurred, but the In- 
dians were routed. In their flight they left behind all their 
winter's store of profusions, which was taken, and their tov.n 
burned. Some Indian children were found who had been left 
in the hurried flight, also some disabled adults, one of whom 
was in a starving condition, and with a voracious appetite 
partook of the bread given him. He is said to have been 
killed by a cowardly trooper straggling behind, after the main 
army had resumed its retrograde marcli, who wanted to be 
able to boast that he had killed an Indian. 

September 19, 1812, Gen. Harrison was put in command of 
the Xorthwestern army, then estimated at 10,000 men, with 
these orders: "Having provided for the protection of the west- 
ern frontier, you will retake Detroit; and with a view to the 
conquest of upper Canada, you will penetrate that country as 
far as the force under your command will in your judgment 
justify." 

Although surrounded by many difficulties, the General be- 
gan immediately to execute these instructions. In callino; for 
volunteers from Kentucky, however, more men offered than 
could be received. At this time there were about 2,000 
mounted volunteers at Yincennes, under the command of Gi ii 
Samuel Hopkins, of the Revolutionary war, who was under in- 
struction to operate against the enemy along the Wabash and 
Illinois rivers. Accordingly, early in October, Gen. Ho])kins 
moved from Vincennes towards the Kickapoo villages in the 
Illinois teriitory, witli about 2,000 troops; but after four or 
five days' march the men and officers raised a mutiny which 
gradually succeeded in carrying all back to Yincennes. The 
cause of their discontent is not apparent. 

About the same time Col. Russell, with two small companies 
of T'. S. Rangers, commanded by Capts. Perry and ^lodrell, 
marched from the neighborhood of Yincennes to unite with a 
small force of mounted militia under the command of Gov. Ed- 
wards, of Illinois, and afterward to mai-ch with the united 
troops from Cahokia toward Lake Peoria, for the purpose of 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 97 

cotiperatinp: with Gen. Hopkins ayainst the Indian towns in 
that vicinity; but not tinding the latter on the ground, was 
comp.'lh^d to retire. 

Iniinediatelj' after the discharge of the mntinous volunteers, 
Gen. Hopkins began to organize another force, mainly of in- 
fantry, to rednte the Indians up the Wabash as far as the 
Prophefs town. These troops consisted of three regiments of 
Kentucky militia commanded by Cols. Barbour, Miller and Wil- 
cox; a small company of regulars commanded by Capt. Zacli- 
ary Taylor; a company of rangers commanded by Capt. Ueckes, 
and a company of scouts or spies under the command of ('apt. 
Washburn. The main body of this army arrived at Fort Har- 
rison Xov. 5; on the 11th it proceeded up the east side of 
the Wabash into the heart of the Indian country, but found 
the villages generally deserted. Winter setting in severely, 
and the troops pjorly clad, they had to return to Vincennes 
as rapidly as possible. With one exception the men behaved 
nobly, and did much damage to the enemy. That exception 
was the precipitate cliase after an Indian by a detachment of 
men somewhat in liquor, until they found themselves sur- 
rounded by an overwhelming force of the enemy, and they 
had to retreat in disorder. 

At the close of this campaign Gen. Hopkins resigned his 
command. 

In the fall of 1812 Gen. Harrison assigned to Lieut.-Col. John 
B. Campbell, of the 19th U. S. Inf., the duty of destroying the 
Miami villages on the Mississinewa river, with a detachment 
of about (iOO men. Xov. 25, Lieut.-Col. Campbell marched from 
Franklinton, according to orders, toward the scene of action, 
cautiously avoiding falling in with the Delawares, who had 
been ordered by Gen. Harrison to retire to the Shawanee es- 
tablishment on the Auglaize river, and arriving on the Missis- 
sinewa Dec. IT. when they discovered an Indian town inhab- 
ited by Delawares and Miamis. This and three other villages 
were destroyed. .Soon after this, the sujiplies growing short 
and the troops in a sntTering condition, Campbell began to 
consider the propriety of returning to Ohio; but just as he 
was calling together his officers earlv one morning to deliber- 
ate on the propisition, an army of Inlians rushed upon them 
with fui'y. The engagement lasted an hour, with a loss of 
eight killed and 42 wounded, besides about 150 horses killed. 
The whites, however, succeeded in defending themselves and 
taking a number of Indians prisoners, who proved to be !Mun- 
sies, of Silver Heel's band. Camjibell. hearing that a large 
force of Indians were assembled at Mississinewa village, un- 
7 



98 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

der Tecumseh, determined to return to Greenville. Tlie priva- 
tions of his troops and the severity of the cold comjielled him 
to send to that place for re-enforcements and supjilies. Sev- 
enteen of the men had to be carried on litters. They were 
met by the re-enforcement about 40 miles from Greenville. 

Lieut.-Col. Camphell sent two messages to the Delawares. 
who lived on White river and who had been previously direct- 
ed and requested to abandon their towns on that river a.nd 
remove into Ohio. In these messages he expressed his re- 
gret at unfortunately killing some of their men, and ui'ged 
them to move to the Shawanee settlement on the Airglai/.e 
river. He assured them that their people, in his power, would 
be compensated by the Government for their losses, if not 
found to be hostile; and the friends of those killed saiisfied 
by presents, if such satisfaction would be received. Tliis 
advice was needed by the main body of the Delawares ai.'d a 
few :Miamis. Tlie Shawanee Prophet, and some of the princi- 
pal chiefs of the Miamis. retired from the country of theWa- 
basli, and, with their destitute and suffering bands, moved to 
Detroit, where they were received as the friends and allies of 
Great Britain. 

On the approach of Gen. Harrison with his army in Septem- 
ber. 1813, the Biitish evacuated Detroit, and the Ottawas, Chip- 
pewas, Pottawatomies, Miamis and Kickapoos sued for peace 
with the United States, which was granted temporarily by 
Tjrig.-Gen. McArthur, on condition of their becoming allies of 
the United States in case of war. 

In JTine, 1813, an expedition composed of 137 men, under 
command of Col. Joseph Bartholomew, moved from Valonia 
toward the Delaware towns on the west fork of White river, 
to sur-prise and punish some hostile Indians who were supposed 
to be lurking about tho.se villages. Most of these places th(\v 
found deserted; some of them burnt. They had been but tem- 
porarily occupied for the purpose of collecting and carrying 
away corn. Col. Bartholomew's forces succeeded in killing 
one or two Indians and destroying considerable corn, and they 
returned to Valonia on the 21st of this month. 

July 1. 1813, Col. William Russell, of the 7th V. S., organized 
a force of 573 effective men at Valonia and marched to the In- 
dian villages about the mouth of the Mississinewa. His ex- 
perience was much like that of Col. Bartholomew, who had 
just preceded him. He had rainy weather, suffered many 
losses, found the villages deserted, destroyed stores of 
com, etc. Tlie Colonel reported that he went to every place 
where he expected to find the enemy, but they nearly always 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 99 

spomod to hare fled the countrv. The r-irch from Valonia ta 
the month of the Mississinewa and return was about 250 miles. 
Several smaller expeditions helped to "checker" the sur- 
rounding country, and find that the Indians were very careful 
to keep themselves out of sight, and thus closed this series of 
campaigns. 

CLOSE OF THE WAR. 

The war with England closed on the 2J:th of December. 1S14, 
when a treaty of })eace was signed at Ghent. The 9th article 
of the treaty required the United States to put an end to 
hostilities with all tribes or nations of Indians with whom 
they had been at war; to restore to such tribes or nations re- 
spectively all the riijhts and poss-essions to which they were 
entitled in ISll, before tlie war, on condition that such In- 
dians should agree to desist from all hostilities against the 
United States. But in February, just before the treaty was 
sanctioned by our Government, there were signs of Indians ac- 
cumulating arms and ammunition, and a cautionary order was 
therefore issued to have all the white forces in readiness for 
an attack by the Indians; but the attack was not made. Dur- 
ing the ensuing summei' and fall the United States Govern- 
ment acquainted the Indians with the provisions of the treaty, 
and entered into subordinate treaties of peace with the prin- 
cipal tribes. 

Just before the treaty of Spring Wells (near Detroit) was 
signed, the Shawanee Prophet retired to Canada, but declaring 
his resolution to abide by any treaty which the chiefs might 
sign. Some time afterward he returned to the Shawanee set- 
tlement in Ohio, and lastly to the west of the ifississippi 
where he died in 183-t. The British Government allowed him 
a pension from 181-3 until his death. His brother Tecnmseh 
was kilhd at the battle of the Thames, Oct. .5, 181-3. by a Mr. 
Wheatty, as we are positively informed by Mr. A. J. -James, 
now a resident of LaHar]>e township Hancock county. 111., 
whose father-in-law, -Jnhn Pigman, of Coshocton county, Ohio, 
was an eye-witness. (Jen. Johnson has generally had the 
•credit of killing Tecimiseh. 



TECTOISEH. 

If one slimild inquire who has been the greatest Indian, 
the ninst noted, the "principal Indian'' in Xorth America since 
its discovery by Columbus, we would be obliged to answer 
Tecumseh. For all those qualities which elevate a man far 
above his race; for talent, tact, skill and bravery as a war- 
rior; for high-minded, honorable and chivalrous bearing as a 
man; in a word, for all those elements of greatnetrs which 
place him a long way above his fellows in savage life, tlie 
name and fame of Tecumseh will go down to posterity in the 
West as one of the most celebrated of the aborigines of this 
continent, — as one who had no equal among the tribes that 
dwelt in the country drained by the ^Mississippi. Born to com- 
mand himself, he used all the appliances that would stimulate 
the courage and nerve the valor of his followers. Always in 
the front rank of battle, his followers blindly followed his 
lead, and as his war-cry rang clear above the din and noise 
of the battle-field, the Shawanee warriors, as they rushed on 
to victory or the gi'ave, rallied around him, foemen worthy of 
the steel of the most gallant commander that ever entered 
the lists in defense of his altar or his home. 

The tribe to which Tecumseh, or Tecumtha, as some write it. 
belonged, was the Shawnee, or Shawanee. The tradition of 
the nation held that they originally came from the Gulf of 
Mexico; that they wended their way up the Mississippi and 
the Ohio, and settled at or near the present site of Shawnee- 
town. 111,, whence they removed to the upper Wabash. In the 
latter place, at any rate, they were found early in the 18th cen- 
tury, and were known as the "bravest of the brave." Tliis 
tril>e has uniformly been the bitter enemy of the white man, 
and in every contest with our people has exhibited a dci^ree 
of skill and strategy that should characterize the most dan- 
gerous foe. 

Tecumseh's notoriety and that of his brother, the Propher. 
mutually served to establish and strengthen each other. While 
Ihe Prophet had unlimited power, spiritual and temporal, he 
distributed his greatness in all the departments of Indian life 
with a kind of fanaticism that magnetically aroused the re- 
ligious and superstitions ]iassions. not only of his own follow- 
ers, but also of all the tribes in this part of the country; but 
(100) 



HISTOKY OF IXDIANA. H.'l 

Tecumseh concentrated his greatness upon tlie more practical 
and business affairs of military conquest. It is doubted 
wliettier he was really a sincere believer in the pretensions of 
his fanatic brother; if he did not believe in the pretentious 
feature of them he had the shrewdness to keep his unbelief 
to himself, knowing that relifnous fanaticism was one of the 
strongest impulses to reckless bravery. 

During his sojourn in the Northwestern Territory, it was Te- 
cumseh's uppermost desire of life to confederate all the Indian 
tribes of the country together against the whites, to maintain 
their choice hunting-grounds. All his public policy converged 
toward tliis single end. In his vast scheme be comprised even 
all the Indians in the (iulf country, — all in America west of 
the Alleghany mountains. He held, ns a subordinate princi- 
ple, that the Great Spirit had given the Indian race all these 
hunting-grounds to kiep in common, and that no Indian or 
tribe could cede any portion of the land to the whites without 
the consent of all the tribes. Hence, in all his councils with 
the whites he ever maintained that the treaties were null and 
void. 

When he met Harrison at Vincennes in council the last time, 
and, as he was invited by that General to take a seat with 
him on the platfonn, he hesitated; Harrison insisted, saying 
that it was the "wish of the'r Great Father, the President of 
the Ignited States, that he should do so." The chief paused a 
moment, raised his tall and commanding form to its greatest 
height, surveyed the troops and crowd around him, fixed his 
keen eyes upon Gov. Harrison, and then turning them to the 
sky above, and pointing toward heaven with his sinewy arm 
in a manner indicative of supreme contempt for the paternity 
assigned him, said in clarion tones: "ify father? The sun is 
my father, the earth is my mother, and on her bosom T will 
recline." He then stretched himself, with his warriors, on 
the green sward. The effect was electrical, and for some mo- 
ments there was perfect silence. 

Tlie Governor, then, through an interpreter, told him that 
lie understood he had some complaints to make and redress to 
ask, etc., and that he wished to investigate the matter and 
make restitution wherever it might be decided it should be 
done. As soon as the Governor was through with this intro- 
ductory speech, the stately warrior arose, tall, athletic, manly, 
dignified and graceful, and with a voice at first low, but dis- 
tinct and musical, commenced a reply. As he warmed up with 
his subject his clear tones might be heard, as if "trumpet- 
tongued," to the utmost limits of the assembly. The most per- 



102 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

feet silence prevailed, except wlien his warriors gave their 
guttural assent to some eloquent recital of the red man's 
■wrong and the white man's injustice. Tecumseh recited the 
wrongs which his race had suffered from the time of the mas- 
sacre of the Moravian Indians to the present; said he did not 
know how he could ever again be the friend of the white man; 
that the Great Spirit had given to the Indian all the land 
from the Miami to the Mississippi, and from the lakes to the 
Ohio, as a common property to all the tribes in these borders, 
and that the land could not and should not be sold without 
the consent of all; that all the tribes on the continent formed 
but one nation; that if the Unitetl States would not give up 
the lands thev had bought of the ^Miamis and the other tribes, 
those rmited with him were determined to annihilate those 
tribes; that they were determined to have no more cliiefs, but 
in future to be governed by their warriors; that unless the 
whites ceased their encroachments upin Indian lands, the fate 
of the Indians was sealed; they had been driven from the 
banks of the Delaware across tlie Alleghanies, and their pos- 
sessions on tlie Wabash and the Illinois were now to be taken 
from them; that in a few years they would not have ground 
enough to bury tlieir warriors on this side of the "Father of 
Waters;" that all woiild perish, all their possessions taken 
from them by fraud or force, unless they stopped the progress 
of the white man westward; tliat it must be a war of races in 
which one or the other must perish; that their tribes had been 
driven toward the setting sun like a galloping horse (ne-kat 
a-kush-e ka-top-o-lin-to). 

The Shawanee language, in which this most eminent Indian 
statesman spoke, excelled all other aboriginal tongues in its 
musical articulation; and the effect of Tecumseh's oratory on 
this occasion can be more easily imagined than described 
Gov. Harrison, although as brave a soldier and General as any 
American, was overcome by tliis sp?ech. He well knew Te- 
cumseh's power and influence among all the tribes, knew his 
bravery, courage and determination, and knew that he meant 
what he said. Wlien Tecumseli was done speaking there was 
a stillness throughout the assembly which was really painful; 
not a whisper was heard, and all eyes were turned from the 
speaker toward Gov. Harrison, who after a few moments came 
to himself, and recollecting many of the absurd statements 
of the great Indian orator, began a reply which was more 
logical, if not so eloquent. The Shawanees were attentive un- 
til Harrison's interpreter began to translate his speech to 
the Miamis and Pottawatomies, when Tecumseh and his war- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 103 

riors sprang to their feet, brandishing their war-clubs and 
tomahawlis. "Tell him," said Tecumseh, addressing the in 
terpreter in Shawanee, "he lies." The interpreter undertook 
to c-ODvey tliis message to the Governor in smoother language, 
but Tecumseh noticed the effort and remonstrated, "No, no; 
tell him he lies." The warriors began to grow more excited, 
when Secretary Gibson ordered the American troops in arms 
to advance. This allayed the rising storm, and as soon as" 
Tecumseh's "He lies" was literally interpreted to the Governor, 
the latter told Tecumseh throu>;h the interpreter to tell Tecum- 
seh hi' would hold no further council with him. 

Thus the assembly was broken up, and one c^n hardly im- 
agine a more exciting scene. It would constitute the finest 
subject tor a historical painting to adorn the rotunda of the 
capitol. The next day Tecumseh requested anotlier interview 
with the Governor, which was granted on condition that he 
should make an ap ilogy to the Governor for his language the- 
day before. This he made through the intei-preter. Measures 
for defense and protection were taken, however, lest there 
should be another outbreak. Two companies of militia were 
ordered from the countiw, and the one in town added to them, 
while the Governor and his friends went into council fully 
armed and prepared for any contingency. On this occasion 
the conduct of Tecumseh was entirely different from that of 
the day before. Firm and intrepid, showing not the slight- 
est fear or alarm, surrounded with a military force four times 
his own, he preserved the utmost composure and equanimity. 
No one would have supposed tliat he could have been the prin- 
cipal actor in the thrilling scene of the previous day. He 
claimed that half the Americans were in sympathy with him. 
He also said that whites had informed him that Gov. Harrison 
had purchased land from the Indians without any authority 
from the Government; tliat he, Harrison, had but two years 
more to remain in office, and that if he, Tecumseh, could pre- 
vail upon the Indians who sold the lands not to receive their 
annuities for that time, and the present Governor displaced 
by a good man as his successor, the latter would restore to 
the Indians all the land-i purchased from them. 

The Wyandots, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Ottawas and the 
Winnebagos, through their respective spokesmen, declared 
their adherence to the gi-eat Shawanee warrior and statesman. 
Gov. Harrison then told them that he would send Tecumseh's 
speech to the President of the Fnited States and return the an- 
swer to the Indians as soon as it was received. Tecumseh then 
declared that he and his allies were determined that the old 



104 HISTORY OF INDIANA, 

boundary line should continue; and that if the whites crossed 
it, it would be at their peril. Gov. Harrison replied that he 
would be equally plain with him and state that the President 
would never allow that the lands on the Wabash were the 
property of any other trib;'S than those who had occupied 
them since the white people first came to America; and as the 
title to the lands lately purchased was derived from those 
tribes by a fair purchase, he miyht rest assured that the right 
of the United State* would be sui>ported by the sword. "So 
be it," was tlie stem and haughty reply of the Shawanee chief- 
tain, as he and his braves 1oiik leave of the Governor and 
wended their way in Indian file to their camping ground. 

Thus ended the last cnuf'erence on earth between the chival- 
rous Tecumseh and the hero of the battle of Tippecanoe. The 
bones of the first lie bleaching on the battle-field of the Thames, 
and those of the last in a mausoleum on the banks of the Ohio; 
each struggled for the miistery of his race, and each no doubt 
was equally honest and patriotic in his purposes. The weak 
yielded to the strong, th^ defenseless to the powerful, and the 
hunting-ground of the Shawnee is all occupied by his enemy. 

Tecumseh, with four of his braves, immediately embarked in 
a birch canoe, descended tlie Wabash, and went on to the 
South to unite the tribes of that country in a general system 
of self-defense against the encroachment of the whites. His 
i'ml)lem was a disjointed snake, with the motto, "Join or die!" 
In union alone was strength. 

P.efore Tecumseh left the Prophet's town at the mouth of the 
Tippecanoe river, on his excursion to the South, he had a 
definite underslandiug wirh his brother and the chieftains of 
the other tribes in the Wabash country, that they should pre- 
serve prrfect poace with the whites until his arrangements 
were completed for a confederacy of the tribes on both sides 
of the Ohio and on the ilississippi river; but it seems that 
while lie was in the South engaged in his work of xmiting the 
tribes of that country some of the Northern tribes showed 
signs of tight and i)reii])itatcd Harrison into that campaign 
which en led in the battle of Tippecanoe and the total rout 
of tlie Indians. Tecumseh. on his return from the South, leaj-n- 
ing what had happened, was overcome with chagrin, disap- 
pointment and anger, and accused his bi-other of duplicity and 
cowardice; indeed, it is said that he never forgave him to the 
day of his death. A short time afterward, on the breaking 
out of the war of Great Britain, he joined Proctor, at Maiden, 
with a party of his warriors, and finally suffered the fate 
previously mentioned. 



CIVIL ilATTEES, 1812-15. 

Owinn^ to the absence of Gov. Harrison on military duty, 
John Gibson, the Secretary of the Territory, acted in the ad- 
niinisti-ation of civil affairs. In his message to the Legislature 
convening on the 1st of February, 1813, he said, substantially: 

"Did I possess the abilities of Cicero or Demosthenes, I could 
not portray in more glowing coloi's our foreign and domestic 
lK)Iitical situation than it is already exjjerienced within our 
own J^reasts. The I'nited States have been compelled, by fre- 
quent acts of injustice, to declare war against England. For 
a detail of the causes of this war I would refer to the message 
of President Madison; it does honor to his head and heart. 
Although not an admirer of war, I am glad to see our little 
biit inimitable navy riding triumphant on the seas, but cha- 
grined to find that our armies by land are so little successful. 
The spirit of '7(i appears to have fled from our continent, or, 
if not fled, is at least asleep, for it appears not to pervade our 
armies generally. At your last assemblage our political hor- 
izon seemed clear, and oiw infont Territory bid fair for rapid 
and rising grandeur; but. alas, the scene has changed; and 
whether this change, as respects our Territory, has been owing 
to an over anxiety in us to extend our dominions, or to a wish 
for retaliation by our foes, or to a foreign influence, I slmll 
not say. The Indians, our former neig^libors and friends, have 
become our mi?st inveterate foes. Our former frontiers are 
now our wilds, and our inner settlements have become fron- 
tiers. Some of our best citizens, and old men worn do^n'vi with 
age, and helpless women and innocent babes, have fallen vic- 
tims to savage craelty. I have done my duty as well as I can, 
and hope that the interposition of Providence will protect us." 

The many complaints made about the Territorial Govern- 
ment Mr. Gibson said, were caused more by default of officers 
than of the law. Said he; "It is an old and. I believe, con-ect 
adage, that 'good officers make good soldiers.' This evil hav- 
in'.; taken root, I do not know how it can be eradicated; but it 
may be remedied. In place of men searchini;- after and ac- 
cepting commissions before thev are even tolerablv qualified, 
(105) 



lOG HISTOKY OF IXDIAXA. 

thereby subjecting themselves to ridicule and their country to 
ruiu, barely for the name of the thing, I think may be remedied 
by a previous examination."' 

During this session of the Legislature the seat of the Terri- 
torial Government was declared to be at Corydon, and imme- 
diately acting Governor Gibson prorogued the Legislature to 
mee4; at tbat place, the first Monday of December, 1S13. Dur- 
ing this year the Territory was almost defenseless; Indian out- 
rages were of common occurrence, but no general outbreak 
was made. The militia-men were armed with rifles and long 
knives, and many of tbe rangers carried tomahawks. 

In 1S13 Thomas Posey, who was at that time a Senator in 
Congress from Ternessee. and who had been otticer of the 
army of the Eevolution, was appointed Governor of Indiana 
Territory, to succeed Gen. Harrison. He arrived in Vincennes 
and entered upon the discharge of his duties Mhy 25, 1813. 
During this year several expeditions against the Indian settle- 
ments were set on foot. 

In his first message to the Legislature the following Decem- 
ber, at Corydon, Gov. Posey said: "Tlie present crisis is awful, 
and big with great events. Our land and nation is involved in 
the conmion calamity of war; but we are under the protecting 
care of tlie beneficent Being, who has on a former occasion 
brought us safely through an anluous struggle and placed us 
on a foundation of independence, freedom and happiness. He 
will not suffer to be taken from us what He, in His great wis- 
dom has thought proper to confer and bless us witli. if we 
make a wise and virtuous use of His good gifts. * » * 
Although our affairs, at the commencement of the war, wore 
a gloomy aspect, they have brightened, and promise a cer- 
tainty of success, if properly directed and conducted, of which 
I have no doubt, as the President and heads of departments 
of the gtneial Government are men of undoubted patriotism, 
talents and experience, and who have grown old in the senice 
of their country. * * * It must be obvious to every thiak- 
ing man that we were forced into the war. Every measure 
consistent with h.onor, both before and since the declaration 
of rwar, has tried to be on amicable terms with our enemy. 
* * * You Mho reside in various parts of the Territory 
have it in your power to understand what will tend to its 
local and general advantage. The judiciary system would re- 
quire a revisal and amendment. The militia law is very de- 
fective and requires your immediate attention. It is neces- 
sary to have good roads and highways in as many directions 
through the Territoa'v as the circumstances and situation of the 



HISTOKV OF INDIAjSTA. 101 

inhabitants will admit; it would contribute verv mucli to pto- 
iiu.re the settlement and improvement of the Territory. At- 
tention to education is highly necessary. There is an appro- 
p iation m '.de by Congress, in lands, for the purpose of estab- 
li.-hiui;- public schools. It comes now within your proviace to 
cuiv into operation the dcsigu of th- appropriation." 

'l"!iis Legislature passed several A'ery necessary laws for the 
welfare of the settlements, and the following year, as Gen. 
Harrison was generally successful in his military campaigns 
in the Xorthwest, the settlements in Lidiana began to increase 
aud improve. The fear of danger from Indians had in a great 
measure subsided, and the tide of immigration began <igain 
to flow. In January, 1814:, about a thoiisand Jliamis assem- 
ble d at Fort Wayne for the purpose of obtaining food to pre- 
vent starvation. They met with ample hospitality, and their 
example was speedily followed by others. These, with other 
acts of kindness, won the lasting fiiendship of the Indians, 
many of whom had fought in the interests of Great Rritain. 
General treaties between the United States and the Northwest- 
ern tribes were siibsequently concluded, and the way was 
fully opened for the improvement and settlement of the lands. 



POPULATION IN 1S15. 

The population of the Territory of Indiana, as given in the 
ofticial returns to the Legislature of 1815, was as follows, by 
counties: 



Counties— White mates of ?1 and over. Total 

Wavne 1,225 6,407 

Franklin 1,430 7,370 

Dearborn 902 4, 424 

Switzerland 377 1,832 

Jefferson 874 4, 270 

Clark 1,387 7,1.'50 

Washington 1,420 7,317 

Harrison 1,056 6,975 

Knox 1,391 8,068 

Gibson 1,100 5,a30 

Posev .320 1,619 

Warrick 280 1,415 

Perry 350 1, 720 

Grand totals 12,112 63,897 



108 HISTORV OF INDIANA. 

GENERAL VIEW. 

The well-knowB ordinance of 1787 conferred many "rights 
and privileges'' upon the inhabitants of tlie Northwestern Ter- 
ritory, and consequently n])on the people of Indiana Territory, 
but after all it came far short of conferring as many privileges 
as arc enjoyed at the present day by our Territories. They 
did not have a full form of Eepiiblican government. A free- 
hold est.ite in 500 acres of land was one of the necessary 
qualifications of each member of the legislative council of the 
Territory; every member of the Territorial House of Eepre- 
seutati\'es was required to liol<l, in his own right. 200 ;K-res 
of land; and the privilege of vot'ng for members of the House 
of Representatives was restricted to those inhabitants who. 
in addition to other qualificatious. owned severally at least 50 
acres of land. The Governor of the Territory was invested 
with the power of appointing officers of the Territorial militia, 
Judges of th.e inferior Courts, Clerks of the Courts, Justices 
of the Peace, Sheriffs, Coroners. County Treasurers and County 
Surveyors. He was also authorized to di\ide the Territory 
into districts; to apportion among the several counties the 
members of the House of Eepresentatives; to prevent the pas- 
sage of any Territorial law; and to convene and dissolve the 
General Assembly whenever he thought best. Xone of the 
Governors, however, ever exercised these extraordinary powers 
arbitrarily. Xevertheless, the people were constantly agitat- 
ing the question of extending the right of suffrage. Five yeara 
after the organization of the Territory, the Legislative Council, 
in reply to the Governor's Message, said: "Although we are 
not as completely independent in our legislative capacity as 
we would wish to be, yet we ar? sensible that we must wait 
with patience for that period of time when our population will 
burst the trammels of a Territorial government, and we sliall 
assume the character more consonant to Republicanism. * * 
The confidence which our fellow citizens have uniformly had 
in your administration has been such that they have hitherto 
bad no reason to be jealous of the unlimited power which you 
possess over our legislative proceedings. We, however, can- 
not help regretting that such powers have been lodgxl in the 
hands of any one, especially when it is recollected to what 
dangerous lengths the exercise of those powers may be ex- 
tended." 

After repeated petitions the people of Indiana were em- 
power( d by Congress to elect the members of the Legislative 
Coimcil by pojjular vote. This act was passed in 1800, and de- 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. lOU 

fined wliat was kno\\-n as the property qualification of voters. 
These qualifications were abolished hj Congress in ISll, which 
extended the right of voting for members of the General As- 
sembly and for a Territorial delegate to Congress to every 
free white male person who had attained the age of twenty- 
one years, and who, having paid a county or Territorial tax, 
was a resident of the Territory and had resided in it for a 
year. In 1814 the voting qualification in Indiana was defined 
by Congress, "to every tree white male person having a free- 
hold in the Territory, and being a resident of the same." The 
House of Representatives was authorized by Congress to lay 
off the Territory into five districts, in each of which the quali- 
fied voters were empuwertd to elect a member of the Legis- 
lative Council. The division was made, one to two counties 
in each district. 

At the session in Augtist, 1811, the Territory was also di- 
vided into three judicial circuits, and provisions were made 
for holding courts in the same. The Governor was empow- 
ered to appoint a presiding Judge in each circuit, and two 
Associate Judges of The circuit court in each county. Their 
compensation was fixed at |70fl per annum. 

The same year the (leneral Assembly granted charters to 
two banking institutions, the Farmers" and Mechanics' Bank 
of Madison and the T.ank of Viucennes. The fust was au- 
thorized to raise a capital of $750.()()(l, and the other |5(»0,000. 
On the organization of the Stit;> these banks were merged into 
the State Bank and its branches. 

ITere we close the history of the Territory of Indiana. 



OEGAjnZATION OF THE STATE. 

The last regular session of the Territorial Legislature was 
held at Corvdon, conveuing in December, 1815. The message 
of Governor Posey congratulated the people of the Territory 
upon the general success Of the settlements and the great in- 
crease of immigration, recommended light taxes and a careful 
attention to the promotion of education and the improvement 
of the State roads and highwa.ys. He also recommended a re- 
vision of the territorial laws and an amendment of the militia 
system. Several laws were passed preparatory to a State 
Government, and December 14, 1S1.5, a memorial to Congress 
was adopted praying for the authority to adopt a constitution 
and State Government. Mr. Jennings, the Territorial delegate, 
laid his memorial before Congress on the 28th. and April ID. 
1810, the President approved the bill creating the State of In- 
diana. Accordingly, May .30 following, a general election was 
held for a constitutional convention, which met at Corydon 
June 10 to 2!). Jonathan Jennings presiding and Wm. Hen- 
dricks acting as Secretary. 

"The convention that formed the first constitution of the 
State of Indiana was composed mainly of clear-minded, un- 
pretending men of common sense, whose patriotism was un- 
questionable and whose morals were fair. Their familiarity 
with the tlieories of the Declaration of American Independence, 
their Territorial experience nnder the provisions of the ordi- 
nance of 1787, and their knowledge of the principles of the 
constitution of the I'nited States were sufficient, when com- 
bined, to lighten materially their labors in the great work of 
forming a constitution for a new State. With such landmarks 
in view, the labors of similar conventions in other States and 
Territories have been rendered comparatively light. In the 
clearness and conciseness of its style, in the comprehensive 
and ju-;t provisions whicli it made for the maintenance of civil 
and religions liberty, in its mandati^s, which were designed to 
protect the rights of the people collectively and individually, 
and to provide for the public we'fai'e, the constitution that 
was formed for ludiaun in 181(i was not inferior to any of the 
State constitutions which were in existence at that time." — 
JDilIon''s nistory of Indiana- 

(110) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. Ill 

The first State election took place on the first Monday of 
August, 1S16, and Jonathan Jennings was elected Governor, 
and Christopher Harrison, Lieut. Governor. Wra. Hendricks 
was elected to represent the new State in the House of Repre 
sentatives of the United States. 

The first General Assembly elected under the new constitu 
tion begun its session at Coi-ydon, Nov. 4, 181G. John Paul 
was called to the chair of the Senate pro tem., and Isaac Black- 
ford was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Among other things in the new Governor's message were 
the following remarks: "The result of your deliberation will 
be considered as indicative of its future character as well as 
of the future hap])iness and prosperity of its citizens. In the 
commencement of the State government the shackles of the 
colonial should be forgotten in our exertions to prove, by hai>py 
experience, that a uniform adherence to the first principles of 
our Government and a virtuous exercise of its powers will best 
secure efficiency to its measuic s and stability to its character. 
Without a frequent recurrence to those principles, the admin- 
istration of the Government will imperceptibly become more 
and more arduous, until the simjtlicity of our Republican in- 
stitutions may eventually be lost in dangerous expedients and 
political design. Under every free government tlie happiness 
of the citizens must be identiflerl with their morals; and while 
a constitutional exercise of their rights shall continue to have 
its due weight in discharge of the duties required of the 
constituted authorities of the State, too much attention can- 
not be bestowed to the encouragement and promotion of every 
moral virtue, and to the enactment of laws calculated to re- 
strain the vicious, and prescribe punishment for every crime 
commensurate with its enormity. In measuring, however, to 
each crime its adequate punishment, it will be well to recol- 
lect that the certainty of punishment has generally the surest 
effect to prevent crime; while punishments unnecess;irilv se- 
vere too often produce the acquittal of the guilty and disap- 
point one of the greatest objects of legislation and goo ] gov- 
ernment. * • » The dissemination of useful knowledge 
will be indispensably necessary as a support to morals and as 
a restraint to vice; and on this subject it wiil onlv be neces- 
sary to direct your attention to the ])lan of education as pre- 
sci'ibed by the constitution. • * * j recommend to your 
consideration the propriety of providing by law, to prevent 
more effectually any unlawful attempts to seize and carry into 
bondage persons of color legally entitled to their freedom; and 
at the' same time, as far as practicable, to prevent those who 



112 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

rightfully owe service to the citizens of any other State or Ter- 
ritory from seeking within the limits of this State a refuge 
from the possession of their lawful owners. Such a measure 
will tend to secure those who are free from any unlawful at- 
tempt* (to enslave them) and secures the rights of the citizens 
of the other States and Territories as far as ought reasonably 
to be expected." 

This session of the Legislature elected James Xohlc and Y\'al- 
ler Taylor to the St nate of the United States; Robert A. New 
was elected Secretary of State; W. H. Liliey, Auditor of State: 
and Daniel C. Lane, Treasurer of State. The session adjourned 
January .3, 1817. 

As the history of the State of Indiana from this time forward 
is best given by topics, we will proceed to give them in the 
chronological order of their origin. 

The hippy close of the war with Great Britain in 1814 was 
followed by a great rush of immigrants to the great Territory 
of the Northwest, including the new States, all now recently 
cleared of the enemy; and by 1820 the State of Indiana had 
more than doubled her population, having at this time 147.178 
and by 1825 nearly doubled this again, that is to say, a round 
quarter of a million, — a growth more rapid probably than that 
of any other section in this country since the days of Colum 
bus. 

The period 1825-'30 was a prosperous time for the young 
State. Immigration continued to be rapid, the crops were 
generally good and the hopes of the people raised higher iluin 
they had ever been before. Accomjwinying this immigration, 
however, were paiipers and indolent people, who threatened to 
be so numerous as to become a serious burden. On this sub- 
ject Governor Eay called for legislative action, but the Legis- 
latm-e scarcely knew what to do and they deferred action. 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 

In 1830 there still linjjered within the bounds of the State 
two tribes of Indians, whose growing indolence, intemperate 
habits, dependence upon their neighbors for the bread of life, 
diminished prospects of living by the chase, continued perpe- 
tration of murders and other outrages of dangerous precedent, 
primitive ignorance and unrestrained exhibitions of savage 
customs before the children of the settlers, combined to make 
them subjects for a more rigid government. The removal of 
the Indians west of the Mississ'ppi was a melancholy but nec- 
essary duty. The time having arrived for the emigration of 
the Pottawatomies, according to the stipulations contained in 
their treaty with the United States, they evinced that reluc- 
tance common auumg aboriginal tribes on leaving the homes of 
Their childhood and the graves of their ancestors. Love of 
country is a principle planted in the bosoms of all mankind. 
The Laplander and the Esquimaux of the frozen north, who 
feed on seals, moose and the meat of the polar bear, would not 
exchange their country for the sunny clime of "Araby the 
blest." Color and shades of complexion have nothing to do 
with the heart's best, warmest emotions. Then we should not 
wonder that the Pottawatomie, on leaving his home on the 
Wabash, felt as sad as ^Eschines did when ostracised from his 
native land, laved by the waters of the classic Scamander; and 
the noble and eloquent Xas-waw-kay, on leaving the encamp 
ment on Crooked creek, felt his banishment as keenly as Cicero 
when thrust from the bosom of his beloved Rome, for which h(> 
had spent the best efforts of his life, and for which he died. 

On Sunday morning, ilay IS, 1S32, the people on the «est 
side of the Wabash were thrown into a state of great conster- 
nation, ou account of a report that a large body of hostile 
Indians had approached within 15 miles of Lafayette and 
killed two men. Tlie alarm soon spread throughout Tippeca- 
noe, Warren, Vermillion, Fountain, Montgomery, and adjoin- 
ing counties. Several brave commandants of companies on 
the west side of the Wabash in Tippecanoe county, raised 
troops to go and meet the enemy, and dispatched an express 
to Gen. Walker with a request that he should make a call 
upon the militia of the countv to equip themselves instantly 
(113) 



114 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

and march to the aid of their bleeding countrymen. There- 
upon Gen. Walker, Col. Davis, Lieut. -Col. Jenuers, Capt. 
Brown, of the ai'tillery, and various other gallant spirits 
mounted their war steed.s and proceeded to the army, and 
thence upon a scout to the Grand Prairie to discover, if pos- 
sible, the number, intention and situation of the Indians. 
Over 300 old men, women and cliildren flocked precipitately 
to Lafayette and the surrounding country east of the Wabash. 
A remarkable event occurred in this stanii)ede, as follows: 

A man, wife and seven children resided on the edge of the 
Grand Prairie, west of Lafayette, in a locality considered pai'- 
ticularly dangerous. On hearing of this alarm he made liur 
rieil preparations to fly with his family to Lafayette for safety. 
Imagine his surprise and chagrin when his wife told him she 
woulil not go one step; tliat she did not believe in being scared 
at trifles, and in her oi)inion there was not an Indian within 
100 miles of them. Importunity proved unavailing, and the 
disconsolate and frightened husband and father took all the 
children except the youngest, bade his wife and babe a long 
and solemn farewell, never expecting to see them again, unless 
perhaps he might find their mangled remains, minus their 
scalps. On arri\ing at Lafayette his acquaintances rallied 
and berated him for abandoning his wife and child in that 
way, but he met their jibes with a stoical indifference, avow- 
ing that he should not be held responsible for their obstinacy. 

As the shades of the first evening drew on, the wife felt 
hmely; and the chirping of the frogs and the notes of the 
whippooiwill only intensified her loneliness, until she half 
wished she had accompanied the rest of the family in their 
flight. Slie remained in the house a few hours without strik- 
ing a light, and then concluded that "discretion was the better 
part of valor," took her babe and some bed-clothes, fastened 
the cabin door, and hastened to a sink-hole in the woods, in 
which she afterward said that she and her babe slept soundly 
until sunrise next morning. 

Lafayette literally boiled over with people and patriotism. 
A meeting was held at the court-house, speeches were made 
by patriotic individuals, and to allay the fears of the women 
an armed police was immediately ordered, to be called the 
"Lafayette Guards." Thos. T. Benbridge was elected Captain, 
and John Cox, Lieutenant. Capt. Benbridge yielded the active 
drill of his guards to the Lieutenant, who had served two 
years in the war of 1S12. After the meeting adjourned, the 
guards were paraded on the green where Purdue's block now 
stands, and put through sundry evolutions by Lieut. Cox, who 



HISTOUY OF rXDIANA. 115 

proved to be an expert drill officer, and whose clear, shrill 
voice rung out on the night air as he marched and counter- 
maiched the troops frmu wliere the paper-mill stands to Main 
street ferry, and over the suburbs, geneiallv. Every old gun 
and sword that could be found was brought into requisition, 
with a new shine on thi'ui. 

Gen. Walker, Colonels Davis and Jenners, and other officers 
joined in a call of the people of Tippecanoe county for volun- 
teers to march to the frontier settlements. A large meeting 
of the citizens assembled in the public square in the town, and 
over 300 volunteers, mostly mounted men, left for the scene 
of action, with an alacrity that would have done credit to vet- 
erans. 

The first night they camped nine miles west of Lafayette 
near Grand Prairie. They jilaced sentinels for the night and 
retired to rest. A few of the subaltern officers very inju- 
diciously concluded to try what effect a false alarm would 
ha\ e upon tlie slee])ing soldiers, and a few of them withdrew 
to a neighboring thicket, and thence made a charge upon the 
Iiicket guards, who, after hailing them and receiving no coun- 
tersign, fired off their guns and lan for the Colonels' marquee. 
in the center of the encampment. The aroused Colonels and 
staff sprang to their feet, shouting "To arms! to arms!" and the 
obedient, though panic-stricken soldiers seized their guns and 
demanded to be led against the invading foe. A wild scene of 
disorder ensued, and amid the din of arms and loud commands, 
of the officers the raw militia felt that they had already got 
into the red jaws of battle. One of the alarm sentinels, in 
running to the center of the encampment, leaped o^er a blaz- 
ing camp fire, and alighted full upon the breast and stomach 
of a sleeping lawyer, who was, no doubt, at that moment 
dream'ng of vested and contingent remainders, rich clients 
and good fees, which in legal parlance was suddenly estopped 
by the hob-nails iu the stogas of the scared sentinel. As soon 
as the counselor's vitality and consciousness sufficiently re- 
turned, he put in some strong demurrers to the conduct of the 
affrighted picket men, averring that he would greatly prefer 
being wounded by the enemy to being run over by a cowardly 
booby. Xext morning the organizers of the ruse were severely 
reprimanded. 

May 28, 1S32, Governor Noble ordered General Walker to 
call out his whole command, if necessary, and supply arms, 
horses and provisions, even though it be necessary to s'.lze 
them. The next day four baggage wagons, loaded with camp 
equipments, stores, provisions and other articles, were sent to 



lie HISTORY or INDIANA. 

the little armv, who were thus provided for a campaign of 
five or six weeks. The following Thursday a stjuad of eavalrv, 
under Colonel Sigler, passed through Lafayette on the way to 
the hostile region; and on the i;5th of June Colonel Eussell. 
coniinandant of the 40th lieginient, Indiana ^lilitia, passed 
through Lafayette with 340 mounted volunteers from the conn- 
ties of Marion, Henlricks and Johnson. Also, several com- 
panies of volunteers from Montgomery, Fountain and Warren 
counties, hastened to the relief of the frontier settlers. Tin 
troops from Lafayette marched to Sugar creek, and after a 
short time, there being no probability of linding any of the 
enemy, were ordered to return. They all did so except about 
4.5 horsemen, who A'olunteered to cross Hickory creek, where 
the Indians had committed their depredations. They organ- 
ized a company by electing Samuel McGeorge, a soldier of the 
war of 1812, Captain, and Amos Allen and Andrew W. lugra- 
ham. Lieutenants. 

Crossing Hickory creek, they marched as far as O'Plein 
river without meeting with opposition. Finding no enemy 
here they concluded to return. On the first night of their 
march home they encamped on the open prairie, posting senti- 
nels, as usual. About ten o'clock it began to rain, and it was 
with ditTiculty that the sentinels kept their guns dry. Capt. 
I. H. Cox and a man named Fox had been posted as sentinels 
within 1.5 or 20 paces of each other. Cox drew the skirt of 
his overcoat over his gun-lock to keep it dry; Fox, perceiving 
this motion, and in the darkness taking him for an Indian, 
fired upon him and fractured his thigh-bone. Several soldiers 
immediately ran toward the place where the flash of the gun 
had been seen; but when they cocked and leveled their guns 
on the figure which had fired at Cox, the wounded man caused 
them to desist by crying, "Don't shoot him, it was a sentinel 
wlio shot me."' The next day the wounded man was left be- 
hind the company in care of four men, who, as soon as pos 
sible, removed him on a litter to Col. Moore's company of Illi- 
n')is militia, then encamped on the O'Plein, where Joliet now 
stands. 

Although the main body returned to Lafayette in eight or 
nine days, yet the alarm among the people was so gi-eat that 
they could not be induced to return to their farms for some 
time. The presence of the hostiles was hourly ex])ected by 
the frontier settlements of Indiana, from ^'incennes to La 
Porte. In Clinton county the inhabitants gathered within the 
foits and prepared for a regular siege, while our neighbors 
at Crawfordsville were suddenly astounded by the arrival of 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 117 

fli oourier at full speed with the announcement that the In- 
dians, more than a thoui-and In number, were then crossing 
the Nine-Mile prairie about twelve miles north of town, killing 
and scalping all. The strongest houses were immediately put 
in a condition of defense, and sentinels were placed at the prin- 
cipal points in the direction of the enemy. Scouts were sent 
out to reconnoitre, and mes^sengers were dispatched in differ- 
ent directions to announce the danger to the farmers, and to 
urge them to hasten with their families into town, and to 
assist in fighting the momentarily expected savages. At 
night-fall the scouts brouglit in news that the Indians had not 
crossed the Wabash, but were hourly expected at Lafayette. 
The citizens of Warren, Fountain and Vermillion counties 
were alike terrified by exaggerated stories of Indian massa- 
cres, and immediately prepared for defense. It turned out 
that the Indians were not within 100 miles of these tempor- 
ary forts, but this by no means proved a want of courage in 
the citizens. 

After some time had elapsed, a portion of the troops were 
marched back into Tippecanoe county and honorably dis- 
charged; but the settlers wei*e still loth for a long time to re- 
turn to their farms. Assured by published reports that the 
Miamis and Pottawatomies did not intend to join the hostiles, 
the people by degrees recovered from the panic and began to 
attend to their neglected crops. 

During this time there was actual war in Illinois. Black 
Hawk and his warriors, well nigh surrounded by a well-dis- 
ciplined foe, attempted to cioss to the west bank of the Missis- 
sippi, but after being chased up into Wisconsin and to the 
Mississippi again, he was in a final battle taken captive. A 
few years after his liberation, about 1837 or 18.38, he died, on 
the banks of the Des Moines river, in Iowa, in what is now 
tlie county of Davis, where his remains were deposited above 
ground, in the usual Indian style. His remains were after- 
ward stolen and cari-ied away, but they were recovered by the 
Governor of Iowa and placed in the museum of the Historical 
Society at Burlington, where they were finally destroyed by 
fire. 



LAST EXODrS OF THE INDTAlS^S. 

In July, 1837, Col. Abel C. Pepper convened the Pottawa- 
tomie nation of Indians at Lake Ke-waw-nay for the purpose 
of removing them west of the Jlississippi. That fall a small 
party of some SO or 90 Pottawatomies was conducted west of 
the Mississippi river by George I'rofflt, Esq. Among the num- 
ber were Ke-waw-nay, Nebash, Xas-waw-kay, Pash-po-Uo and 
many other leading men of the nation. The regular emigra- 
tion of these poor Indians, about 1,000 in number, took place 
under Col. Pepper and Gen. Tipton in the summer of 1888. 

It was a sad and mom'nful spectacle to witness these chil- 
dren of the forest slowly retiring f i-om the home of their child- 
hood, that contained not only the graves of their revered an- 
cestors, but also many endearing scenes to which their mem- 
ories would ever recur as sunny spots along their pathway 
through the wilderness. They felt that they were bidding 
farewell to the hills, valleys and streams of their infancy; the 
more exciting hunting-grounds of their advanced youth, as 
well as the stern and bloody battle-fields where they had con- 
tended in riper manhood, on which they had received wounds, 
and where many of their friends and loved relatives had 
fallen covered with gore and with glory. All these they were 
leaving behind them, to be desecrated by the plowshare of the 
white man. As they cast mournful glances back toward these 
loved scenes that were rapidly fading in the distance, tears 
fell from the cheek of the downcast warrior, old men trem- 
bled, matrons wept, the swarthy maiden's cheek turned pale, 
and sighs of half-suppressed sobs escaped from the motley 
groups as they passed along, some on foot, some on horseback, 
and others in wagons, — sad as a funeral procession. Sev- 
eral of the aged warriors were seen to cast glances toward 
the sky, as if they were imploring aid from the spirits of their 
departed heroes, who were looking down upon them from the 
clouds, or from the Great Spirit, who would ultimately redress 
the wrongs of th.e red man, whose broken bow had fallen from 
his hand, and whose sad heart was bleeding within him. E^er 
and anon one of the party would start out into the brush and 
break back to their old encampments on Eel river and on the 
Tippecanoe, declaring that tliev wonld rather die than be ban- 
(118) 



HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 119 

ished from their country. Tims, scores of discontented emi- 
grants returned from different points on their journey; and it 
■^vas several years before they could be induced to join their 
countrymen west of the Mississippi. 

Several years after the removal of the Pottawatomies the 
Miami nation was removed to their Western home, by coercive 
means, under an escort of United States troops. They were 
a proud and once powerful nation, but at the time of their 
removal were far inferior, in point of numbers, to the I'otta- 
watomie guests whom they had permitted to settle and hunt 
upon their lands, and fi.sh in their Likes and rivers after they 
had been driven southward by powerful and warlike tribes 
who inhabited the shores of the Northern lakes. 

IXDLiN TITLES. 

In 1S31 a joint resolution of the Legislature of Indiana, 
requesting an appropriation by Congress for the extinguish- 
ment of the Indian title to lands within the State, was for- 
warded to that body, which granted the request. The Secre- 
tary of War, by authority, appointed a committee of three cit- 
izens to carry into effect the provisions of the recent law. 
The Miamis were surrounded on all sides by the American set- 
tlers, and were situated almost in the heart of the State on the 
line of the canal then being made. The chiefs were called to 
a council for the purpose of making a treaty; they promptly 
came, but peremptorily refused to go westward or sell the re- 
mainder of their land. The Tottawatomies sold about 
6.000.000 acres in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, including all 
their claim in this State. 

In 1838 a treaty was concluded with the Miami Indians 
through the good offices of Col. A. C. Pepper, the Indian agent, 
by which a considerable of the most desirafeJ'i portion of their 
reserve was ceded to the United States. 



LAND SALES. 

As an example of tlie manner in wMch land specnlators 
were treated by th.e early Indianians, we cite the following in- 
stances from Cox's "Eecollections of tlie Wabash Valley"': 

At Crawfordsville, Dec. 24, 1824, many parties were present 
from tbe eastern and southern portions of the State, as well 
as from Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and even Pennsylvania, to 
attend a land sale. There was but little bidding against each 
other. The settlers, or "squatters." as they were called by the 
speculators, had arranged matters among themselves to their 
general satisfaction. If, upon comparing numbers, it appeared 
that two were after the same tract of land, one would ask 
the other what he would take not to bid against him; if 
neither would consent to be bought off. th?y would retire and 
cast lots, and the hicky one would enter the tract :it Con- 
gress price, |1. 25 an acre, and the other would enter the sec- 
ond choice on his list. If a speculator mad(^ a bid. or showed 
a disposition to take a settler's claim from him. he soon saw 
the whites of a score of eyes glaring at him, and he would 
'"crawfish" out of the crowd at the first opportunity. 

The settlers made it defin'tely known to foreign capitalists 
that they would enter the tracts of land they had settled upon 
before allowing the latter to come in with their speculations. 
The land was sold in tiers of townships, beginning at the 
southern part of the district, and continuing north until all 
had been offered at public sale. This plan was persisted in. 
although it kept many on the ground for several days wait- 
ing, who desired to purchase land in the northern part of the 
district. 

In 1827 a regular Indian scare was gotten up to keep spec- 
ulators away for a short time. A man who owned a claim 
on Tippecanoe river, near Pretty Prairie, fearing that some 
one of the numerous land hunters constantly scouring the 
country might enter the land he had settled upon before he 
could raise the money to buy it, and seeing one day a caval- 
cade of land hunters ridint;' toward where his land lay mount- 
ed his horse and darted ( ff at full speed to meet them, swing- 
ing his hat and shoutim;- at the top of his voice, "Indians! 
Indians! the woods are full of Indians, murdering and scalf- 
(120) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 121 

ing all before tliem !" Tliey paused a moment, but as the terri- 
fied horseman still urged his jaded animal and cried. "Help! 
Longlois, Cicots, help!" they turned and fled like a troop of 
retreating cavalry, hastening to the thickest settlements and 
giving the alarm, which f-piead like fire among stubble until 
the whole frontier region was shocked with tlie startling cry. 
The squatter who fabricated the story and started this false 
alarm took a circuitou-i route home that evening, and while 
others were busy building temporary block -houses and rubbing 
up their guns to meet the Indians, he was quietly gathering 
up money and slipped down to Crawfordsville and entered 
liis land, cliuckling to himself, "There's a Yankee tiick for you, 
done up by a Hoosier." 

HARMONY COilMUlSnTY. 

In 1811 a society of Germans under Frederick Eappe, who 
had originally come from Wurtemberg, Germany, and more 
recently from Pennsylvania, founded a settlement on the Wa- 
Tjash about 50 miles above its month. Tliey were industrious, 
frugal and honest Lutherans. They purchased a large quan- 
tity of land and laid otf a town, to which they gave the name 
of Harmony, afterward called Xew Harmony. They erected 
a church and a public school-house, opened farms, planted or- 
chards and vineyards, built flouring mills, established a house 
of public entertainment, a public store, and carried on all the 
arts of peace with skill and regularity. Their property was 
"in common," according to the custom of ancient Christians 
at Jeinsalem, but the governing power, both temporal and 
spiritual, was vested in Frederick Rappe. the elder, who was 
regarded as the founder of the society. By the year 1821 the 
society numbered about 000. Every individual of proper age 
contributed his proper share of labor. There were neither 
spendthrifts, idlers nor drunkards, and during the whole 17 
years of their sojourn in America, there was not a single law- 
suit among them. Every controversy arising among them was 
settled by arbitration, explanation and compromise before sun- 
set of the day, literally according to the injunction of the 
apostle of the New Testament. 

About 182.5 the town of Harmony and a considerable quan- 
tity of land adjoining was sold to Robert Owen, father of 
David Dale Owen, the State Geologist, and of Robert Dale 
Owen, of later notoriety. He was a radical philosopher from 
Scotland, who had become distinguished for his philanthropy 
and opposition to Chi'istianity. He charged the latter with 



122 HISTORY OF INDIANA- 

tencliino; false notions regarding hnnian responsibility — notions 
wii'cli liave since b^en clotlied in the language of phTsiologv, 
mental philosophy, etc. Said he: 

"That which has hitherto been called wickedness in our fel- 
low men lias proceeded from one of two distinct causes, or 
from some combination of those causes. They are what are 
tenned bad or wicked, 

''1. Because they are born with faculties or propensities 
which render them more liable, under the same circumstances, 
than other men. to commit such actions as are usually denom- 
inated wicked; or, 

"2. Because they have been placed by birth or other events 
in particular countries, — hare been influenced from infancT 
by parents, playmates and others, and have been surrounded 
by those circumstances which gradually and necessarily trained 
them in the habits and sentiments called wicked; or 

"3. They have become wicked in consequence of some par- 
ticular combination of these causes. 

"If it should be asked, TMience then has wickedness proceed- 
ed? I reply. Solely from the ignorance of our forefathers. 

"Every society which exists at present, as well as every so- 
ciety which history records, has been formed and governed 
on a belief in the following notions, assumed as first princi- 
ples: 

"1. That it is in the power of every individual to form his 
own character. Hence the various systems called by the name 
of religion, codes of law, and piniisliment; hence, also, the an- 
gry passions entertained by individuals and nations toward 
each other. 

"2. That the affections are at the command of the individ- 
ual. Hence insincerity and degradation of character; hence 
the miseries of domestic life, and more than one-half of aVi 
the crimes of mankind. 

"3. That it is necessary a large portion of mankind should 
exist in ignorance and poverty in order to secure to the re- 
maining part such a degree of happiness as they now enjoy. 
Hence a system of counteraction in the pursuits of men, a 
general opi>osition among individuals to the interests of each 
other, and the necessary effects of such, a system, — ignorance, 
poverty and vice." 



THE MEXIGAj^ WAB. 

During tlie administration of Gov. Whitcomb the war with 
Mexico occurred, which resulted in annexing to the United 
States vast tracts of land in the south aud west. Indiana 
contributed her full ratio to the troops in that war, and with 
a remarkable spirit of promptness and patriotism adopted all 
measures to sustain the general Government. These new ac- 
quisitions of territory re-opened the discussion of the slavery 
question, aud Governor ^\Tiitcomb expressed his opposition to 
51 further extension of the "national sin." 

The causes which led to a declaration of war against Mex- 
ico in 1S4G must be siught for as far back as the year 1830, 
when the present State of Texas formed a province of Ne\r 
and Independent Mexico. During the years immediately pre- 
ceding 18-30, ]\Ioses Austin, of Connecticut, obtained a liberal 
grant of lands from tlie established Government, and on his 
death his son was treated in an equally liberal manner. The 
glowing accounts rendered by Austin and the vivid picture 
of Elysian Fields drawn by visiting journalists, soon resulted 
in the influx of a large tide of immigrants, nor did the move- 
ment to the Southwest cease until 18-30. The Mexican prov- 
ince held a prosi)€rous population, comprising 10,000 Ameri- 
can citizens. The rapacious Government of the Mexicans 
looked with sreed and jealousy upon their eastern proviace, 
and, under the presidencv of Gen. Santa Anna, enacted such 
measures, both unjust and oppressive, as would meet their de- 
sign of goading the peojile of Texas on to revolution, and thus 
affo d an cpportunity for the infliction of punishment upon 
subjects whose only crime was industry and its accompani- 
ment, prosperity. Precisely in keeping with the course pur- 
sued by the British toward the colonists of the Eastern States- 
in tlie last century, Santa Anna's Government met the remon- 
strances of the colonists of Texas with threats; and they, se- 
cure in their consciousness of right, quietly issued their dec- 
laration of independence and proved its literal meaning on 
the field of Gonzales in 183.j, having with a force of 500 men 
forced the Mexican army of 1.000 to fly for refuge to their 
strongholds. Battle after battle followed, bringing victory 
(11^3) 



12-i HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

always to the Colonists, aud ultimately resulting in tlie total 
rout of the Mexican aimy and the evacuation of Texas. Tlie 
routed army after a short term of rest reorganized, and re- 
appeared in the Territory, 8,000 strong. On April 21, a divi- 
sion of this large force imder S mta Anna encountered the Tex- 
ans under General Samuel Houston, on the banks of the t^an 
Jacinto, and though Houston could only oppose 800 men to 
the -Mexican legions, the latter were driven from the field. 
nor could they reform their scattered ranks until their Gen- 
eral was captured next day aud forced to sign the declaration 
of 1835. The signature of Santa Anna, though ignored by the 
Congress of the Mexican Republic, and conse(iuently left un- 
ratified on the part of Mexico, was effected in so much, that 
after the second defeat of the army of that Republic all the 
hostilities of an important nature ceased, the Republic of Texas 
was recognized by the powers, and subsequently became an 
integral part of the United States, -July 4, 1840. At this period 
General Herrera was president of Mexico. He was a man of 
peace, of common sense, and very patriotic; and he thus en- 
tertained, or pretendtd to entertain, the great neighboring Re- 
public in high esteem. For this reason he grew unpopula,' 
with his people, and General Paredeswas called to the presi- 
dential chair, which he continued to occupy until the breaking 
out of actual ho-!tii;ties with the United States, when Gen. 
Santa Anna was elected thereto. 

President Polk, aware of the state of feeling in ilexico, or- 
dered Gen. Zachary Taylor, in command of the troops in the 
Southwest, to proceed to Texas, and post himself as near to 
the Mexican border as he deemed prudent. At the same time 
an American squadron was dispatched to the vicinity in the 
Gulf of Mexico. In Xovember, General Taylor had taken his 
position at Corpus Cliristi, a Texan settlement on a bay or 
the same name, with about 4.000 men. On the i:ith of -Jan- 
uary, 1846, the President ordered him to advance with his 
forces to the Rio Granile; accordingly he proceeded, and in 
March stationed himself on the north bnnk of that river, with- 
in cannon-shot of the Mexican town of ilatamoras. Here he 
hastily erected a fortress called Fort Brown. The territory 
lying between the river Xueces and the Rio Grande river, 
about 120 miles in width, was claimed both by Texas and ^lex 
ico; according to the latter, therefore. General Taylor had ac- 
tually invaded her territory, and had thus committed an open 
act of war. On the 2(!th of April, the ^fexican General, Am- 
pudia. gave notice to this effect to General Taylor, and on the 
same day a party of American dragoons, sixty-three in num- 



i 



HISTOKK 0¥ INDIANA. 1-J 

ber, boinp: on tlie north side of the Eio Grande, were attacked 
and, alter the loss of sixteen men killed and wounded, were 
forced to surrender. Their commander, Ca]»tain Thornton, 
only escaped. The Mexican forces had now crossed the I'iver 
above Matamoras and were supposed to nuditate an attack on 
Point Isabel, wheri^ Taylor had established a depot of supiilies 
for his army. On the 1st of May, this officer left a small 
number of troops at Fort lirown, and marched with his chief 
forces, twenty-three hundred men, to the defense of Poiat Is- 
abel. Having garrisoned this place, he set out on his return. 
On the 8th of May. about noon, he met the Mexican army, 
six thousand strong, drawn up in battle array, on the prairie 
near Palo Alto. The Americans at once advanced to the at- 
tack, and. after an action of live hours, in which the artil- 
lery was very effective, drove the enemy before them, and en- 
camix'd u]iou the field. The ilexican loss was about one hun- 
dred killed; that of the Americans, four killed and forty 
wounded. Major Einggold, of the artillery, an officer of great 
merit, was mortally wounded. The next day. as the Americans 
advanced, they again met the enemy in a strong position near 
Besaca de la Palma, three miles from Fort Brown. An ac- 
tion commenced, and was fiercely contested, the artillery on 
both sides being served with great rigor. At last the Mexi- 
cans gave way, and fled in confusion. General de la Vega hav- 
ing fallen into the hands of the Americans. They also aban- 
doned their guns and a large quantity of ammunition to the 
victors. The remaining Mexican soldiers si)eedily crossed the 
Rio Gi'ande. and the next day the Americans took up their 
position at Fort Brown. This little fort, in the absence of 
General Taylor, had gallantly sustained an almost uninterrupt- 
ed attack of several days from the Mexican batteries of Mat- 
amoras. 

When the news of the capture of Captain Thornton's party 
was spread over the United States, it produced great excite- 
ment. The President addressed a message to Congress, then 
in session, declaring "that war with Mexico existed by her 
own act;" and that body. May. 1846, placed ten millions of dol- 
lars at the President's disposal, and authorized him to ac- 
cept the services of fifty thousand volunteers. A great part 
of the summer of 1846 was spent in preparation for tlie war, 
it being resolved to invade Mexico at several points. In pur- 
suance of this plan. General Taylor, who had taken posses 
sion of Matamoras, abandoned by the enemy in ^fay, marched 
northward in the enemy's country in August, and on the 19tb 
of September he appeared before Monterey, capital of the 



1-(J HISTORY OF INDIANA- 

Mexican state of New Leon. His army, after having garri- 
soned several places along his route, amounted to six thous- 
and nun. The attack began on the iJlst, and after a succes- 
sion of assaults, during the period of four days, the Mexicans 
capitulated, leaving the town in possession of the Americans. 
In October, General Taylor terminated an armistice into which 
he had entered with the Mexican General, and again com- 
menced offensive operations. Various towns and fortresses 
of the enemy now rapidly fell into our possession. In No- 
vember, Saltillo, the capital of the State of Coahuila, was occu- 
pied by the division of General Worth ; in December, General 
Patterson took possession of Victoria, the capital of Tamaul- 
ipas. and nearly at the same period. Commodore Perry cai> 
tured the fort of Tampico. Santa Fe, the capital of New 
Mexico, with the whole territory of the State had been subju- 
gated by General Harney, after a march of one thousand miles 
through the wilderness. Events of a startling cliai"acter had 
taken place at still earlier dates along the Pacific Coast. On 
the 4th of July, Captain Fremont, having repeatedly defeated 
superior Mexican forces with the small band under his com- 
mand, declared Cilfornia independent of IMexico. Other im- 
portant places in Ih's region had yielded to the American na- 
val force, and in August, 1840, the whole of California was in 
the undisputi d occupation of the Americans. 

The year ISil opened with still more brilliant victories on 
the part of our armies. I>y the di'tiwing off of a large part 
of General Taylor's troops for a meditated attack on Vera 
Cruz, he was left with a roniparativ(dy small force to meet 
the great body of Mexican troops, now marching upon him, 
under command of the celebrated Santa Anna, who had again 
become President of Mexico. 

Ascertaining the advr.nce of this powerful army, twenty 
thousand strong, and consisting of the best of the Mexican 
soldiers, General Taylor took up his position at Buena Vista. 
a valley a few miles from Saltillo. His whole troops num- 
bered only four thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine, and 
here, on the 23d of Febniary, he was vigorously attacked by 
the Mexicans. The battle was very severe, and continued 
nearly the whole day, when the Mexicans fled from the field 
in disorder with a loss of nearly two thousand men. Santa 
Anna speedily withdrew, and thus abandoned the region of 
the Eio Grande to the complete occupation of our troops. Tliis 
left our forces at liberty to prosecute the grand enterprise of 
the campaign, the capture of the strong town of Vera Cruz, 
with its renowned castle of San Juan d'Ulloa. On the 0th 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 12 < 

of March, 1847, General Scott landed near the city with an 
army of twelve thousand men, and on the ISth commenced an 
attack. For four days and nights an almost incessant shower 
of shot and shells was poured upon the devoted town, while 
the batteries of the castle and the city replied with terrible 
energy. At last, as the Americans were preparing for an as- 
sault, the Governor of the city offered to surrender, and on 
the 26th the American flag floated triumphantly from the 
walls of the castle and the city. General S^'ott now prepared 
to march upon the City of ^Mexico, the cajiital of the country, 
situated two hundred miles in the interior, and approached 
only throiigli a series of rugged ])asses and mountain fast- 
nesses, rendered still more formidable by several strong fort- 
resses. On the Sth of April the army commenced their march. 
At Cerro Gordo Santa Anna had posted himself with fifteen 
thousand men. On the ISth the Americans began the daring 
attack, and by midday every intrenchment of the enemy had 
been carried. The loss of the Mexicans in this remarkable bat- 
tle, besides one thousand killed and wounded, was three thous- 
and prisoners, forty-three pieces of cannon, five thousand 
stand of arms, and all their ammunition and materials of war. 
The loss of the Americans was four hundred and thirty-one in 
killed and wounded. The next day our forces advanced, and, 
capturing fortress after fortress, came on the 18th of August 
within ten miles of Mexico, a city of two hundred thousand in 
habitants, and situated in one of the most beautiful valleys 
in the world. On the 20th they attacked and carried tlie 
strong batteries of Contreras, garrisoned by 7,000 men, in an 
impetuous assault, which lasted but seventeen minutes. On 
the same day an attack was made by the Americans on the 
fortified post of Churubusco, four miles northeast of Contre 
ras. Here nearly the entire Mexican army — more than 20,00(! 
in number — were posted; but they were defeated at every 
point, and obliged to seek a retreat in the city, or the still re 
maining fortress of Chapultepec. Wliile preparations were 
being made on the 21st by (Jeneral Scott, to level his batteries 
against the city, prior to summoning it to surrender, he re- 
ceived propositions from the enemy, which terminated in an 
armistice. This ceased on the 7th of September. On the 8th 
the outer defense of Chapulti'pec was successfully stormed by 
General Worth, though he lost one-fourth of his men in the 
desperate struggle. The castle of Chapultepec, situated on an 
abrupt and rocky eminence, 150 feet above the surroundintv 
country, presented a most formidable object of attack. On the 
12th, however, the batteries were opened against it, and on the 



Ili8 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

next day the citadel was carried by storm. The ^Mexu-ans 
still stiu!ij;lw^ alonn' the great causeway leading to the city, 
as the Americans advanced, but before nightfall a part of our 
army was within tlie gatts of the city. Santa Anna and the 
officers of the Government fled, and the next morning at seven 
o'clock, the flag of the Americans floated from the national 
palace of Mexico. This conquest of the capital was the great 
and final achievement of the war. The Mexican republic y.as 
in fact prostrate, her sea-coast and chief cities being in the 
occupation of our troops. On the 2d of February, 1848, terms 
of peace were agreed upon by the American commissioner and 
the Mexican Cfovernment, this treaty being ratilied by the 
Mexican Congress on the 30th of May following, and by the 
Tnited States soon after. President Polk proclaimed peace on 
the 4:th of July, 1848. In the preceding sketch we have given 
only a mere outline of the war with Mexico. We have neces- 
sarily passed over many interesting events and have not even 
named many of our soldiers who performed gallant and im- 
portant services. General Taylor's successful operations in the 
region of the Rio Grande were duly honored by the people of 
the United States by bestowing upon him the Presidency 
General Scott's campaign, from the attack on Vera Cruz to 
the surrender of the city of Mexico, was far more remarkable 
and, in a military point of view, must be considered as one of 
the most brilliant of modern times. It is true the Mexicans 
are not to be ranked with the great nations of tlie eanh; witli 
a population of seven or e'ght millions, they have little more 
than a million of the white race, the rest being half-civilized 
Indians and mestizos, that is, those of mixed blood. Their 
gorernment is inelficient, and the people divided among them- 
selves. Their soldiers often fought bravely, but they were 
badly officered. ^Miile, therefore, we may consider the con- 
quest of so extensive and populous a country, in so short a 
time, and attended with such constant superiority even to tlie 
greater numbers of the enemy, as highly gratifying evidence 
of the courage and cap.icity of our army, still we must not, 
in judging of our achievements, fail to consider the weakness 
of the nation whom we vanquished. One tiling we may cer- 
tainly dwell upon with satisfaction — the admirable example, 
not only as a soldier, but as a man, set by our commander. Gen. 
Scott, who Seems, ip the midst of war and the ordinary license 
of the camp, always to have preserved tlie virtue, kindness., 
and humanity belonging to a state of peace. These qualities 
secured to him the respect, confidence and good will even of 
the enemy he had conquered. Among the Generals who ef- 



mSTOUY OF INDIANA. 129 

foctnallv aided General Scott in this remarkable campaign, we 
imist not omit to mention the names of Generals Wool, Twiggs, 
Shields, Worth, Smith, and Quitman, who generally added to 
the high qualities of soldiers the still more estimable charac- 
teristics of good men. The treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo stip- 
ulated that the disputed territory between the Nueces and the 
Eio Grande should belong to the Tinited States, and it now 
forms a part of Texas, as has been already stated; that the 
United States should assume and pay the debts due from Mex- 
ico to American citizens, to the amount of |3,500,000; and that, 
in consideration of the sum of |15,000,000 to be paid by the 
United States to Mexico, (lie latter should relinquish to the 
former the whole of New Mexico and T'pper California. 

The soldiers of Indiana who served in this war were formed 
into five regiments of volunteers, numbered respectively, ist, 
2d, 3d, 4th and 5th. The fact that companies of the three first 
named regiments served at times with the men of Illinois, the 
New York volunteers, the Palmettos of South Carolina, and 
United States marines, under Gen. James Shields, makes for 
them a history; because the campaigns of the Rio Grande and 
Chihuahua, the siege of Vera Cruz, the desperate encounter at 
Ceiro Gordo, the tragic contests in the valley, at Coutreras 
and Churubusco, the storming of Chapultepec, and the jjlant- 
iug of the stars and stripes upon every turret and spire with-' 
in the conquered city of ^lexico, were all carried out by the 
gallant troops under the favorite old General, and consequently 
each of them shared with him in the glories attached to such 
exploits. The other regiments under Cols. Gorman and Lane 
participated in the contests of the period under other com- 
manders. The 4tli Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, compris- 
ing ten companies, was formally organized at Jeffersonville, 
Indiana, by Capt. R. C. Gatlin, June 15, 1S47; and on the Ifith 
elected Major Willis A. Gorman, of the 3d Regiment, to the 
Colonelcy; Ebenezer Dumont, Lieutenant-Colonel, and W. Mc- 
Coy, Major. On the 27th of June the regiment left Jefferson 
ville for the front, and subsequently was assigned to Eriga- 
rtior General Lane's command, whicli then comprised a battery 
of five pieces from the 3rd Regiment U. S. Artillery: a battery 
of two pieces from the 2nd Regiment U. S. Artillery, the 4th 
R<-'giment of Indiana Volunteers and the 4th Regiment of Ohio, 
wi(h a squadron of mounted Louisianiaus and detachments 
of recruits for the U. S. Army. The troops of this brigade 
won signal honors at Paso de Ovegas, August 10, 1847; Na- 
tional Bridge, on the 12th; Cerio Gordo, on the loth; Las 
Animas, on the 19th, under Maj. F. T. Lally, of General Lane's 
9 



ISjO HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

staff, and afterward under Lane, directlv. took a very promi- 
nent part in the siepe of Puebla, which began on the loth of 
September and terminated on the 12th of October. At At- 
lixco, October 10th; Tlascaln, November 10th; Matamoras and 
Pass Galajaia, Xovember 23rd and 24th; Guerrilki Ran;'lie, 
December 5tli; Xapaloncan, December 10th, the Indiana vohm- 
teers of the Ith R'siment performi-d gallant service, and car- 
ried the campaign into the following year, repiesenting their 
State at St. Martin's, February 27, isis; Cholula, March 2Cth; 
Matacordera, February 19th; Sequalteplan, February 25th; 
and on the cessation of hostilities reported at Madison, Indi- 
ana, for discharge, July 11, 1848; while the 5th Indiana Regi- 
ment, under Ool. J. H. Lane, underwent a similar round of 
duty during its service with other brigades, and gained some 
celebrity at Vera Cruz, Churubusco and with the troops of 
Illinois under Gen. Shields, at Chapultepeo. 

This war cost the people of the United States sixty-six mil- 
lions of dollars. This very large amount was not paid away 
for the attainment of mere glory; there was something else 
at stake, and this something proved to be a country larger and 
more fertile than the France of the Xapoleons, and more 
steady and sensible than the France of the Eepublic. It was 
the defense of the great Lone Star State, the humiliation and 
■chastisement of a quarrelsome neighbor. 



SLAVERY. 

We have already referred to the prohibition of slavery in 
the Northwestern Territory, and Indiana Territory, by the 
ordinance of 17S7; to tlie iinperft>ption in the execution of this 
ordinance and tlie troubles whicli tlie authorities encountered; 
and the complete establishment of the principles of freedom 
on the organization of the State. The next Item of significance 
in this connection is the following language in the message 
of (lov. Ray to the Legislature of 1S28: "Since our last separa- 
tion, while we have witnessed with anxious solicitude the bel- 
ligerent operations of another hemis])lu're. the cross contend- 
ing against the crescent, and the picspect of a general rup- 
ture among the legitimates of other quarters of tlie globe, our 
attention has been arrested by proceedings in our own coTin- 
try truly dangerous to I'berty, seriously premeditated, and 
disgraceful to its authors if agitated only to tamper with the 
American people. If such experiments as we see attempted 
in certain deluded quarters do not fall with a burst of thun- 
der upon tlie heads of tlieir seditious projectors, then indeed 
the Republic has begun to experience the days of its degen- 
eracy. The union of these States is the people's only sure 
charter for their liberties and indepimdence. Dissolve it and 
each State will soon be in a condition as deplorable as Alex- 
ander's conquered countries after they were divided amongst 
his victorious military captains." 

In pursuance of a joint resolution of the Legislature of 1850. 
a block of native marble was procured and forwarded to 
Washington, to be placed in the monument then in the course 
of erection at the National Capital in memory of (leorge Wash- 
ington. In the absence of any legislative instruction concern- 
ing the inscription up m this emblem of Indiana's loyalty. Gov. 
Wright ordered the following words to be inscribed upon it: 
INDIANA KNOWS NO NOKTH, NO SOUTH. NOTHINO BUT THE 
TTNION. Within a dozen years thereafter this noble State 
demonstrated to the world her loyalty to the Fnion and the 
principles of freedom by the sacrifice of blood and treasure 
Mhich she made. In keeping with this sentiment Gov. Wright 
indorsed the compromise measures of Congress on the slavery 
question, remarking in his message that "Indiana takes her 
stanr in the ranks, not of Southern destiiiv, nor vet of North- 
(131) 



132 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

ern desliiiT: she plants herself on the basis of the Coni?titution 
and takes her stand in the ranks of American destiny." 

FIFTEENTH AMEXDJIENT 

At the session of the Legislature in January, ISGO, the sub- 
ject of ratifying the fifteenth amendment to the Federal (.'on- 
stitution, allowing negro suffrage, came up with such persist- 
ency that neither party dared to undertake any other business 
lest it be checkmated in some way, and being at a dead lock 
on this matter, they adjourned in March without having done 
much important business. The Democrats, as well as a por- 
tion of the conservative Republicans, opposed its consideration 
strongly on the ground that it would be unfair to vote on the 
question until the people of the State had had an opportunity 
of expressing their views at the polls; but most of the Repub- 
licans resolved to push the measure through, while the Demo- 
crats resolved to resign in a body and leave the Legislature 
with nut a quorum. Accordingly, on March 4, 17 Senators and 
3(5 Representatives resigned, leaving both houses without a 
quorum. 

As the early adjournment of the Legislature left the benev- 
olent institutions of the State unprovided for, the Governor 
convened that body in extra session as soon as possible, and 
after the necessary approju-iatious were made, on the 19th of 
May the fifteenth amendment came up; but in anticipation of 
this the Democi-atic members had all resigned and chviiued 
that there was no quorum present. There was a quorum, how- 
ever, of Senators in oflice, though some of them refused to \ ote, 
declaring that they were no longer Senators; but the president 
of that body decided that as he had not been informed of their 
resignation by the Governor, they were st'll members. A vote 
was taken and the ratifying resolution was adopted. When 
the resolution came up in the House, the chair decided that, 
although the Democratic memljers had resigned, there was a 
quorum of the dc facto members present, and the House pro- 
ceeded to pass the resolution. This decision of the chair was 
afterward sustained by the Supreme Court. 

At the next regular session of the Legislature, in 1S71. the 
Democrats undertook to repeal the ratification, and the Repub- 
lican members resigned to prevent it. The Democrats, as the 
Republicans did on the prt-vious occasion, proceeded to pass 
their resolution of repeal; but while the process was under 
wav, before the House ("ommittee had time to report on the 
matter, .S4 Republican members I'esigned, thereby preventing 
its passage and putting a stop to further legislation. 



INDIA^^A IN THE WAR 

The events of the earlier years of this State have been re- 
viewed down to that x>^riod in the nation's history when the 
Eepublic demanded a first sacrifice from the newly erected 
States; to the time when the very safety of the glorious her- 
itage, bequeathed by the fathers as a rich legacy, was threat- 
ened with a fate worse than death — a life under laws that har- 
bored the slave — a civil defiance of the first principles of the 
Constitution. 

Indiana was among the first to respond to the summons of 
patriotism, and register itself on the national roll of honor, 
even as she was among the first to join in that song of joy 
wliich greeted a Republic made doubly glorious within a cen- 
tury by the dual victory which won liberty for itself, and next 
bestowed the precious boon upon the colored slave. 

The fall of Fort Sumter was a signal for the uprising of the 
State. The news of the calamity was flashed to Indianapolis 
on the lith of April. 18(51. and early the next morning the elec- 
tric wire brought the welcome message to Washington: — 

Executive Department of Indiana, ) 
Indianapolis, April 15, 1861. ) 
To Abraham Lincoln, President of the United iStates: — On behalf 
at the State of Indiana, I tender to you for the defense of the Nation, and 
to uphold the authority of the Government, ten thousand men. 
OLIVER P. MORTON, 

Governor of Indiana. 

This may be considered the first official act of Crovernor Mor- 
ton, who had just entered on the duties of his exalted position. 
The State was in an almost helpless condition, and yet the 
faith of the "War Governor" was prophetic, when, after a 
short consultation with the members of the Executive Council, 
he relied on the fidelity of ten thousand men and promised 
their services at the Protectorate at Washington. This will 
be more ajjparent when the military condition of the State at 
the beginning of ISGl is considered. At that time the arm- 
ories contained less tluin five hundred stand of serviceable 
small arms, eight pieces of cannon which might be useful in a 
museum of antiquities, with sundry weapons which would 
merely do credit to the aborigines of one hundred years ago. 
The financial condition of the State was even worse than the 
military. The sum of §10,3GS..oS in trust funds was the amount 
(133) 



134 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

of cash, iu the hands of the Treasurer, and this was, to all in- 
tents and purposes unavailable to meet the emergeuov, since 
it could not be devoted to the military requirements of the day. 
This state of affairs was dispiriting in the extreme, and would 
doubtless have militated against the ultimate success of any 
other man than Morton; yet he overleaped every difficulty, nor 
did the fearful realizatiou of Floyd's treason, discovered during 
his visit to Washington, damp his indomitable courage and 
energy, but with rare persistence he urged the claims of his 
State, and for his exertions was requited with an order for 
flve thousand muskets. The oid-r was not executed until hos- 
tilities were actually entered up;in, and consequently for some 
days succeeding the publication of the President's proclama- 
tion the people labored under a feeling of terrible anxiety min- 
gled with, uncertainty, amid the confusion wliicli followed tlie 
criminal negligence that permitted the disbandment of the 
magnificent coi'ps iV a mice (ol.OOO men) of 1832 two years later 
in 1834. Great numbers of the people maintained their equa- 
nimity with the result of beholding within a brief sjiace of 
time every square mile of their State represented by soldiers 
prepared to fight to the bitter end in defense of cherished in- 
stitutions, and for the extension of tlie principle of human lib- 
erty to all States and classes within the limits of the threat- 
ened I^nion. This, their zeal, was not animated by hostility 
to tbe slave holders of the Southern States, but rather by a 
fraternal spirit, akin to that which urges the eldest brother to 
c6rrect the persistent follies of his juniors, and thus lead them 
from crime to the maintenance of family honor; in this correc- 
tion, to draw them away from all that was cruel, diabolical and 
inhuman in tbe Eepublic, to all that is gentle, lioly and 
sublime therein. Many of the raw troops were not only an- 
imated by a patriotic feeling, but also by that beautiful ideal- 
ization of the poet, who in his unconscious Kepublicanism, 
said: 

"I would not have a slave to till my ground, 
To carry me, to fan me while I sleep, 
And tremble when I wake, for all the wealth 
That sinews hnuE;ht and sold have ever earned. 
No: dear as freedom is — and, in my heart's 
Just estimation, prized above all price — 
I had much rather be myself the slave, 
And wear the bonds, than fasten them on him." 

Thus animated, it is not a matter for surprise to find the first 
call to arms issued by the President, and calling for 7.5,000 
men, answered nobly by the people of Indiana. The quota of 
troops to be furnished by tbe State on the first call was 4,083 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 135 

men for three rears' service from April 15, ISGO. On tlie KJtli 
of April, Governor Morton issued his proclamation callin;;' on 
all citizens of the State, whio liu'l the weUare of the Republic at 
heart, to organize themselves into six regiments in defense of 
their rights, and in opposition to the varied acts of rebellion, 
charged by him against the Southern Confederates. To this 
end, the Hon. Lewis Wallace, a soldier of the Mexican cam- 
paign, was appointed Adjutant-General, Col. Thomas A. Mor- 
ris of the United States Military Academy, Quartermaster-Gen- 
eral, and Isaiah Mansur, a merchant of Indianapolis, Com- 
missary General. These general ofiicers converted tlie grounds 
and buildings of the State Board of Agriculture into a military 
headquarters, and designated the position Camp Morton, as the 
beginning of the many honors which were to follow the pupalar 
Governor throughout his future career. Now the people, im- 
bued with confidence in their Government and leaders, rose to 
the grandeur of American freemen, and with an enthusiasm 
never equaled hitherto, flocked to the standard of the nation; 
so that within a few days (19th April) 2,400 men were ranked 
beneath their regimental banners, until as the official report 
testifies, the anxious question, passing from mouth to mouth, 
was, ""VMiich of us will be allowed to go?" It seemed as if In- 
diana was about to monopolize th" honors of the period, and 
place the 75 000 men demanded of the Union by the President, 
at his disposition. Even now under the genial sway of guar- 
anteed peace, the features of Indiana's veterans flush with 
righteous pride when th se days — remembrances of heroic sac- 
rifice — are named, and freemen, still unborn, will read their 
history only to be blessed and glorified in the possession of 
such truly, noble progenitors. Nor were the ladies of the 
State unmindful of their duties. Everywhere they partook of 
the general enthusiasm, and made it practical so far as in their 
power, by embroidering and presenting standards and regi- 
mental colors, organizing aid and relief societies, and by many 
other acts of patriotism and humanity inherent in the high na- 
ture of woman. 

During the days set apart by the military authorities for the 
organization of the regiments, the financiers of the State were 
engaged in the reception of munificent grants of money from 
private citizens, while the money merchants within and with 
out the State offered large loans to the recognized Legislature 
without even imposing a condition of payment. This most 
practical generosity strengthened the hands of tlie Executive, 
and within a very few days Indiana had passed the crucial test, 
recovered some of her military prestige lost in 183-1, and s» 



136 HISTORY OF IKDIANA. 

was prepared to vie with tlie other and wealthier States in 
malvinj;- sacrifices for the ptiblic welfare. 

On the 20th of April, Messrs. I. S. Dobbs and Alyis D. Gall 
received their appointments as Medical Inspectors of the Divi- 
sion, while Major T. J. Wood arrived at headquarters from 
Washington to receive the newlj* organized regiments into 
the service of the Union. At the moment this formal proceed- 
ing took place, Morton, unable to restrain the patrii>tic ardor 
of the people, telegraphi^d to the capitol that he could place six 
regiments of infantry at the disi)osal of the General Govern- 
ment within six days, if such a proceeding were acceptable; but 
in consequence of the wires being cut between the State and 
Federal capitals, no answer came. Taking advantage of the 
little doubt which may have had existence in regard to future 
action in the matter and in the absence of general orders, he 
gave expression to an intention of placing the volunteers in 
camp, and in Ms message to the Legislature, who assembled 
three days later, he clearly laid down the lu'inciple of immedi- 
ate action and strong measures, recommending a note of 
|1,000 001) for the reorganization of tlie volunteers, for the pur- 
chase of arms and supplies, and for the punishment of treason. 
The message was received most enthusiastically. The assem- 
bly recognized the great points made by the Governor, and not 
only yielded to them in toto, but also made the following 
grand appropriations: 

General military purposes $1,000,000 

Purchase of arms 500, 000 

Contingent military expenses 100, 000 

Organization and support of militia for two years 140, 000 

These appropriations, together M'ith the laws enacted during 
the session of the Assembly, speak for the men of Indiana. 
The celerity witli which these laws were put in force, the dili- 
gence and ecnnoniy exercised by the officers, entrusted with 
their administration, and that svsteuu\tic genius, nnder which 
all tlie machinery of Government seemed to work in harmony, 
— all, all, tended to make for the State a spring-time of noble 
deeds, when seeds might be cast along her fertile fields and in 
the streets of her Aullages of industry to grow up at once and 
blossom in the ray of fame, and after to bloom tJiroughont the 
ages. Within three days after the oijening of the extra session 
of the Legislature (27th April) six new regiments were organ- 
ized, and commissioned for three months' service. Tliese reg' 
iments, notwithstanding the fact that the first six regiments 
were already mustered into the general service, were known 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 137 

as "Tile First Brigade, Indiana Yohmteers," and witli the sim- 
ple object of making tlie way of tlie future student of a brilliant 
history c'ear, were uumbered resijectively 

Sixth Kegimeut, commanded by Col. T. T. Crittenden. 

Seventh Regiment, commanded by Col. Ebenezer Dumout. 

Eighth Regiment, commanded by Col. W. P. Benton. 

Ninth Regiment, commanded by Col. R. H. Milroy. 

Tenth Regiment, commanded by Col. T. T. Reynolds. 

Eleventh Regiment, commanded by Col. Lewis Wallace. 

The idea of these numbers was suggested by the fact that 
the military representation of Indiana in the Mexican Cam- 
paign was one brigade of five regiments, and to observe con- 
•vecutiveness the regiments comprised in the first division of 
volunteers were thus numbered, and the entire force placed un- 
der Brigadier General T. A. MoitIs, with the following staff: 
John Love, Major; Cyrus C. Hines, Aid-de-camp; and J. A. 
Stein, Assistant Adjutant General. To follow the fortunes of 
these volunteers through all the vicissitudes of war would 
prove a special work; yet their valor and endurance during 
their first term of service deserved a notice of even more value 
than that of the historian, since a commander's opinion has to 
be taken as the basis upon which the chronicler may expatiate. 
Therefore the following dispatch, dated from the headquarters 
of the Army of Occupation, Beverly Camp, W. Virginia, July 
21, iSdl, must be taken as one of the first evidences of their 
utility and valor: — 

Governor O. P. Morton, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Governor: — I have directed the three taonths' regiments from Indiana 
to move to Indianapolis, there to be mustered out and reorganized for three 
years' service. 

I cannot permit them to return to you without again expressing my high 

appreciation of the distinguished valor and endurance of the Indiana troops, 

and my hope that but a short time will elapse before I have the pleasure 

of knowing that they are again ready for the field. ***** 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

George B. McClellan, 

Major-Ocural, U. S. A. 

On the return of the troops to Indianapolis, July 29, Briga- 
dier Morris issued a lengthy, logical and well-deserved congrat- 
ulatory address, from which one paragraph may be extracted to 
characterize the whole. After passing a glowing eulogium on 
their military qualities and on that iinexcelled gallantry dis- 
played at Laurel Hill, Phillipi and Carrick's Ford, he says: — 

Soldiers! You have now returned to the friends whose prayers went 
with you to the field of strife. They welcome you with pride and exulta- 
tion. Your State and country acknowledge the value of your labors. May 
your future career be as your past has been, — honorable to yourselves and 
serviceable to your country. 



1-^S HISTORY OP INDIANA. 

Tiic s X regiments forming jlonis' lirigade, together with one 
coniijosed of the surphis volunteers, for whom there was no 
regiment in April, now fonned a division of seven regiments, 
all reorganized for three years' service, between the 20th 
August and 20th September, with the exception of the new or 
12th, which was accepted for one year's service, from Jlay lltli. 
under command of Colonel John M. Wallace, and reorganized 
May 17, 18{>2. for three years' service under Col. W. H. Link, 
who, with 172 officers and men, received their mortal wounds 
during the Kichmond (Kentucky) engagement, three months 
after its reorganization. 

The Thirteenth Begiment. under Gol. Jeremiah Sullivan, was 
mustered into the United States in ISGl and joined Gen. Mc- 
Clellan's coumiand at Kich Mountain on the 10th July. The 
day folhiwijg it was present under Gen. Kosencrans and lost 
eight men killed; three successive days it was engaged under 
(3en. 1. 1. Ee^Tiohls, and won its laurels at Cheat ^fountain sum- 
mit, where it particijiated in the decisive victory over Gen. Lee. 
The Fourteenth Regiment, organized in ISO] for one year's 
service, and reorganized on the 7th of June at Terre Haute for 
three years' ser\'ice. Commanded by Col. Kimball and show- 
ing a muster roll of 1,134 men, it was one of the finest, as it 
was the tirst, three years' regiments organized in the State, 
with varying fortunes attached to its never ending round of 
duty from Cheat Mountain, September, 1801, to Morton's Ford 
in 18(51:, and during the movement South in ^lay of that year 
t(i the last of its labors, the battle of Cold Harbor. 

The Fiitcenth Regiment, reorganized at La Fayette, lltli 
June, 1801. under Col. G. D. Wagner, moved on Rich ^lountain 
on the 11th of July in time to participate in the complete rout 
of the enemy. On the promotion of Col. Wagner, Lieutenaut- 
Col. (l. A. Wood became Colonel of the regiment, November 
1802, and during the first days of January, 1863, took a distin- 
guished part in the severe action of Stone River. From this 
period doMn to the battle of Mission Ridge it was in a series of 
destructive engagements, and was, after enduring terrible 
hardships, ordered to Chattanooga, and thence to Indianapolis 
where it was mustered out the 18th June, 1804, — -four days 
after the expiration of its term of service. 

The Sixteenth Regiment, organizi ;1 under Col. P. A. Hackle- 
man at Richmond for one year's service, after participating in 
many minor military events, was mustered out at Washington. 
D. C. on the 14th of May, 1802. Col. Hackleman was killed at 
the battle of luka, and Lieutenant-Col. Thomas I. Lucas s.ie- 
ceeded to the command. It was reorganized at Indianapolis 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 130 

for tliroe gears' service, Mav 27, 1802, and took a conspicuous 
part in all the brilliant engagements of tlie war down to June. 
18(J5, when it was niusterd out at Xew Orleans. The snrvivorn, 
nuinlieriug SGo rank and file, returned to Indianapolis the iOth 
of -July amid the rejoicing of the populace. 

The Seventeenth Iveginient was mustered into service at In- 
dianapolis the 12th of June, 18()1, for three years, under Col. 
Hascall, who on lieing promoted r>iigadier-General in March, 
18(;2, left the Colonelcy to devolve on Lieutenant-Colonel John 
T. Wihler. This regiment participated iu the many exploits of 
Gen. Reynold's army from Green Brier in 1802. to Macon in 
1803, under Gen. Wilson. Retuniing to Indianapolis the 10th 
of August, in possession of a brilliant record, the regiment was 
disbanded. 

The Eighteenth Regiment, under Col. Thoums Pattison, was 
organized at Indiauai)olis, and mustered into service on the 
Kith of August, 1801. Under Gen. Pope it gained some dis- 
tinction at IJlackwater, and succeeded in retaining a reputa- 
tion made there, by its gallantry at Pea Ridge, Febrnai'y, 1802, 
down to the moment when It planted the regimental flag on the 
ar.-enal of Augusta, Georgia, where it was disbanded August 
28, 18(;o. 

The Nineteenth Regiment, mustered into three years' service 
at tlie State capital July 29, 1801, was ordered to join the army 
of the Potomac, and reported its arrival at Washington, Au- 
gust 9. Two days later it took part in the battle of Lewins- 
ville, under Colonel Sohunon iferedith. Occuiiying Falls 
Church in September, 1801. it continued to maintain a most en- 
viable place of honor on the military roll until its consolida- 
tion with the 20th Regiment, October, 1804, luider Colonel 
William Orr, formerly its Lieutenant-Culonel. 

The Twentieth Regiment of La Fayette was organized in 
July, ISCl, mustered into three years' service at Indianapolis 
on the 22d of the same month, and reached the front at Cock- 
eysville, ^Maryland, twelve days Liter. Throughout all its bril- 
liant actiiins from Hatteras Bank, on the 4th of October, ta 
Clover Hill. 9th of April, ISOo, including the saving of the 
United States ship Coiirprss.- at Xewport Xews, it added daily 
some new name to its escutcheon. Tliis regiment was mus- 
tered out at Louisville iu July, 1805, and returning to Indianap- 
olis was welcomed by the great war governor of their State. 

The Twenty-flrst Regiment was mustered into service under 
Col. I. W. ]McMillan. July 24, 1801, and reported at the front 
the third day of Auonst. It was the first regiment to enter 
]^'ew Orleans. The fortunes of this regiment were as varied as 



1-10 HISTOUY OF IXDIAXA. 

its services, so tliat its name and fame, ^own from the tlootl 
shed by its members, are destined to live and flourish. In 
December, 1803, the regiment was reorganized, and on the 19th 
February, 1S04, many of its veterans returned to tlieir Stiite, 
■w-here Morton received them with that spirit of proud grati- 
tude which he was capable of showing to those who deserve 
honor for honors won. 

The Twenty-second Regiment, under Col. Jeff. C. Davis, left 
Indianapolis the 15th of August, and was attached to Fre- 
mont's Corps at St. Louis on the 17th. From the day it moved 
to the support of Col. Mulligin at L'xingtnn, to the last victory, 
won under General Sherman at lientonville, on the 10th of 
March, 1805, it gained a high military reputation. After the 
fall of Johnston's southern army, this regiment was mustered 
out, and arrived at Indianipnlls on the 16th June. 

Tlie Twenty-third Eegiraeut, commanded by Col. W. L. San- 
derson, was mustered in at New Albany, the 29th July, ISGl, 
and moved to the front early in August. Fr(uu its unfoi'tunatc 
marine experiences before Fort Henry to Bentonville it won 
unusual honors, and after its disbandment at Louisville, re- 
turned to Indianapitlis July 21. 18ti.j, where Governor Morton 
-and General Sherman reviewed and complimented the gallant 
survixors. 

The Twenty-fourth Battalion, under Col. Alvin P. Hovey, was 
mustered at Vincennes the 31st of July, 18G1. Proceeding im- 
mediately to the front it joined Fremont's command, and par- 
ticipated under many Generals in important aifairs during the 
war. Three hundred and ten men and officers returned to 
their State in Augnist, 18G5, and were received with marlced 
honors by the people and Executive. 

The Twenty-fifth Eegiment of Evansville, mustered into ser- 
vice there for three years under Col. J. C. Veatch, arrived at St. 
Louis on the 26th of August, I'-'Ol. During the war this regi- 
ment was present at 18 battles and skirmishes, sustaining 
therein a loss of 352 men and officers. Mustered out at Louis- 
ville. July 17, 1865, it returned to Indianapolis on the 21st 
amid universal rejo'cing. 

The Twenty-sixth Battalion, under W. M. 'U'^heatley, left In- 
dianapolis for the front the 7th of Sejftember, 1861, and after a 
brilliant campaign under Fremont, Grant, Heron and Smith, 
may be said to disband the 18th of September, 1865, when the 
non-veterans and recruits were reviewed by Morton at the 
State capital. 

The Twenty-seventh Eegiment, under Col. Silas Colgrove, 
moved from Indianaprlis to "Washington City, September loth. 



HlSiOiiV OF INDIANA. 141 

ISOl, and in Octob^^'i' was allied to Gen. Banks' army. From 
Winchester Heij,^hts, the ttth of March, 1SG2, through all the af- 
fairs of General ^^herman"s cainpiTig-n, it acted a gallant and 
faithful part, and was disbanded immediately after returning 
to their Btate. 

The Twenty-eighth or First (^avalry was mustered into ser- 
Tice at Evansville on the 20th of August, ISGl, under Col. Con- 
rad Baker. From the skirmish at Irouton, on the 12th of .Sep 
tember, wherein three companies under Col. Gavin captured a 
position held by a few rebels, to the battle of the Wilderness, 
the First Cavalry performed prodigies of valor. In June and 
July, 1SG5, the troops were mustered out at Indianapolis. 

The Twenty-ninth Battalion of La Porte, itnder Col. J. F. 
Miller, left on the 5th of October, 1861, and reaching Camp Ne- 
Tin, Kentucky, on the 9th, was allied to Eosseau's Brigade, 
sei'ving with McCook's division at Shiloh, with Buell's army in 
Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky, with Eosencrans at Mur- 
freesboro, at Decatur. Alabama, and at Dalton, Georgia. The 
Twenty-ninth won mmy laurels, and had its Colonel promoted 
to the rank of Brigadier-General. This officer was succeeded 
in the command by Lieutenant-Col. D. M. Dunn. 

The Thirtieth Eegiment of Fort Wayne, under Col. Sion S. 
Bass, proceeded to the frout ria Indianapolis, and joined Gen- 
eral Eosseau at Camp Nevin on the 9th of October, 1801. At 
Shiloh, Col. Bass received a mortal wound, aud died a few 
days later at Paducah, leaving the Colonelcy to devolve upon 
Lieutenant-Col. J. B. Dodge. In October, 1865, it formed a 
battalion of General Sheridan's army of observation in Texas. 

The Thirty-first Eegiment, organized at Terre Haute, under 
Col. Charles Cruft, in September, 1861, was mustered in, and 
left in a few days for Kentucky. Present at the reduction of 
Fort Donelson on the 13th, 11th, and 15(h of February, 1862. its 
list of killed and wounded proves its despei-ate fighting qu.ili- 
ties. The organization was subjected to many changes, but in 
all its phases maintained a fair fame won on many battle-fields. 
Like the former regiment, it passed into Gen. Sheridan's Army 
of Observation, and held the district of Green Lake, Texas. 

The Tliirty-second Eegiment of Gennan Infantry, under Col. 
August Willieh, organized at Indianapolis, mustered on the 
24th of August, 1861, served with distinction throughout the 
campaign. Col. Willieh was promoted to the rank of Brig- 
adier-General, and Lieut.-Col. Henry Von Trebra commissioned 
to act. under whose command the regiment passed into Gen. 
Sheridan's Army, holding the post of Salado Creek, until the 
■withdrawal of the corps of observation in Texas. 



142 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

The Tbii'tv-third Eeginient of Indiauapolis possesses a mili- 
tai-j history of uo small prtiportions. The niei-e facts that it 
was mustered in under Col. John Coburn, the Kith of Septem- 
ber, wen a series of distinctions throughout the war district 
and was mustered out at Louisville, July 21, 1865, taken with 
its name as one of the most ptiwerful regiments engaged in the 
■war, are sutHcient here. 

Tiw Thirty-fourth Battalion, organized at Anderson on the 
lOth September, 18(51, under Col. Ashbury Steele, appeared 
among the investing battalions before Xew Madrid on the 30th 
of March, 1862. From the distinguished part it took in that 
siege, down to the 1.3th of May, 1S65, when at Palmetto 
Eanche, near Palo Alto, it fought for hours against fearful 
odds the last battle of the war for the Union. Afterwards it 
marched 250 miles up the Rio Grande, and was the first regi- 
ment to reoccupy the position, so long in Southern hands, of 
Ringold barracks. In 1865 it garrisoned Beaconsville as part 
of the Army of Observation. 

The Thirty-fifth or First Irish Regiment, was organized at In- 
dianapolis, and mustered into service on the 11th day of De- 
cember, 1861, under Col. John C. Walker. At Nashville, on the 
22d of May, 1862, it was joined by the organized portion of the 
Sixty-fir.st or Second Irish Regiment, and unassigned recruits. 
Col. Mullen now became Lieut.-Colonel of the 35th, and shortly 
after, its Colonel. From the pursuit of Gen. Bragg through 
Kentucky and the affair at Perryville on the 8th of October. 
1862, to the terrible hand to hand combat at Kenesaw moun- 
tain, on the night of the 20th of June, 1864, and again from the 
conclusion of the Atlanta canii>aign to September, 1865, with 
Gen. Sheridan's army, when it was mustered out, it won foi 
itself a name of reckless daring and unsurpassed gallantry. 

The Thirty-sixth Regiment, of Richmond, Ind., under Col 
"William Grose, mustered into service for three years on the 
l(>th of September, 1861, went immediately to the front, and 
shared the fortunes of the Army of the Ohio until the 27th of 
February. 1862, when a forward movement led to its presence 
on the battle-field of Shiloh. Following up the honors won at 
Shiloh, it pai'ticipated in some of the most important actions 
of the war, and was, in October, 1865, transferred to Gen. Sher- 
idan's army. Col. Grose was promoted in 1864 to the position 
of Brigadier-General, and the Colonelcy devolved on Oliver H. 
P. Carey, formerly Lieut.-Colonel of the regiment. 

The Thirty-seventh Battalion, of Lawrenceburg, commanded 
by Col. Geo. W. Hazzard, organized the ISth of September. 
ISlil, left for the seat of war early in October. From the event- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. lio 

fill battle of stone River, in December, 1862, to its participa- 
tion in Slierman's march tlirough Georgia, it gained for itself 
a splendid repntation. This regiment returned to, and was 
present at, Indianapolis, on the 30th of July, 1865, where a 
public reception was tendered to men and officers on the 
grounds of the Capitol. 

The Thirty-eighth Regiment, under Col. Renjamin F. Scrib- 
ner, was mustered in at New Albany, on the 18th of September. 
1861, and in a few days were cii route tor the front. To follow 
its continual round of duty, is without the limits of this sketch; 
therefore, it will suffice to say, that on every well-fought field, 
at least from February, 1862, until its dissolution, on the 15th 
of July, 1865, it earned an enviable renown, and drew from 
Gov. Morton, on returning to Indianapolis the 18th of the same 
month, a congratulatory address couched in the highest terms 
of praise. 

The Thirty -ninth. Regiment or Eighth Cavalry, was mustered 
in as an infantry regiment, under Col. T. J. Harrison, on the 
28th of August. 1861, at the State capital. Leaving immed- 
iately for the front it took a. conspicuous part in all the en- 
gagements up to April, 1863, when it was reorganized as a cav- 
alry regiment. The record of this organization sparkles with 
great deeds which men will extol while language lives; its 
services to the Union cannot be over-estimated, or the memory 
of its daring deeds be forgotten by the unhappy people who 
raised the tumult, which culminated in their second shame. 

The Fortieth Regiment, of Lafayette, under Col. W. C. Wil- 
son, subsequently commanded by Col. J. W. Blake, and again 
by Col. Henry Learning, was organized on the 30th of Decem- 
ber, 1861, and at once jjroceeded to the front, where some time 
M'as necessarily spent in the Camp of Instruction at Bards- 
town, Kentucky. In February, 1862, it joined in Buell's for- 
ward movement. During the war the regiment shared in all its 
hardships, participated in all its honors, and like many othei 
brave commands took service under Gen. Sheridan in his Army 
of Occupation, holding the post of Port Lavaca, Texas, until 
peace brooded over the land. 

The Forty-first Regiment or Second Cavalry, the first com- 
plete regiment of horse ever raised in the State, was organized 
on the 3d of September, 1861. at Indianapolis, under Col. John 
A. Bridgland, and December 16 moved to the front. Its first 
war experience was gained cii route to Corinth on the Oth of 
April, 1862, and at Pea Ridge on the 15th. Gallatin, Vinegar 
H'll, and Perryville, and Talbot Station followed in succession, 
each battle bringing to the cavalry untold honors. In May, 



144 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

18G4, it entered upon a glorioiis career under Gen. Sherman iu 
his Atlanta camixiigu, and again under Gen. Wilson in the raid 
tluough Ahibama during April, 1SC5. On the 22d of July, 
after a brilliant career, the regiment was mustered out at 
Xashville, and returned at once to Indianapolis for discluirge. 

The Forty-second, under Col. J. G. Jones, mustered into ser- 
vice at Evausville, October 9, 1801, and having participated in 
the principal military alTairs of the period, Wartrace, Mission 
Eidge, Altoona, Kenesaw, Savannah, Charlestown, and Ben- 
tonville, was discharged at Indianapolis on the 25th of July, 
1865. 

The Forty third F.altalion was mustered in on the 27th of 
September, 1801, under Col. George K. Steele, and left Terre 
Haute cit route to the front within a few days. Later it was 
allied to (ien. Pope's corps, and afterwards served with Com- 
mcdcre Foote's marines in the reduction of Fort Pillow. It 
was the first TTnion regiment to enter Memphis. From that 
period until the close of the war it was distinguished for its un- 
exc^'lled qualifications as a military body, and fully deserved 
the encomiums passed upon it on its return to Indianapolis in 
March, 18()5. 

The Forty-fourth or the Regiment of the 10th Congressional 
District, was organized at Fort Wayne on the 24th of October, 
1801, under Col. Hugh B. Reed. Two months later it was or- 
dered to the front, and arriving in Kentucky, was attached to 
Gen. Ciuft's Brigade, tlien quartered at Calhoun. After years 
(if faithful service it was mustered out at Chattanooga, the 
Uth of September, 1805. 

The Foity-fiftli or Third Cavalry, comprised ten companies 
organized at different periods and for varied services in 18(51- 
'02, under Colonel Scott Carter and George H. Chapman. The 
distinguislied name won by the Third Cavalry is established in 
every village within the State. Let it suffice to add that after 
its brilliant participation in Gen. Sheridan's raid down the 
James' river canal, it was mustered out at Indianapolis on the 
7th of August, 18G5. 

Tlie Forty-sixth Regiment, organized at Logansport under 
Col. Graham N. Fitch, arrived in Kentucky the 10th of Feb- 
ruary. 1802, and a little later became attached to Gen. Pope's 
array, then quartered at Commerce. The capture of Fort Pil- 
low, and its career under Generals Curtis, Palmer, Hovey, Gor- 
man, Grant, Sherman. Banks and Bnrbridge are as truly 
worthy of applause as ever fell to the lot of a regiment. The 
command was mustered out at Louisville on the 4th of Sep- 
tember, 1805, 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 14E 

The Forty-seveuth was orgauized at Anderson, under Col. 1 
E. Slaek, early in October, 1822. Arriving at Bardstown, Ken- 
tucky, on the 2 1st of December, it was attached to Gen. Buell's 
army; but within two months was assigned to Gen. I'ope, un 
der whom it proved the tirst regiment to enter Fort Thompson 
near Xew Madrid. In 18(14 the command visited Indianapolis 
on veteran furlough and was enthusinstic^illy received by Gov- 
ernor Morton and the people. Returning to tbe front it en- 
gaged heartily in Gen. Banks' com])any. In December, Col. 
Slick received his commission as Brigadier-General, and was 
succeeded on the regimental command by Col. J. A. McLaugh 
ton; at Shreveport under General Heron it received the sub- 
mission of General Price and his army, and there also was it 
mustered out of service on the 23d of October, 18G5. 

Thi' Forty-eighth Regiment, organized at Goshen the (jth of 
December, 18(il, undin- Cnl. Norman Eddy, entered on its duties 
during the siege of Corinth in May, and again in October, 1802, 
The record of tliis battaru n may be said to be unsurpassed Id 
its every feature, so that the grand ovation extended to the 
returned soldiers in 1SG.5 at Indianapolis, is not a matter for 
suiiirise. 

The Forty-ninth Regiment, organized at Jeffersonville, under 
Col. J. W. Ray, and mustered in on the 21st of November, 18(11, 
for service, left cii route for the canqj at Bardstown. A month 
later it arrived at the unfortunate campground of Cumber- 
land Ford, where disease carried off a number of gallant sol- 
dier.'Si. The regiment, however, survived the dreadful scourge 
and won its laurels on many a well-fought field until Septem- 
ber. 18().5, when it was mustered out at Louisville. 

The Fiftieth Regiment, under Col. Cyrus L. Dunham, organ- 
ized during the month of September, 1861, at Seymour, left 
en route to Bardstown for a course of military instruction. On 
the 20th of August, 18(i2, a detachment of the 50th, under Capt. 
Atkinson, was attacked by Morgan's Cavalry near Edgefield 
Junction; but the gallant few repulsed their oft-repeated on- 
sets and finally drove them from the field. The regiment un- 
derwent many changes in organization, and may be said to 
muster out on the 10th of September, 180.5. 

Thi' Fifty-first Regiment, under Col. Abel. D. Streight, left 
Indianapolis on the 14th of December, 1801, for the South. 
After a short course of instruction at Bardstown, the regi- 
ment jo'ned General Buell's and acted with great effect during 
the campaign in Kentucky and Tennessee, intimately it be- 
came a participator in the work of the Fourth Corps, or Army 
of Occujiation, and held the post of San Antonio until peace 
was doubly assured. 
10 



lJ:t> HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Till' Fifty-second Ri'gimeut was partially raised at Rusliville, 
and the organization completed at Indianapolis, where it was 
consolidated with the Railway Brigade, or Fifty-sixth Regi- 
ment, on the 2d of February. 1862. Going to the front immedi- 
ately after, it served with marked distinction throughout the 
war, and was mustered out at Montgomery on the 10th of 8ep 
tember, 1S(55. Returning to Indianapolis six days later, it was 
welcomed by Gov. Morton and a most enthusiastic I'eception 
ac.ord.d to it. 

The Fifty-third Battalion was raised at New Albany, and 
with the addition of recruits raised at Rockport formed a 
standard regiment, under command of Col. W. Q. Greshara. 
Its first duty was that of guarding the rebels confined on Camp 
Morton, but on going to the front it made for itself an endur- 
able name. It was niustei'ed out in July. 1805, and returned lo 
Indianapolis on the 2.jth of the same month. 

The Fifty-fourth Regiment was raised at Indianapolis on the 
10th of June, 1SIJ2, for three months' service under Col. D. G. 
Rose. The succeeding t^\'o months saw it in charge of the pris- 
oners at Camp Morto'.i, and in August it was pushed forward 
to aid in the defense of Kentucky against the Confederate Gen- 
eral. Kirby Smith. The remainder of its short term of service 
was given to the cause. On the muster out of the three 
months' service regiment it was reorganized for one year's ser- 
vice and gained some distinction, after which it was mustered 
out in 18Go at New Orleans. 

The Fifty-fiftli Regiment, organized for three months' service, 
retains the brief history applicable to the first organization of 
the .54th. It was mustered in on the Ifith of .lune. lS(i2, under 
Col. J. R. Mahoii, disbanded on the expiration of its term and 
was not reorganized. 

The Fifty-sixth Regiment, referred to in the sketch of the 
52d. was designed to be composed of railroad men, marshalled 
under J. M. Smith as Colonel, but owing to the fact that many 
railroaders had already volunteered into other regiments. Col. 
Smith's volunteers were incorporated with the 52d, and this 
number left blank in the army list. 

The Fifty-seventh Battalion, actually organized by two min- 
isters of the gospel.— the Rev. I. W. T. Mc:\[nl!en and Rev. F. A. 
Hardin, of Richmond. Ind., mustered into service on the ISth 
of November, 1801, under the former named reverend gentle- 
man as Colonel, who was, however, succeeded by Col. Cyrus C. 
Haynes, and he in turn by G. W. Leonard, Willis Blanch and 
John S. ilcGrath, the latter holding command until the conclu- 
sion of the war. The history of this battalion is extensive, and 



HISTDKY OF INDIANA. 147 

if pnrtiiipation in a number of battles with the display of rare 
fiuliantry wins fame, the 57th may rest assured of its posses- 
sion of tliis frajjile yet coyeted prize. Lilce many other regi- 
ments it concluded its military labors in the seryice of Gen. 
Sheridan, and held the post of Port Layaca in conjunction with 
another regiment unt!l peace dwelt in the land. 

The Fifty-eighth Regiment of Princeton was organized there 
early in October, ISGl. and mustered into seryice under the 
Colonelcy of Henry M. Carr. In December it was ordered to 
join General Buell's army, after which it took a share in the 
yarious actions of the war, and was mustered out on the 2.5th 
of July, ISGo, at Louisyille, haying gained a place on the roll 
of honor. 

The Fifty-ninth Battalion wt.s raised under a commission is- 
sued by Goy. Morton to Jesse I. Alexander creating him 
Colonel. Owing to the peculiarities hampering its organiza- 
tion. Col. Alexander could not succeed in haying his regiment 
prepared to muster in before tiie 17th of February, 1862. 
Howeyer. on that day the equipment was complete, and on the 
ISth it left oi route to Commerce, where on its arriyal, it was 
incorporated under General Pope's command. The list of its 
casualties speaks a history, — no less than 70.3 men were lost 
during the campaign. Tlie regiment, after a term character- 
ized by distinguished seryice. was mustered out at Louisyille 
on the 17th of July. 18(5.5. 

The Sixtieth Regiment was partially organized under Lieut.- 
(yol. Richard Owen at Eyansyille during Xoyember, 18(>1, and 
perfected at Camp Morton during March, 18(12. Its first ex- 
perience was its gallant resistance to Bragg's army inyesting 
Muufordsyille, which culminated in the unconditional sur- 
render of its first seyen companies on the 11th of September. 
An exchange of prisoners took place in Xoyember. which 
enabled it to join tlie remaining companies in the Held. The 
subsequent record is excellent, and forms, as it were, a monu- 
ment to their fidelity and heroism. The main portion of this 
battalion was mustered out at Indianapolis, on the 21st of 
March. 18(J5. 

Tlie Sixty-first was partially organized in December, ISfil, 
under Col. B. F. Mullen. The failure of thorough orgauiza- 
tion on the 22d of May, 1862, led the men and officers to agree 
to incorporation with the Both Regiment of Volunteers. 

Tlie Sixty-second Battalion, raised under a commission is- 
sued to William Jones, of Rockport, authorizing him to organ- 
ize this regiment in the First Congressional District, was so 
unsuccessful that consolidation with the 53d Rcjiment was re- 
sohed upon. 



148 HISTORY OF IXDLAJNA. 

The SixtT-third Regiment, of Covington, under James Mc- 
MiinoiuT, Commandant of Camp, and J. S. Williams, Adjutant, 
was partially organized on the 31st of December, 18C1, and 
may be considered on duty from its very formation. After 
guarding prisoners at Camp ilorton and Lafayette, and en- 
gaging in battle on Manassas Plains on the 30th of August 
following, the few companies sent out in February, 18fi2, re- 
turned to Indianapolis to find six new companies raised under 
the call of July, 1SG2, ready to embrace the fortunes of the 
G3d. So strengthened, the regiment went forth to battle, and 
continued to lead in the paths of honor and fidelity until mus- 
tered out in May and June, 186.5. 

The Sixty-fourth Regiment failed in organization as an ar- 
tillery corps; but orders received from the War Department 
prohibiting the consolidation of independent batteries, put a 
stop to any further move in the matter. However, an infantry 
regiment bearing the same number was afterward organized. 

The Sixty-fifth was mustered in at Princeton and Evansville. 
in July and August. 1802, under Col. J. W. Foster, and left at 
once en route for the front. The record of this battalion is 
creditable, not only to its members, but also to the State which 
claimed it. Its last action during the war was on the ISth and 
20th of February, 1805, at Fort Anderson and Town creek, 
after which, on the 22d June, it was disbanded at Greensboro. 

The Sixty-sixth Regiment partially organized at New Al- 
bany, under Commandant Roger Martin, was ordered to leave 
for Kentucky on the 19th of Augiist, 1802, for tlie defense of 
that State against the incursions of Kirby Smith. After a 
brilliant career it was mustered out at Washington on the 3d 
of June, 1S'j5, after which it returned to Indianapolis to re- 
ceive the thanks of a grateful people. 

The Sixty-seventh Regiment was organized within the Third 
Congressional District under Col. Frank Emerson, and was 
ordered to Louisville on the 20th of August, 1802, whence it 
marched to Munford\ille, only to share the same fate with the 
other gallant regiments engaged against Gen. Bragg's advance. 
Its roll of honor extends down the years of civil disturbance, — 
always adding garlands, until Peace called a truce in the fas- 
cinating race after fame, and insured a terra of rest, wherein 
its members could think on comrades forever vanished, and 
temper the sad thought with the sublime memories l>orn of 
that chivalrous fight for the maintenance and integrity of a 
great Republic. At Galveston on the 19th of July, 1805. the 
gallant C7th Regiment was mustered out, and returning within 
a few days to its State received the enthusiastic ovations of 
her citizens. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 149 

The Sixty-eighth Regiment, organized at Greensburg under 
Major Benjamin C. Shaw, was accepted for general service the 
lOfh of August, 1S02, under Col. Edward A. King, witli Major 
Shaw as Lieutenant-* '()h>nel; on the 2.jtli its arrival at Lebanon 
was reported and within a few days it appeared at the defense 
of Munfordville; but sharing in the fate of all the defenders, 
it surrendered unconditionally to Gen. Bragg and did not par- 
ticipate further in the actions of that year, nor iintil after the 
exchange of prisoners in 1SG3. From this period it may lay 
claim to an enviable history extending to the end of the war, 
when it was disembodied. 

Tile Sixty-ninth Regiment, of Richmond, Ind., under Col. A. 
Biclde, left for the front on the 20th of August, 18(12, and ten 
days later miide a very brilliant stand at Richmond, Kentucky, 
against the advance of Gen. Kirby Smith, losing in the engage- 
ment two hundred and eighteen men and officers together with 
its liberty. After an exchange of prisoners the regiment was 
reorganized under Col. T. W. Bennett and took the field in De- 
cember, 18IJ2, under Generals Sheldon, Morgan, and Sherriian 
of Grant's army. Chickasaw, Vicksburg, Blakely and many 
other names testify to the valor of the fi!)th. The remnant of 
the regiment was in January, 18G5, formed into a battalion 
under Oran Perry, and was mustered out in July following. 

The Seventieth Regiment was organized at Indianapolis, on 
the 12th of August, 1862, under Col. B. Harrison, and leaving 
for Louisville on Ihe l-3th, shared in the honors of Brace's di- 
vision at Franklin and Russellville. The record of the regi- 
ment is brimful of honor. It was mustered out at Washington. 
June 8, 18(55, and received at Indianapolis with public honors. 

The Seventy-first or Sixth Cavalry was organized as an in- 
fantry regiment, at Terre Haute, and mustered into general 
service at Indianapolis on the 18th of August, 1862, under 
Lieut. -Col. Melville D. Topping. Twelve days later it was en- 
gaged outside Richmond, Kentucky, losing two hundred ana 
fifteen officers and men, including Col. Topping and Major 
Conklin. together with three hundred and forty-se\en prison- 
ers, only 22.5 escaping death and capture. .Vfter an exchange 
of prisoners the regiment M'as re-formed under Col. I. Bittle, 
but on the 28th of December it surrendered to'Gen. .J. H. Mor- 
gan, who attacked its position at Muldraugh's Hill with a force 
of 1,000 C?onfederates. During September and October, 186.3, 
it was organized as a cavalry regiment, won distinction 
throughout its career, and was mustered out the 15th of Sep- 
tember. 1865, at Murfreesboro. 

The Seventv-second Regimeut was organized at Lafavette. 



loO HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

and left cii route to L"bauon, Ki'iitink.v, on tlie 17tb of Angnst, 
lS(i2. Under Col. Miller it won a series of lionor.'i, and mus- 
tered out at Xashville on the 2(ith of June, 1865. 

The SeventT-third Regiment, under Col. Gilbei-t H;^]iaway, 
was mustered in at South Bend on the 16th of ATi^ust, 1862. 
and proceeded immediately to the front. Day's Gap. Crooked 
Creek, and the high eulogit s of Generals Eosenerans and 
Granger speak its long and brilliant history, nor were the wel- 
coming shouts of a great people and the congratuiatiutis of 
Got. Morton, tendered to the regiment on its return uome, in 
July, 1865, necessary to sustain its well won reputation. 

The Seventy-fourth Regiment, partially organized at Fort 
Wayne and made almost complete at Indianapolis, left for the 
seat of war on the 22d of August, 1862, under Col. Charles W. 
Chapman. The desperate ojip^isition to Gen. Bragg, and the 
maguilieent defeat of ilorgan. together with the battles of 
Dallas. Chattahoochie River, Kenesaw and Atlanta, where 
Lieut.-Col. Myron Baker was killed, all bear evidence of its 
never stirpassed gallantry. It was mustered out of sei'vice on 
the 9th of June, 1865, at Washington. On the return of the 
regiment to Indianapolis, the war Governor and jJ^ople 
tendered it special honors, and gave expression to the admira- 
tion and regard in whiih it was held. 

The Seventy-fifth Regiment was organized within the 
Eleventh Congressional District, and left Wabash, on the 21st 
of August, 1862. for the fiont. under Col. I. W. Petit. It was 
the first regiment to enter Tullahoma, and one of the last en- 
gaged in the battles of the Republic. ^-Vfter the submission 
of Gen. Johnson's army, it was mustered out at Washington, 
on the 8th of June, 1865. 

The Seventy-sixth Battalion was solely organized for thirty 
days' service under Colonel James Gavin, for the purpose of 
pursuing the rebel guerrillas, who phindered Xewburg on the 
13th July, 1862. It was organized and equipped with forty- 
eight hours, and during its term of service gained the name, 
"Tlie Avengers of Xewburg."' 

Tlie Seventy-seventh, or Fourth Cavalry, was organized at 
the State capital in August, 1862, under Colonel Isaac V. Gray. 
It carved its way to fame over twenty battlefields, and retired 
from service at Edgefield, on the 20th .lune, 1865. 

The Seventy-ninth Regiment was mustered in at Indianap- 
olis on the 2d September, 1862, under Colonel Fred Knefler. 
Its history may be tenn' d a record of battles, as the great num- 
bers of battles, from 1862 to the conclusion of hostilities. Mere 
participated in by it. The regiment received its discharge on 



niSTORY OF INDIANA. 151 

the 11th Jiinp. 1803, at Indianapolis. Dnrinf!: i<^s continncr] 
round of field duty it cai)tured eiykteen guns and OTer one 
thousand ju-isoners. 

The Eightieth Eeginient was organized within the First Con- 
gressional District under Col. C. Denby, and equipped at In- 
dianapolis, when, on the .Sth of September. 181)2, it left for the 
front. During its term it lost only two prisoners; but its list 
of casualties sums up -32.5 men and officers killed and wounded. 
The regiment may be said to muster out on the 22nd of June. 
1865, at Haulsbnry. 

The Eighty-first Kegiment, of iN'ew Albany, nnder Colonel 
W. W. Caldwell, was organized on the 29th August, ]8(>2. and 
proceeded at once to join BiielFs headquarters, and join in the 
pursuit of General Bragg. Throughout the terrific actions of 
the war its influence was felt, nor did its labors cease until it 
aided in driving the rebels across the Tennessee. It was dis- 
embodied at Xashville en the 13th June. 1805, and returned to 
Indianapolis on the 1.5th. to receive the well-merited congratu- 
lations of Governor Morton and the people. 

The Eighty-second Kegiment. under Colonel Morton C. Hun- 
ter, was mustered in at ^ladison. Ind., on the 30th August. 
1802. and leaving immediately for the seat of war, participated 
in many of the great battles down to the return of peace. It 
was mustered out at Washington on the 9th June, 180.5, and 
soon returned to its State to receive a grand recognition of its 
faithful serA'ice. 

The Eighty-third Regiment, of Lawrenceburg, under Colonel 
Ben. J. Spooner, was organized in September, 1862, and soon 
left en route to the Mississippi. Its subsequent history, the 
fact of its being under fire for a total term of 4.800 hours, and 
its wanderings over 0,28.5 miles, leave nothing to be said in its 
defense. Master of a thousand honors, it was naustered out at 
Louisville, on the 1.5th July, 1865, and returned home to enjoy 
a well-merited repose. 

Tlie Eighty-fourth Eegiment was mustered in at Eichmond. 
Ind.. on the 8th Si-ptember, 1862. under Colonel Xelson Trusler 
Its first military duty was on the defenses of Covington, in 
Kentucky, and Cincinnati; but after a short time its labors be- 
came more congenial, and tended to the great disadvantage of 
the slaveholding enemy on many well-contested fields. This, 
like the other State regiments, won many distinctions, and re- 
tired from the service on the 14th of June, 1805, at Xashville. 

The Eighty-fifth Eegiment was mustered at Terre Haute, 
under Colonel .John P. Bayard, on the 2d September, 1802. On 
the 4th March, 1863, it shared in the unfortunate affair at 



152 HISTOrvY OF rVDIAXA. 

Tliompson's Station, Mhon in common with the other re<iiinents 
forming Coburu's Brigade, it surrendered to the overpov.ering 
forces of the rebel General, Forrest. In June, 1803, after an 
exchange, it again took the field, and won a large portion of 
tliat renown accorded to Indiana. It was mustered out on the 
12th of June, 18G5. 

The Eighty-sixth Eegiment, of La Fayette, left for Ken- 
tucky on the 2()th August, 1802, under Colonel Orville S. Ham- 
ilton, and shared in the duties assigned to the 84th. Its 
record is very creditable, particularly that portion dealing with 
the battles of Xashville on the 15th and IGth December, 1864. 
It was mustered out on the Cth of June, 1805, and reported 
Mithin a few days at Indianapolis for discharge. 

The Eighty-seventh Regiment, organized at South Bend, un- 
der Colonels Kline G. Sherlock and X. Gleason, was accepted 
at Indianapolis on the 31st of August, 18G2, and left on the 
same day en route to the front. From Springfield and Perry- 
ville on the fith and Sth of October, 1862. to :\nssion Ridge, on 
the 25th of November, 180.3. thence througli the Atlanta canv 
paign to the surrender of the Southern armies, it upheld a gal- 
lant name, and met witl> a true and enthusiastic welcome home 
on the 2]st of June, 1805, with a iist of absent comrades aggre- 
gating 451. 

The Eighty-eighth Regiment, organized within the Fourth 
Congressional District, under Col. Geo. Humphrey, entered the 
service on the 20th of August, 1862, and presently was found 
among the front ranks in war. It passed througii the cam- 
paign in brilliant form down to the time of Gen. Johnson's 
surrender to Gen. Grant, after which, on the 7th of June, 1865, 
it was mustered out at Washington. 

The Eighty-ninth Regiment, formed from the material of the 
Eleventh Congressional District, was mustered in at Indian- 
apolis, on the 28th of August, 1862. under Col. Chas. D. Mur- 
ray, and after an exceedingly brilliant campaign was dis- 
charged by Gov. Morton on the 4th of August, 1865. 

The Ninetieth Regiment, or Fifth Cavalry, was organized at 
Indianapolis under the Colonelcy of Felix W. Graham, be- 
tween August and November, 1862. The different companies, 
joining headquarters at Louisville on the 11th of March. 1803. 
engaged in obser^ing the movements of the enemy in the vicin- 
ity of Cumberland river until the 10th of April, when a tirst 
and successful brush was had with the rebels. The regiment 
had been in 22 engagements during the term of service, cap- 
tured 640 prisoners, and claimed a list of casualties amounting 
u^> to the number of 829. It was mustered out on the 16th of 
June, 1865, at Pulaski. 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 153 

TheXinetj-fii'st Battalion, of seven companies, was mustered 
into service at EvansWlle, the 1st of October, 1S02, irnder 
Lieut. -Colonel John Mehiiuger, and tea days later left fui 
the front. In 1SG3 the regiment was completed, and thence- 
forth took a very prominent position in the prosecution of the 
war. During its service it lost 81 men, and retired from the 
field on the 2Gth of June, 1SC5. 

The Ninety-second Regiment failed in organizing. 

The Ninety-third Regiment was mustered in at Madison, 
Ind., on the '20th of October, 18G2, under Col. Ue Witt C 
Thomas and Lieut.-Col. Geo. W. Carr. On the 0th of Novem- 
ber it began a movement south, and ultimately allied itself to 
Bmkland's Brigade of Gen. Sherman's. On the lltli of May 
it was among the first regiments to enter Jackson, the capital 
of Mississippi; was next ])resent at the assault on ^'icksbnrg, 
and made a stirring campaign down to the storming of Fort 
Blakely on the 9th of April. 1865. It was discharged ou the 
11th of Augiist, that year, at Indianapolis, after receiving a 
public ovation. 

The Ninety-fourth and Ninety-fifth Regiments, authorized 
to be formed within the Fourth and Fifth Congressional Dis- 
tricts, respectively, were only partially organized, and so the 
few companies that could be mustered were incorporated with 
other regiments. 

The Ninety-sixth Regiment could only bring together three 
companies, in the Sixth Congressional District, and these be- 
coming incorporated with the OOth then in process of forma- 
tion at South Bend, the number was left blank. 

The Ninety-seventh Regiment, raised in the Seventh Con- 
gressional District, was mustered into service at Terre HaiLte. 
on the 20th of September, 1801, under Col. Robert F. Catter- 
son. Reaching the front within a few days, it was assigned a 
position near Memphis, and sub.sequently joined in Gen. 
<ji ant's movement on Vicksburg, by overland route. After a 
succession of great exploits with the several armies to which 
it was attached, it completed its list of battles at Bentonville. 
on the 21st of March, 18<J5, and was disembodied at Washing- 
ton on the 9th of June following. During its term of service 
the regiment lost 341 men, including the three Ensigns killed 
during the assaults on rebel positions along the Augusta Rail- 
way, from the 15th to the 27th of June, 1801. 

The Ninety-eighth Regiment, authorized to be raised within 
the Eighth Congressional District, failed in its organization, 
and the number was left blank in the army list. The two com- 
panies answering to the call of July, 1SG2, were consolidated 



154 HISTORY OF INDIAXA. 

with tlie 100th Eegiuient then being organized at Fort Wayne. 

Tlie Ninety-ninth Battalion, recruited within the Ninth 
Congressional District, completed its muster on the 21st of Oc- 
tob;^r, 18(i2, under Col. Alex. Fawler, and reported for service 
a few days later at Memphis, where it was assigned to the 10th 
Army Corps. The varied vicissitudes through which this regi- 
ment passed and its remarkable gallantry upon all occasions, 
have gained for it a fair fame. It was disembodied on the 5tb 
of June, 1865, at Washington, and returned to Indianapolis on 
the 11th of the same month. 

The One-hundreth Eegiment, recruited from the Eighth and 
Tenth Congressional Districts under Col. Sandford J. Stough- 
ton, mustered into service on the 10th of September, left for 
the front on the 11th of November, and became attached to 
the Army of Tennessee on the 2Gth of that month, 18(52. The 
regiment participated in twenty-iive battles, together with 
skirmishing during fully one-thii'd of its term of .service, and 
claimed a list of casualties mounting up to four hundred and 
sixty-four. It was n ustered out of the service at Washington 
on the 9th of June, and reported at Indianapolis for discharge 
on the nth of June, 1865. 

The One Hundred and First Eegiment was mustered into ser- 
vice at Wabash on the 7th of September, 18G2, under Col. Will- 
iam Garver, and proceeded immediately to Covington, Ken- 
tucky. Its early experiences were gained in the pursuit of 
Bragg's army and John Morgan's cavalry, and these -exper- 
iences tended to render the regiment one of the most val- 
uable in the war for the Ei^public. From the defeat of -John 
Morgan at Milton on the 18tli of March, 186.3, to the fall of 
Savannah on the 2.3rd of September, 1863, the regiment won 
many honors, and retired from the service on the 25th of June, 
1865, at Indianapolis. 

THE MORGAN RAID REGIMENTS — MINUTE MEN. 

The One Hundred and Second Eegiment, organized nndei 
Col. Benjamin M. Gregory from companies of the Indiana 
Legion, and numbering six hundred and twenty-three men and 
officers, left Indianapolis for the front early in July, and re- 
ported at North "\'ernon on the 12th of .July, 1863, and having 
completed a round of duty, returned to Indianapolis on the 
17th to be discharged. 

The One Hundred and Tliird, comprising seven companies 
from Hendricks county, two from Marion and one from Wayne 
counties, numbering 681 men and ofiBcers, under Col. Lawrence 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 155 

S. Sluiler, was contemporarj with the 102d Eefjinicnt. varying 
only in its service by being mustered out one day before, or on 
t he" l()th of July, 18(13. 

The One Hundred and Fourth Regiment of Minute Men was 
recruited from members of the Legion of D(^catur, La Fayette. 
Madison, JIariou and Kiish counties. It comprised 711 men 
and officers under the command of Col. James Gavin, and was 
organized within forty hours after the issue of Governor Mor- 
ton's call for minute men to protect Indiana and Kentucky 
against the raids of (xeu. John IT. Morgan's rebel forces. 
After Morgan's escape into Ohio the command returned and 
was mustered out on the 18th of July, ISOt}. 

The One Hundred and Fifth Regiment consisted of seven 
companies of the Legion and three of Miuute Men, furnisheJ 
by Haucoek, Union, Randolph, Putnam, Wayne, Clinton and 
^Madison counties. The commaud numbered seven hundred 
and thirteen men and officers, under Col. Sherlock, and took 
a leading part in the pursuit of Morgan. Returning on the 
18th of July to Indianajiolis it was mustered out. 

The One Hundred and Sixth Regiment, under Col. Isaac P, 
Gray, consisted of one company of the Legion and nine com- 
panies of Minute Men, aggregating seveu hundred and ninety- 
two men and officers. The counties of Wayne, Randolph, Han- 
cock, Howard, and Marion were represented in its rank and' 
file. Like the other regiments organized to repel Morgan, it 
was disembodied in July. 18(13. 

The One Hundred and Seventh Regiment, under Col. De Witt 
C. Rugg, was organ'zed in the city of Indianapolis from the 
companies' Legion, or Ward Guards. The successes of this 
promptly organized regiment were unquestioned. 

The One Hundred and Eighth Regiment comprised five com- 
panies of Minute Men, from Tippecanoe county, two from Han 
cock, and one from each of the counties known as Carroll, 
Montgomery and Wayne, aggregating 710 men and officers, 
and all under the command of Col. W. C. Wilson. After per- 
forming the only duties presented, it returned from Cincinnati 
on the 18th of July, and was mustered out. 

The One Hundred and Xinth Regiment, composed of Minute 
Men from Coles county. 111., La Porte, Hamilton, Miami and 
Randolph counties, Ind., showed a roster of 709 officers and 
men, under Col. J. R. Mahon. Morgan having escaped from 
Ohio, its duties were at an end, and returning to Indianapolis 
was mustered out on the 17th of July, 1863, after seven days' 
service. 

The One Hundred and Tenth Regiment of Minute Men com- 



150 HISTOKY OP INDIANA. 

l)rised volunteers from Ileiu'y, :Madison, Delaware, Cass, and 
Monroe counties. The men were ready and willing, if not 
really anxious, to go to the front. But happily the swift- 
winged Morgan was driven away, and consequently the regi- 
ment was not called to the tield. 

The One Hundred and Eleventh Eegimeut, furnished by 
^Montgomery, Lafayette, Kush. Miami. Monroe, Delaware and 
Ham'ltnn countit s, nnmbeiiiig 733 men and ottieers, under Col 
Kohert Canover, was not requisitioned. 

The One Hundred and Twelfth Eegiment was formed from 
nine companies of Minute Men, and the Mitchell Light Infantry 
Company of the Legion. Its strength- was 703 men and offi- 
cers, under Col. Hiram F. Braxton. Lawrence, Washington, 
Monroe and Orange counties were represented on its roster, 
and the historic names of North Vernon and Sunman's Station 
on its banner. Returning from the South after seven days' 
service, it was mustered out on the 17th of July. 1863. 

The One Hundicd and Thirteenth Eegiment, furnished by 
Daviess, Martin, Washington, and ^Mtnroe counties, comprised 
52G rank and file under Col. Geo. W. Burge. Like the 112th, 
it was assigned to Cren. Hughes" Brigade, and defended North 
Vernon against the repeated attacks of John H. iforgan's 
forces. 

The One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment was wholly or- 
ganized in Johnson county, under Col. Lambertson, and par- 
ticipated in the affair of Xorth Vernon. Eeturniiig on the 21st 
of July. 18G3, with its brief but faithful record, it was disem- 
bodied at Indianapolis, 11 days after its organization. 

AU th«se regiments were brought into existence to meet an 
emergency, and it must be confessed, that had not a sense of 
duty, military instinct and love of countiy animated these regi- 
ments, the rebel General, John H. Morgan, and his 0,000 cav- 
alry, would doubtless have carried destruction as far as the 
very capital of their State. 

SIX BIONTHS' REGIMENTS. 

The One Hundred and Fifteenth Eegiment, organized at In- 
dianapolis in answer to the call of the President in June, 18(53. 
was mustered into sei-vice on the 17th of August, under Col. 
J. E. ;Mahon. Its service was short but brilliant, and received 
its discharge at Indianapolis the 10th of February, 1804. 

The One Hundred and Sixteenth Eegiment. mustered in on 
the 17th of August, 1803, moved to Detroit, ^Michigan, on the 
■30th, under Col. Charles Wise. During October it was ordered 



niSXOKY OF INDIANA. 157 

to Nicliolnsville. Kentucky, wliere it was assigned to Col. 5Ia- 
lion's IJris'ade, and witli Gen. Wilcox's entire command, joined 
in the forward movement to Cumberland Gap. After a term 
on severe duty it returned to Lafayette and there was disem- 
bodied on the 24th of February, ISO-t, whither Gov. Morton 
hastened, to share in the ceremonies of welcome. 

The One Hundred and Seventeenth Resiraent of Indianapolis 
was mustered into service on the 1,7th of September, 18(53, un- 
der Col. Thomas J. Brady. After surmounting- every obstacle 
opposed to it. it returned on the 6th of February, ISOl, and 
was treated to a public reception on the Otii. 

The One Hundred and E g'lteenth Regiment, whose organiza- 
tion was completed on the 3d of September, 1863, under Col. 
Geo. W. Jackson, joined the IKith at Xicholasville, and shar- 
ing in its fortunes, returned to the State capital on the 11th of 
Feliruary, 1861. Its ca>iialties were comprised in a list of 15 
killed and wounded. 

The One Hundred and Xineteenth, or Seventh Cavalry, was 
recruited under Col. John P. C Shanks, and its organization 
com]ileted on the 1st ef October, 1863. The rank and file nam 
bered 1.213, divided into twelve companies. On the 7th of 
December its arrival at Louisville was reported, and on the 
11th it entered on active service. After the well-fought battle 
of Guntown, Mississippi, on the 10th of June, 1861, although 
it ouly brought defeat to our arms. General Grierson addi-essed 
the Seventh Cavalry, saying: "Your General congratulates 
you upon your noble conduct during the late expedition. 
Fighting against overwhelming numbers, under adverse cir- 
cumstances, your prompt obedience to orders and unflinching 
courage commanding the admiration of all, made even defeat 
almost a victory. For hours on foot you repulsed the charges 
of the enemies' infantry, and again in the saddle you met his 
cavalry and turned his assaults into confusion. Your heroic 
perseverance saved hundreds of your fellow-soldiers from 
capture. You have been faithful to your honorable reputa- 
tion, and have fiilly justified the confidence, and merited the 
high esteem of your commander." 

Early in 180.5. a number of these troops, returning from im- 
prisonment in Southern bastiles, were lost on the steamer 
"Sultana." The survivors of the campaign continued in the 
service for a long period after the restoration of peace, and 
finally mustered out. 

The One Hundred and Twentietli Regiment. In September, 
1863. Gov. Morton received authority from the War Depart- 
ment to organize eleven regiments within the State for three 



158 HISTORY OF INTDIAXA. 

years' service. By April, 1804, this organizatir.n was complete, 
and jjeing- transferred to tlie command of Brigadier-(!eueral 
Alvin 1'. Horey, were formed by liim into a division for service 
with tlie Army of Tennessee. Of those regiments, tlie 120th 
occupied a yery prominent place, both on account of its num- 
bers, its perfect discipline and high reputation. It was mus- 
tered in at Columbus, and was in all the great battles of the 
latter years of the war. It won high praise from friend and 
foe, and retired with its bright roll of honor, after the suc':'ess 
of Right and Justice was accomplished. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-first, or Ninth Cavalry, was 
mustered in March 1. 1801, under Col. George W. Jackson, at 
Indianapolis, and though not numerically strong, was so well 
equipped and possessed such excellent material that on thf 
3rd of May it was ordered to the front. The record of the 
121st, though extending over a brief period, is pregnant with 
deeds of war of a high character. On the 2()th of April, 180.5. 
these troops, while returning from their labors in the South, 
lost 55 men, owing to the explosion of the engines of the 
steamer "Sultana." The return of the .380 survivors, on the 
5th of September, 1805. was hailed with joy, and ])roved how 
well and dearly the citizens of Indiana loved their soldiers. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-second Eegiment ordered to 
be raised in the Third Congressional District, owing to very few 
men being then at home, failed in organization, and the regi- 
mental number became a blank 

The One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment was furnished 
hy the Fourth and Seventli Congressional Districts during the 
winter of ISCS-'Ol, and mustered, March 9, 1864, at Greens- 
burg, under Col. John C. McQuiston. The command left for 
the front the same day, and after winning rare distinction dur- 
ing the last years of the campaign, particularly in its gallantry 
at Atlanta, and its daring movement to escape Forrest's 15.000 
rebel horsemen near Franklin, this regiment was discharged 
on the 30th of August, 1805, at Indianapolis, being mustered 
out on the 25th, at Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Tlie One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment completed its 
organization by assuming three companies raised for the 12.5th 
Regiment (which was intended to be cavalry), and was mus- 
tered in at Richmond, on the 10th of March, 1804, under 
Colonel James Burgess, and reported at Louisville within nine 
days. From Buzzard's Roost, on the 8th of May, 1804, under 
General Srhofleld, Lost Mountain in June, and the capture of 
Decatur, on the loth July, to the 21st March, 1805. in its gram^ 
advance under General Sherman from Atlanta to the coast, the 



HISTORY OF ESTDIANA. 159 

regiment won many laurel wreaths, and after a brilliant cam- 
paign, was mustered out at Greensboro on the 31st August. 
18(55. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-fifth, or Tenth Cavalry, was 
partially organized during November and December, 1.S(j2, at 
Vincennes, and in February, 18G3, completed its numbers and 
equipment at Columbus, under Colonel T. il. I'ace. Early in 
May its arrival in Nashville was reported and presently as- 
signed active service. During September and October it en- 
gaged rebel contingents under Forrest aud Hood, and later in 
the battles of Nashville, Reynold's Hill and Sugar Creek, and 
in 1805 Flint Eiver, Courtland and Mount Hope. The ex- 
plosion of the Sultana occasioned the loss of tliirty-flve men 
with Captain Gaffney and Lieutenants Twigg and Reeves, and 
in a collision on the Nashville & Louisville railroad, May, ISCl. 
lost five men killed and several wounded. After a term of 
service unsurpassed for its utility and character it was dis- 
embodied at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on the 31st August, 18(55, 
and returning to Indianapolis early in September, was wel- 
comed by the Executive and people. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-sixth, or Eleventh Cavalry, 
was organized at Indianapolis under Colonel Robert R. Stewart, 
on the 1st of March, 18(54, and left in May for Tennessee. It 
took a very conspicuous part in the defeat of Hood near Nash- 
ville, joining in the pursuit as far as Gravelly Springs, ^Vla- 
bama, where it was dismounted and assigned infantry duty. 
In June, 1S05, it was remounted, at St. Louis, and moved to 
Fort Riley, Kansas, and thence to Leavenworth, where it was 
mustered out on the 10th September, 1865. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-seventh, or Twelfth Cavalry, 
was partially organized at Kendallville, in December, 18(53, and 
perfected at the same place, under Colonel Edward Anderson, 
in April, 18(51. Reaching the front in May. it went into active 
service, took a prominent part in the march through Alabama 
and Georgia, and after a service brilliant in all its parts, re- 
tired from the field after discharge, on the 22d of November. 
1^35. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment was rais'i'd in 
the Tenth Congressional District of the period, and mustered 
at Michigan City, under Colonel E. P. De Hart, on the 18th 
March, 18(51. On the 25th it was reported at the front, and as- 
signed at once to Schofleld's Division. The battles of Resaca. 
Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw. Atlanta. 
Jonesboro, Dalton, Brentwood Hills, Nashville, and the six 
days' skirmish of Columbia, were all participated in by the 



100 EDSTOBT OF INDIAJ^A. 

12Sth. and it coBtimied in service long after the termination of 
hostilities, holding the post of Raleigh, North Carolina. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Eegiment was, like the 
former, mustered in at Michigan City about the same time, 
under Colonel Charles Case, and moving to the front on the 7th 
April. ISCJ:, shared in the fin-tunes of the liiSth until August 
29. 1S65, when it was disemlx)died at Charlotte, North Caro- 
lina. 

The One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment, mustered at Ko 
komo on the 12th March, 1864, under Colonel C. B. Parrish. 
left en route to the scat of war on the Kith, and was assigned 
to the Second Brigade, First Division, Twenty-third Army 
Corps, at Nashville, on the lJ)th. During the war it made for 
itself a brilliant history, and returned to Indianapolis with it.s 
well-won honors on the 13th December, 1805. 

The One Hundred and Thirty-flrst, or Thirteenth Cavalry, un- 
der Col. G. M. L. Johnson, was the last mounted regiment re- 
cruited within the State. It left Indianapolis on April 30. 
18(;4. in infantry trim, and gained its first honors on the 1st of 
October in its magnificent defense of Huntsville, Alabama, 
against the rebel division of General Buford, following a line 
of first-rate military conduct to the end. In January, 180.5, the 
regiment was remounted, won some distinction in its modern 
form, and was mustered out at Yicksburg on the ISth of No 
rember, 1865. The morale and services of the regiment were 
such that its Colonel was promoted Brevet Brigadier-General 
in consideration of its merited honors. 



THE ONE HTnSTDRED-DAYS VOLUNTEERS. 

Governor Morton, in obedience to the offer made under his 
auspices to the general GoTernment to raise volunteer regi- 
ments for one hundred days' service, issued his call on the 23d 
of April, 1801. This movement suggested itself to the in- 
ventive genius of the war Governor as a most important step 
toward the subjection or annihilation of the military sup- 
porters of slavery within a year, and thus conclude a war. 
which, notwithstanding its holy claims to the name of Battles 
for Freedom, was becoming too protracted and proving too 
detrimental to the best interests of the T'^nion. In answer to 
the esteemed Governor's call eight regiments came forward 
and formed The Grand Division of the Volunteers. 

The One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, under Col. S. 
C. "\'ance, was furnished b\ Indianapolis, Shclbyville, Frank- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 161 

lin. and Danville, ami leaving on the I8th of ?laT. 1^04, reached 
the front where it joined the forces acting in Tennessee. 

The One Hundred and Thirty-third llegimeut, raised at Kich- 
uiond on the 17th of JI;iy, lSii4, under Col. E. X. Hudson, com- 
prised nine companies, and followed the V•^^2(^. 

The One Hundied and Thirty-fourth Eegiment, comprising 
seven companies, was organized at Indian.ipolis on the 25th of 
May, I8(j-J:, under Col. James (Javin. and proceeded immediately 
to the front. 

The One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment was raised from 
the volunteers of I'edford, Xoblesville and Goshen, with seven 
companies from the First Congressional District, under Col. 
W. C. Wilson, on the 25th of May, 1SC4, and left at once oi 
route to the South. 

The One Hundred and Tliirty-sixth Eegiment comprised ten 
companies, raised in the same districts as those contributing 
to the l.j5th. under Col. J. W. Foster, and left for Tennessee on 
the 24th of May. 18(U. 

The One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Eegiment, under Col. 
E. J. Eobinson, comprising volunteers from Kokomo. Zanes- 
ville, Medora. Sullivan, Eockville. and Owen and Lawrence 
counties, left en roide to Tennes.see on the 2Sth of May, 1S64, 
having completed organization the day previous. 

The One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Eegiment was formed of 
seven c 'Uipanies from the Ninth, with three from the Eleventh 
Congressional District (unreformed). and mustered in at In- 
dianapolis on the 27tli of May, 18(14. under Col. J. H. Shannon. 
This fine reg'ment was reported at the front within a few days. 

The One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Eegiment, under Col. 
Geo. Humphrey, was raised from volunteers furnished by Ken- 
dallville, Lawrenceburg, Elizaville, Knightstown, Counersville. 
Newcastle, Portland, Vevay, New Albany, Metamora, Colum- 
bia City, New Haven and New Philadelphia. It was consti- 
tuted a regiment on the 8th of June. 18C4, and appeared among 
the defenders in Tenness!'e during that month. 

All these regiments gained distinction, and won an enviable 
position in tlie glorious history of the war and the no less 
glorious one of their own State in its relation thereto. 

THE PRESIDENT'.S CALL OP JULY, 18G4. 

The One Hundred and Fortieth Eegiment was organized 

with many others, in response to the call of the nation. Under 

its Colonel. Thomas J. Brady, it proceeded to the South on the 

loth of November. 18C4. Having taken a most prominent part 

11 



Hi-2 HISTORY OF INDIANA, 

in all the desperate struggles round Nashville and Murfrees- 
boro in 1S(M. to Town Creeli Bridge on the 20th of FebruiU y, 
18(J5, and comi)leted a continuous round of severe duty to the 
end, arrived at Indianapolis for discharge on the 21st of July, 
where Governor Morton received it with marlced honors. 

The One Hundred and Forty -first Eegiment was only i)ar- 
tially raised, and its few companies were incorporated with Col. 
Brady's command. 

The One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment was recruited 
at Fort Wayne, under Col. I. M. Comparet, and was mustered 
into service at Indianapolis on the 2d of November, 1V(J4. 
After a steady and exceediugly effective service, it returned to 
Indianapolis on the ICth of July, ISCo. 

THE PKESIDEXT'S CALL OF DECEJIBER, 1864, 

Was answered by Indiana in the most material terms. Xo 
less than fourteen serviceable regiments were placed at the dis- 
posal of the General Government. 

The One Hundred and Forty-third Eegiment was mustered 
in, under Col. J. T. Grill, on the 21st February, 18G5, reported 
at Nashville on the 24th, and after a brief but brilliant service 
returned to the State on the 21st October, 1865. 

The One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment, nnder Col. G. 
Riddle, was mustered in on the 6th March, 1865, left on the 
0th for Haiper's Ferry, took an effective part in the close of 
the campaign and reported at Indianapolis for discharge on the 
!)th August, 18(i5. 

The One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, nnder Col. W. A. 
Adams, left Indianapolis on the 18th of February, 1865, and 
joining Gen. Steadman's division at Chattanooga on the 23d 
was sent on active service. Its duties were discharged 
with rare fidelity until mustered out in January, 1866. 

The One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment, under Col. M. 
C. Welsh, left Indianapolis on the 11th of March en route to 
Harper's Ferry, where it was assigned to the army of the 
Shenandoah. The duties of this regiment were severe and 
continuous, to the period of its muster out at Baltimore on the 
Slst of August, 1865. 

The One Hundred and Forty-seventh Eegiment, comprised 
among other volunteers from Benton, Lafayette and Henry 
counties, organized under Col. Milton Peden on the 13th of 
March, 1863, at Indianapolis. It shared a fortune similar to 
that of the 146th, and returned for discharge on the 9th of 
August, 1865. 



HISTOIJY OF INDIANA. 163 

Tlie One Hundred and Foity-eighth Eegiment. uTider Col. X. 
E. Ruckle, left the State capital on the 2Sth of February, 1805, 
and reporting at Nashville, was sent on guard and garrison 
duty into the heart of Tennessee. Eeturning to Indianapolis 
on the 8th of September, it received a final discharge. 

The One Hundred and Forty-ninth Eegiment was organized 
at Indianapolis by Col. \V. 11. Fairbanks, and left on the 3d of 
March, 18C5, for Tennessee, where it had the honor of receiving 
the STii render of the rebel forces, and mililary stores of Gen- 
erals Eoddy and I'olk. The regiment was welc(nued home by 
Morton on the 29th of September. 

The One Hundred and Fiftieth Eegiment, under Col. :\r. 13. 
Taylor, mustered in on the 9th of March, ISGo, left for the 
South on the 13th and reported at Harper's Ferry on the 17th. 
This regiment did guard duty at Charleston, Winchester, Stev- 
enson Station, Gordon's Springs, and after a service character- 
ized by utility, returned on the 9th of August to Indianapolis 
for discharge. 

The One Hundred and Fifty-first Eegiment, under Col. J. 
Healy, arrived at Xashville on the 9th of March, 18G5. On the 
14tli a movement on Tullahoma was undertaken, and three 
months later returned to Nashville for garrison duty to the 
close of the war. It was mustered out on the 22d of Septem- 
ber, ISGo. 

The One Hundred and Fifty-second Eegiment was organized 
at Indianapolis, under Col. W. W. Griswold, and left for Har- 
per's Ferry on the ISth of March, 1S65. It was attached to 
the provisional divisions of Shenandoah Army, and engaged 
until the 1st of September, when it was discharged at Indian- 
apolis. 

The One Hundred and Fifty-third Eegiment was organized at 
Indianapolis on the 1st of March, 1805, under Col. O. H. P. 
Carey. It reported at Louisville, and by order of Gen. Palmer, 
was held on service in Kentucky, where it was occupied in the 
exciting but very dangerous pastime of fighting Southern guer- 
rillas. Later it was posted at Loxiisville, until mustered out 
on the 4th of September, 1865. 

The One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Eegiment, organized un- 
der Col. Frank Wilcox, left Indianapolis under Major Simjjson, 
for Parkersburg, W. Virginia, on the 2Sth of April. 1865. II 
was assigned to guard and garrison duty until its discharge on 
the 4th of August, 1865. 

The One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Eegiment, recruited 
throughout the State, left on the 26th of April for Washington, 
and was afterward assigned to a provisional Brigade of the 



1G4 HISTORY OF 1NT)IANA. 

JS'inth Army Corps at .yexandria. The companies of this i-egi- 
ment were scattered over the country, — at Dover, Centrevllle. 
Wilmington, and Salisbury, but becoming reunited on the 4th 
of August, lS(i5, it was mustered out at Dover, Delaware. 

The One Hundred and Fifty-sir.th Battalion, under Lieut.- 
Colonel Charles M. Smith, left cii route to the Shenandoah \'al- 
ley on the 27th of April, lS(i.5, where it continued doing guard 
duty to the period of its muster out the -tth of August, 1.SG5, 
at Winchester, Virginia. 

On the return of these regiments to Indianapolis, Gov. Mor- 
ton and the people received them with all that characteristic 
cordiality and enthusiasm peculiarly their own. 

IXDEPEXDENT CAVALRY COJIPANY OF EvDIANA • 
VOLUNTEERS. 

The people of Crawford county, animated with that inspirit- 
ing patriotism which the war drew forth, organized this 
mounted company on the 2.5th of July, 18C3, and placed it at 
the disposal of the Government, and it was mustered into ser- 
vice by order of the War Secretary, on the 13th of August, 
1863, under Captain L. Lamb. To the close of the year it en- 
gaged in the laudable pursuit of arresting deserters and en- 
forcing the draft; however, on the ISth of January, 1804, it was 
reconstituted and incorporated with the Thirteenth Cavalry, 
with which it continued to serve until the ti'eason of Americans 
against America was conquered. 



OUR COLORED TROOPS. 

The Twenty-eighth Regiment of Colored Troops was re- 
cruited throughout the State of Indiana, and under Lieut.- 
Colonel Charles S. Russell, left Indianapolis for the front on 
the 24rth of April, 18(54. Tlie regiment acted very well in its 
first engagement with the rebels at 'UTiite House, Virginia, and 
again with Gen. Sheridan's Cavalry, in the swamps of the 
Chickahominy. In the battle of the "Crater," it lost half its 
roster; but their place was soon filled by other colored recruits 
from the State, and Russell promoted to the Colonelcy, and 
afterward to Brevet Brigadier-General, when he was succeeded 
in the command by Major Thomas H. Logan. During the few 
months of its active service it accumulated quite a history, and 
was ultimately discharged, on the 8th of January, 18G6, at In- 
dianapolis. 



HISTOUY OF INDIANA. 165 

BATTERIES OF LIGHT ARTILLERY. 

First Battery, organized at EvansTille, under Captain Martin 
Klauss, and mustered in on tlie lOtli of August, 1S61, joined 
Gen. Fremont's army ininiediatily, and entering readily ujion 
its salutary course, aided iu the capture of 950 rebels and theii 
position at Blackwater creek. On March the 6th, 1862, at Elk- 
honi Tavern, and on the Sth at Pea Eidge, the battery per- 
formed good service. Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Jackson, 
the Teche country, Sabine Cross Eoads, Grand Encore, all tell 
of its efficacy. In 18(11 it was subjected to reorganization 
when Lawrence Jacoby was raised to the Captaincy, vice 
Klauss resigned. After a long term of useful service, it was 
mustered out at Indianapolis on the 18th of August, 1865. 

Second Battery was organized, under Captain D. G. Rabb. 
at Indianapolis on the 0th of August, 1861, and one month later 
proceeded to tlie front. It participated in the campaign 
against Col. Coffee's irregular troops and the rebellious In-- 
dians of the Cherokee nation. From Lone Jack, Missouri, lo 
Jenkin's Ferry and Fort Smith it won signal honors until its 
reorganization in 1861, and even after, to June. 1865, it main- 
tained a very fair reputation. 

The Third Battery, under Capt. W. W. Frybarger, was or- 
ganized and mustered in at Connersville on the 21th of August, 
1861, and proceeded immediately to join Fremont's Army of 
the Missouri. Moon's ^lill. Kirksville, Meridian, Fort de 
Russy, Alexandria, Round Lake, Tupelo, Clinton and Talla- 
hatchie are names which may be engraven on its guns. It 
participated in the affairs before Nashville on the 15th and 
16th of December, 1861, when General Hood's Army was put 
to rout, and at Fort Blalcely, outside Mobile, after which it re- 
turned home to report for discharge, August 21, 1865. 

The Fourth Battery recruited in La Porte, Porter and Lake 
counties, reported at the front early in October, 1861, and at 
once assumed a prominent place in the army of Gen. Buell. 
Again under Rosenci-ans and McCook and under General 
Sheridan at Stone River, the services of this battery were much 
praised, and it retained its well-earned reputation to the very 
d.iy of its muster out — the 1st of August, 1865. Its first or- 
ganization was completed under Capt. A. K. Bush, and reor- 
ganized in October, 1861, under Capt. B. F. Jolmson. 

The Fifth Battery was furnished by La Porte, Allen. Whitley 
and Noble counties, organized under Capt. Peter Simonson, 
and mustered into service on the 22d of November, 18()1. It 
comprised four six pounders, two being rifled cannon, and two 



IGC HISTORY OF INDU^JN'A. 

twelve-pounder Howitzers with a force of 158 men. Reporting 
at Camp Gilbert, Louisville, on the 2Dth, it was shortly after 
assigned to the division of Gen. Mitchell, at Bacon Creek. 
During its term, it served in twenty battles and numerous 
petty actions, losing its Captain at I'ine ^Mountain. The total 
loss accruing to the battery was 84 men and officers and four 
guns. It was mustered out on the 20th of July, 18G4. 

The Sixth Battery was recruited at Evansville, under Cap- 
tain Frederick Behr, and left, on the 2d of Oct., ISGl, for the 
front, reporting at Henderson, Kentucky, a few days after. 
Early in 18fi2 it joined Gen. Sherman's army at Paducah, and 
participated in the battle of Shiloh, on the Otli of April. Its 
history grew in brilliancy until the era of peace insured a ces- 
sation of its great labors. 

The Seventh Battery comprised volunteers from Terre Haute^ 
Arcadia, Evansville, Salem, Lawrenceburg, Columbus, Vin- 
cennes and Indianapolis under Samuel J. Harris as its tirst 
Captain, who was succeeded by G. E. Shallow and O. H. Mor- 
gan after its re-organizatiin. From the siege of Corinth to tlie 
capture of Atlanta it performed vast services, and returned 
to Indianapolis on the lltk of July, 18G5, to be received by the 
people and hear its history from the lips of the veteran patriot 
and Governor of the State. 

The Eighth Battery, under Captain G. T. Cochran, arrived at 
tlie front on the 2Gtli of February, 18G2. and subsequently en- 
tered upon its real duties at the siege of Corinth. It served 
with distinction throughout, and concluded a well-made cam- 
paign under Will Stokes, who was appointed Captain of the 
companies witli which it was consolidated in March, 186.5. 

The Ninth. Battery. The organization of this battery was 
perfected at Indianapolis, on the 1st of January, 18G2, under 
Capt. N. S. Thompson. Moving to the front it participated in 
the affairs of Shiloh, Corinth, Queen's Hill, Meridian. Fort f>:ck 
Taylor, Fort de Russy, Henderson's Hill, Pleasant Hill, T'otile 
Landing, Bayou Eapids, Mansura, Chicot, and many others, 
winning a name in each engagement. The explosion of tlie 
steamer Eclipse at Johnsonville. above Paducah, on Jan. 27, 
1865, resulted in the destruction of 58 men, leaving only ten to 
represent the battery. The survivors reached Indianapolis on 
the 6th of March, and were mustered out. 

Tlie Tenth Battery was recruited at Lafayette, and mus- 
tered in under Capt. Jerome B. Cox, in January, 1861. Hav- 
ing passed through the Kentucky campaign against Gen. Bragg", 
it participated in many of the great engagements, and finally 
returned to report for discharge on the 6th of July, 1864, hav- 
ing, in the meant'me. won a vei'v fair fame. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 167 

Tile Elerentli Battery was organized at Lafaretto, ami mus- 
tered in at Indianapolis under Capt. Arnold Sutermeistci, on 
the 17th of December, ISOl. On most of the principal battle 
fields, from Shiloh, in 1802, to the capture of Atlanta, it main- 
tained a hiyh reputation for military excellence, and after con 
solidation with the Eijjhteenth, mustered out on the 7th of 
June, 18Go. 

The Twelfth Battery was recruited at Jeffersonville and sub- 
se(|ueutly musteied in at Iiidianajiolis. On the Oth of March. 
1SC2, it reached Xashviile, haviui; been previously assigned to 
Buell's Army. In April its Captain, G. W. Sterling, resigned, 
and the position devolved on < 'apt. James E. \\niite. who, in 
turn, was succeeded by James A. Dunwoody. The record ol 
the battery holds a first place in the history of the period, and 
enabled both men and officers to look back with pride upon the 
battle-fields of the land. It was ordered home in June, ISGu, 
and on reaching Indianapolis, on the 1st of July, was miistered 
out on the 7th of tliat month. 

The Thirteenth Battery was organized under Captain SewelT 
Coulson, during the winter of 1861. at Indianapolis, and pro- 
ceeded to the front in February. lSfi2. During the subsequent 
months it was occupied in the pursuit of John H. ilorgan's 
raiders, and aided effectively in dri^-ing them from Kentucky. 
This artillery company returned from the South on the 4th of 
July. 186.5. and were discharged the day following. 

The Fourteenth Battery, recruited in Wabash. Miami, Lafay- 
ette, and Huntington counties, under Captain M. H. Kidd. and 
Lieutenant J. W. H. Mcrhiire. left Indianapolis on the 11th of 
April, 1862, and within a few months one portion of it was cap- 
tured at Lexington by Gen. Forrest's g:reat cavalry command. 
The main battery lost two guns and two men at Guntown. on 
the 3Iississippi. but proved more successful at Xashville and 
Mobile. It arrived home on the 20th of August, 186.5, received 
a public welcome, and its final discharge. 

Tlie Fifteenth Battery, under Captain L C. H. Von Sehlim 
was retained on duty from the date of its organization, at In- 
dianapolis, until the oth of July, 1862, when it was moved to 
Harper's Ferry. Two months later the gallant defense of 
Maryland Heights was set at naught by the rebel Stonewall 
Jackson, and the entire garrison surrendered. Being paroled, 
it was reorganized at Indianapolis, and appeared again in the 
field in March. 186.3, where it won a splendid renown on every 
well-fought field to the close of the war. It was mustered out 
on the 24:th of .June. 1865. 

The Sixteenth Battery was organized at Lafayette, under 



IGS HISTORY OF INDIAA'A, 

Capt. Charles A. "Xaylor, and on the 1st of June, 18G2, left for 
Wa^ihinjitou. :Moving- to the front with Gen. Pope's eommaud, 
it participated in the battle of Slaughter Mountain, on the 9th 
of August, and South Mountain, and Antietam, under Geu. 
MeClellan. This battery was engaged in a large number of 
general engagements and flying cohuun affairs, won a very fav 
orable record, and returned on the oth of July, 1805. 

The Seventeenth Battery, under Capt. Milton L. iliuer, waa 
mustered in at Indianapolis, on the 20th of May, 1802, left for 
the front on tlie oth of July, and subsequently engaged in the 
Gettysburg expedition, was present at Harper's Ferry, July 0, 
18G3, and at Opequan on the 19th of September. Fisher's Hill, 
New Market, and Cedar Creelc brought it additional honors, 
and won from Gen. Sheridan a tribute of praise for its service 
on these battle grounds. Ordered from Winchester to In-iian- 
apolis it was mustered out there on the 3d of July, 1805. 

The Eighteenth Battery, under Capt. Eli Lilly, left for the 
front in August, 1SC2, but did not take a leading part in the 
campaign until 18C3. when, umler Geu. Rosencrans, it appeared 
prominent at Hoover's Gap. From this period to the affairs 
of West Point and Macon, it performed first-class service, and 
returned to its State on the 2otli of June, ISGo. 

The Nineteenth Battery was mustered into service at Indian- 
apolis, on the oth of August, 1802. under Capt. S. J. Harris, 
and proceeded immediately afterward to the front, where it 
participated in the campaign against Gen. Bragg. It was 
prest nt at every post of danger to tlie end of the war, when^ 
after the surrender of Johnson's army, it returned to Indian- 
apolis. Reaching that city on the Oth of June, 180.5, it was 
treated to a public reception and received the congratulations 
of Gov. Morton. Four days later it was discharged. 

The Twentieth Battery, organized under Capt. Frank A. 
Rose, left the State capital on the ITth of December, 1802. for 
the front, and reported immediately at Henderson, Kentucky. 
Subsequently Cipta'"n Rose resigned, and, in 1803, under 
Capt. Osborn, turned over its guns to the 11th Indiana Bat- 
tery, and was assigned to the charge of siege guns at Xashvilie. 
Gov. ^lorTon had the liattery sui)j)lied with new field pieces. 
and by the 5th of October, 1803, it was again in the field, \\ herq 
it won mauy honors under Sherman, and continued to exercise 
a great influence until its return on the 23d of June, 1805. 

The Twenty-first Battery recruited at Indianapolis, under 
the direction of Captain W. W. Andrew, left on the Oth ol 
September, 1802, for Covington, Kentucky, to aid in its defense 
against the advancing forces of Gen. Kirby Smith. It was en- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. liiO 

gn.u:ed in numerous military affairs and may be said to acquire 
many honors, although its record is stained with the names of 
seven deserters. The battery was discharged on the 21st ot 
June, 181)0. 

The Twenty -second Battery was mustered in at Iudianaj)olis 
on the loth of December, 1SC2. under Capt. B. F. Denning, and 
moved at once to the front. It took a very conspicuous part 
in the pursuit of Morgan's Cavalry, and in many other affairs. 
It threw the first shot into Atlanta, and lost its Captain, who 
was killed in the skirmish line, on the 1st of July. While the 
list of casualties numbers only 35, that of desertions numliers 
37. This battery was received with public honors on its return. 
the 2oth of June, 18(55, and mustered out on the 7th of the 
same month. 

The Twenty-third Battery, recruited in October, 1S62, and 
mustered in on the Sth of November, under Capt. I. H. Myers, 
proceeded south, after having rendered very efficient services 
at home in guarding the camps of rebel prisoners. In July. 
1805, the battery took an active part, under General Boyle's 
command, in routing and captiiring the raiders at Branden- 
burgh, and subsequently to the close of the war performed very 
brilliant exploits, reaching Indianapolis in June, ISGa. It was 
Gischarged on the 27th of that month. 

The T^venty-fourth Batteiy, under Capt. I. A. Simms, was 
enrolled for service on the 20th of November, 1802; remained 
at Indianapolis on d^lty until the 13th of March, 1803, whea il 
left for the field. From its participation in the Cumberland 
Elver campaign, to its last engagement at Columbia, Tennessee, 
it aided materially in bringing victory to the T'nion ranks and 
made for itself a widespread fame. Arriving at Indianapolis 
on the 28th of July, it was publicly received, and five days 
later disembodied. 

The Twentylifth Battery was recruited in f>eptember and 
Octolter. 18(U, and mustered into service for one year, under 
Capt. Frederick C. Sturm. December 13th, it reported at Xash- 
vllle, and took a prominent part in the defeat of Gen. Hood's 
army. Its duties until July, ISOo. were continuous, when it 
retui'ned to report for final discharge. 

The Twenty-sixth Battery, or "Wilder's Battery," was re- 
cruited under Capt. I. T. Wilder, of Greensburg, in May, 1801; 
but was not mustered in as an artillery company. Incorporat- 
ing itself with a regiment then forming at Indianapolis it was 
mustered as company "A," of the 17th Infantry, with Wilder 
as Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment. Subsequeutly, at Elk 
Water, Virginia, it was converted into the "First Independent 



ITO HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

Battery," and became known as "Rigby's r.atteiy." The Record 
of this battery is as brilliant as any wou during the war. On 
every tield it has won a distinct reputation; it was well worthy 
the enthusiastic reception given to it on its return to Indian- 
apolis on the 11th and 12th of July, ISCo. During its term of 
service it was subject to many transmutations; but in every 
phase of its brief history, a reputation for gallantry and pa- 
triotism was maintained which now forms a living testimonial 
to its serWces to the public. 

The total number of battles in the "A\^ar of the Rebellion" in 
which the patriotic citizens of the great and noble State of In- 
diana were more or less engaged, was as follows: 

Locality. No. of Battles. Locality. No. of Battles. 

Virginia 90 Maryland 7 

Tennessee 51 Texas 3 

Georgia 41 South Carolina 2 

Mississippi 24 Indian Territory 2 

Arkansas 19 Pennsylvania 1 

Kentucky 16 Ohio 1 

Louisiana 1.5 Indiana 1 

Missouri 9 • 

2\orth Carolina 8 Total 308 

The regiments sent forth to the defense of the Republic in 
the hour of its greatest peril, when a bost of her own sons, 
blinded by some unholy infatuation, leaped to arms that they 
miglit trample upon the liberty-giving principles of the nation 
have been jiassed in very brief review. The authorities chosen 
for the dates, names, and figures are the records of the State, 
and the main subject is based upon the actions of those 267.000 
gallant men of Indiana who rushed to arms in defense of all 
for which their fathers bled, leaving their wives and children 
and homes in the guardianship of a truly paternal Govern 
ment. 

The relation of Indiana to the Republic was then established : 
for when the population of the State, at the time her sons 
went forth to participate in war for the maintenance of the 
Union, is brought into comparison with all other States and 
countries, it will be apparent that the sacrifices made by In- 
diana from 1801-'()5 equal, if not actually exceed, the noblest 
of those recorded in the history of ancient or modern times. 

Unprepared for the terrible inundation of modern wicked- 
ness, which threatened to deluge the country in a sea of blood 
and rob a people of their richest, their most prized inheritance, 
the State rose above all precedent, and under the benign in- 
fluence of patriotism, guided by the well-directed zeal of a wise 
Governor and Government, sent into the field an armv that in 



HlSTOllY OF IXDIAXA 171 

numbers was gigantic, and in moral and physical excellence 
never equaled. 

It is laid do^\Ti in the official reports, furnished to the War 
Department, that over 200,000 troops were specially organized 
to aid in crushing the legions of the slave-holder; that no less 
than 50,000 militia were armed to defend the State, and that 
the large, but absolutely necessary number of commissions is- 
sued was 17,114. All this proves the scientific skill and mili 
tary economy exercised by the Governor, and brought t» the 
aid of the people in a most terrible emergency; for he, witb 
some prophetic sense of the gravity of the situation, saw that 
unless the greatest powers of the Union were put forth to 
crush the least justifiable and most pernicious of all rebellions 
holding a place in the record of nations, the best blood of the 
country would flow in a vain attempt to avert a catastrophe 
which, if prolonged for many years, wiuild result in at least the 
moral and commercial ruin of the country. 

The part which Indiana took in the war against the Rebel- 
lion is one of which the citizens of the State may well be pioud. 
In the number of troops furnished, and in the amount of vol 
untary contributions rendered, Indiana, in proportion and 
wealth, stands equal to any of her sister States. "It is also 
a subject of gratitude and thankfulness," said Gov. Morton, in 
his message to the Legislature, "that, while the ntimber of 
troops furnished by Indiana alone in this great contest would 
have done credit to a first-class nation, measured by the stan 
dard of previous war.s, not a single battery or battalion from 
this State has brought reproach upon the national flag, and no 
disaster of the war can be traced to any want of fidelity, cour 
age or efficiency on the part of any Indiana officer. The en 
durance, heroism, intelligence and skill of the officers and 
soldiers sent forth by Indiana to do battle for the Union, have 
shed a luster on our beloved State, of which any people might 
justly be proud. Without claiming sui>eriority over our loyal 
sister States, it is but justice to the brave men who have repre 
sented us on almost every battle-field of the war, to say that 
their deeds have placed Indiana in the front rank of those 
heroic States which rushed to the rescue of the imperiled Gov- 
ernment of the nation. The total number of troops furnished 
by the State for all terms of service exceeds 200.000 men, 
much the greater portion of them being for three years; and 
in addition thereto not less than 50,000 State militia have from 
time to time been called into active service to repel raids and 
defend our southern border from invasion." 



172 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

AFTER THE WAR. 

In 1867 the Legislature comprised 91 Repiiblicans and 59 
Democrats. Soon after the commencemeut of the session, 
'lov. Morton resigned his office in consequence of having been 
elected to the U. t^. Senate, and Lieut. -Gov. (J'onrad Baker as- 
sumed the Executive chair during the remainder of Morton'n 
term. This Legislature, by a very decisive vote, ratified the 
IJrth amendment to the Federal Constitution, constituting all 
persons born in the country or subject to its jurisdiction, citi- 
zens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside, 
without regard to race or color; reducing the Congressional 
representation in any State in which there should be a restric- 
tion of the exercise of the elective franchise on account of race 
or color; disfranchising persons thei'ein named who shall have 
engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States; 
and declaring that the validity of the public debt of the United 
States authorized by law, shall not be questioned. 

This Legislature also passed an act providing for the regis- 
try of votes, the punisliment of fraudulent practices at elec- 
tions, and for the ajiportionment and compensation of a Board 
of Registration; this Board to consist, in each township, of two 
freeholders appointed by the County Commissioners, together 
with the trustee of such township ; in cities the freeholders are 
to be appointed in each ward by the city council. The meas- 
ures of this law are very strict, and are faithfully executed. 
No cries of fraud in elections are heard in connection with In- 
diana. 

This Legislature also divided the State into eleven Congres- 
sional Districts and apportioned their representation; enacted 
a law for the protection and indemnity of all officers and 
soldiers of the United States and soldiers of the Indiana Le- 
gion, for acts done in the military service of the United States, 
and in the military service of the State, and in enforcing the 
laws and preserving the peace of the country; made detinite aj)- 
propriations to the several benevolent institutions of the State, 
and adopted several measures for the encouragement of edu- 
cation, etc. 

In 1868, Indiana was the first in the field of national politics, 
both the principal parties holding State conventions early in 
the year. The Democrats nominated T. A. Hendricks for 
Grovernor, and denounced in their platform the reconstruction 
policy of the Republicans; recommended that Ignited States^ 
treasury notes be substituted for national bank currency; de- 
nied that the General Government had a right to interfere with 



UlSTOItY OF INDIANA. 17o 

lli(^ question of suffrage in any of the States, and opposed negro 
sutfiage, etc.; while the Republicans nominated Conrad Balcer 
for GoTernor, defended its reconstruction policy, opposecl a 
further contraction of the rurrency, etc. The campaign was 
an exciting one, and Mr. ISalcer was elected Governor by a ma- 
jority of only 901. In the Presidential election that soon fol 
lowed the State gave Grant !l,572 more tlian Seymour. 

During 18(58 Indiana presented claims to the (government 
for about three and a half millions dollars for expenses incur- 
red in the war, snd ll,!).!)'^, 917.04 was allowed. Also, this year, 
a legislative commission reported that .¥413,.599.4S were al- 
lowed to parties suffering loss by the Morgan raid. 

This year Governor Baker obtained a site for the House of 
Refuge. (See a subsequent page.) The Soldiers' and Seamen's 
Home, near Knightstown, originally establislied by private en- 
terprise and benevolence, and adopted by the Legislature of 
the previous year, was in a good condition. Up to that date 
the institution had afforded relief and temporary sulisistence 
to 400 men who had been disabled in the war. A substantial 
brick building had l)een built for the home, while the old build- 
ings were used for an orjihans' department, in which were gath- 
ered 86 children of deceased soldiers. 



FINAXCLIL. 

Were it not for political government the pioneers would havt- 
got along witbout money much longer than they did. The 
pressure of governmental needs was somewhat in advance of 
the monetary income of the first settlers, and the little taxation 
rt quired to carry on the government seemed gi-eat and even 
oppressive, especially at certain periods. 

In Xovember, 1S21, Gov. Jennings convened the Legislatura 
in extra session to provide for the payment of interest on the 
State debt and a part of the principal, amounting to §20,000. 
It was thought that a suflicient amount would be realized in 
the notes of the State bank and its branches, although they 
were considerably depreciated. Said the Governor: "It will 
be oppressive if the State, after the paper of this institution 
(State bank) was authorized to be circulated in revenue, should 
be prevented by any assignment of the evidences of existing 
debt, from discharging at least so much of that debt with the 
paper of the bank as will absorb the collections of the present 
year; especially when their notes, after being made receivable 
by the agents of the State, became greatly depreciated by 
great mismanagement on the part of tlie bank itself. It ought 
not to be expected that a public loss to the State should be 
avoided by resorting to any measures which would not com- 
]>ort with correct views of public justice; nor should it be an- 
ticipated that the treasury c^f the United States would ulti 
mately adopt measures to secure an uncertain debt which 
would interfere with arrangements calculated to adjust the 
demand against the State without producing any additional 
embarrassment.'' 

The state of the public debt was indeed embarrassing, as 
the bonds which had been executed in its behalf bad been as- 
signed. The exciting cause of this proceeding consisted in the 
machinations of unprincipled speculators. Whatever disposi- 
tion the principal bank may have made of the funds deposited 
by the United States, the connection of interest between the 
steam-mill company and the bank, and the extraordinary ac- 
commodations, as well as their amount, effected by arrange- 
ments of the steam-mill agency and some of the officers of the 
"bank, were among the principal causes ^Vhich had prostrated 
(174) 



HISTORY OF INDI.^^^i.. 175 

the paper circulating medium of the State, so far as it was de 
peudeut on the State banli and its branches. An abnormal 
state of affairs lilie this very naturally produced a blind dis 
bursement of the fund to some extent, and this disbursement 
would be called by almost every one an "unwise administra- 
tion." 

During the first 16 years of this century, the belligerent con 
dition of Europe called for agricultural supplies from America, 
and the consequent high price of grain justified even the re- 
mote pioneers of Indiana in undertaking the tedious transpor 
tation of the products of the soil whicli the times forced upon 
them. The large disbursements made by the general Govern- 
ment among the people naturally engendered a rage for specu- 
lation; numerous banks with fictitious capital were estab- 
lished; immense issues of paper were made; and the circulating 
medium of the country was increased fourfold in the course of 
two or three years. This inflation produced the consequences 
which always follow such a scheme, namely, unfounded vision 
of wealth and sjilendor and the wild investments which result 
in ruin to the many and wealth to the few. The year 1S21 
was consequently one of great financial panic, and was the 
first experienced by the early settlers of the West. 

In 1822 the new Governor, William Hendricks, took a hope- 
ful view of the situation, referring particulaily to the "agri- 
cultural and social hapi>iness of the State." The crops were 
abundant this year, immigration was setting in heavily and 
everything seemed to have an upward look. But the customs 
of the white race still compelling tliem to patronize European 
industries, combined with the remoteness of the surplus prod- 
uce of Indiana from European markets, constituted a serious 
drawback to the accumulation of wealth. Such a state of 
things naturally changed the habits of the people to some ex- 
tent, at least for a short time, assimilating them to those of 
more primitive ti'ibes. This change of custom, however, was 
not severe and protracted enough to change the intelligent and 
social nature of the people, and they arose to their normal 
height on the very first opportunity. 

In 1822-3, before speculation started up again, the surplus 
money was invested mainly in domestic manufactories instead 
of other and wilder commercial enterprises. Home manufac- 
tories were what the people needed to make them more inde- 
pendent. They not only gave employment to thousands whose 
services were before that valueless, but also created a market 
for a great portion of the surplus produce of the farmers. A 
jjart of the surplus capital, however, was also sunk in internal 



17G HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

impi'ovements, some of which were unsuccessful for a time. 
but eventually pi'oved remuneratiye. 

Noah Noble occupied the Executive chair of the State from 
1881 to l.SoT. commencino his duties amid peculiar embarrass- 
ments. The crops of 1832 were short, Asiatic cholera came 
sweeping along the Ohio and into Ihe interior of the State, and 
the Black Hawk war raged in the Northwest, — all tlie^e at 
once, and yet the work of internal improvements was actually 
begun. 

STATE BANIC. 

The State bank of Indiana was established by law January 
28, 1834. The act of the Legislature, by its own terms, ceased 
to be a law, January 1, 1857. At the time of its organization 
in 1834, its outstanding circulation was |4,208.725, with a deliT 
due to the institution, principallj' from citizens of the State, of 
.f6,095,3G8. During the years 'l8o7-'58 the bank redeemed 
nearly its entire circulation, providing for the redemption of 
all outstanding obligations; at this time it had collected from 
most of its debtors the money which they owed. The amounts 
of the State's interest in the stock of the bank was |1.31)0.(Mr' 
and the money thus invested was procured by the issue of live 
per cent, bonds, the last of which was payable July 1, 18(50. 
The nominal profits of the bauk were f2.780,G()4.3G. T.y the 
law creating the sinking fund, that fund was appropriated, 
first, to pay the principal and interest on the bonds; secondly, 
the expenses of the Commissioners; and lastly the cause of 
common-school education. 

The stock in all the branches authorized was subscribed by 
individuals, and the installment paid as required by the char- 
ter. The loan authorized for the payment on the stock allotted 
to the State, amounting to .foOll 000, was obtained at a premium 
of 1.05 per cent, on five per cent, stock, making the sum of over 
•15.000 on the amount borrowed. In 183G we li'nd that the 
State bank was doing good sen-ice; agricultural products were 
abundant, and the market was good; consequently the people 
were in the full enjoyment of all the blessings of a free govern 
ment. 

By the year 1843 the State was experiencing the disasters 
and embarrassment consequent upon a system of over-banking, 
and its natural progeny, over-trading and deceptive specula 
tion. Such a state of things tends to relax the hand of Indus 
try by creating false notions of wealth, and tempt to sudden 
acquisitions by means as delusive in their results as they are 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 17T 

contrary to a primary law of nature. The people began more 
than ever to see the necessity of falling back upon that branch 
of industry for which Indiana, especially at that time, was par- 
ticularly fitted, namely, agriculture, as the true and lasting 
source of substantial wealth. 

Gov. Whitconib. l,s4.3-"4!», succeeded well in maintaining the 
credit of the State. Measures of compromise between the 
State and its creditors were adojjted by which, ultimately, the 
public works, although incomplete, were given in payment for 
the claims against the government. 

At the close of h's term, G-ov. Whitconib was elected to the 
Senate of the United States, and from December, 184S, to 
December, 1849, Lieut.-Gov. Paris C. Dunning was acting Gov- 
ernor. 

In 1851 a general banking law was adopted which gave a 
new impetus to the commerce of the State, and opened the way 
for a broader volume of general trade; but this law was the 
source of many abuses; currency was expanded, a delusive idea 
of wealth again prevailed, and as a consequence, a great deal 
of damaging speculation was indulged in. 

In 1857 the charter of the State bank expired, and the large 
gains to the State in that institution were directed to the pro 
motion of common-school education. 

In November, 189.5, ninety-seven State banks were operating 
under the law and no failures are reported during the fiscal 
year of 1891 to 1895. The capital invested amounts to 
$15,081,313 against |11.212,2C9 in the previous year. 

In conclusion it is well worth noticing that three Trust Com- 
panies with a capital stock of 12,110,819 and 502 Building and 
Loan Associations with a total membership of 112,093, an au- 
thorized capital stock of |387, 095,000 and an amount of cajjital 
stock subscribed and in force of $93,919,284, are now doing 
business throughout the State. 

WEALTH AJSiD PROGRESS. 

During the war of the Rebellion the financial condition of 
the people was like that of the other Northern States generally. 
The year 1870 found the State in a prosperous condition. Octo- 
ber 31st of this year, the date of the fiscal report, there was a 
surplus of $373,249 in the treasury; the receipts of the year 
amounted to .f3, 005,039, and the disbursements to .f2,943.000. 
leaving a balance of |1, 035,2^^3, while in November, 1895, a suri 
plus of only $390,511 being on hand, $8,525,219 were received 
and $8,342,004 expended by the treasurer, leaving a balance of 
12 



ITS HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

$573,726 at the above mentioned date. The total debt of the 
State, which in November, 1871, amounted to $3,037,821, has 
increased to $7,520,615 in 1895. 

Taljinjr into consideration the vast extent of railroad lines 
in this State, in connection with the agricultural and mineral 
resources, both developed and undeveloped, we can under- 
s and what a subst;intial foundation exists for the future wel- 
fare of this great commonwealth. 

The agriuultural community is in a sound and prosperous 
condition and in manufacturing enterprises Indiana is said to 
1)1' in advance of Illinois and Michigan in proportion to hei' 
population. 

Th- assessed valuation of real and personal property in 1850 
of $138,362,085 increased to $1,205,106,415 in 18!U and 
§1.282.753.418 in 1S05. The total taxation in 1804 amounted 
to $18,891,581. and including the delinquencies, to $22,008,331. 

We deem it improper to burden these pages with tables or 
columns of large numbers, and we conclude by remarking that 
if any one wishes further details in these matters, he r"^! read- 
ily find them in the Censiis Reports of the Govcinuient. which 
can easily be obtained in any city or ■sillage or directly from 
yonr representative in Ckjngress. 

INTERNAI. rMPKOVEJIENTS. 

This subject began to be agitated as early as 1818. during 
the administration of Governor Jennings, who, as well as all 
the Governors succeeding him to 1843, made it a special point 
in their messages to the Legislature to nrge the adoption of 
measures for the construction of highways and canals and the 
improvement of the navigation of rivers. Gov. Hendricks in 
1822 specified as the most important improvement the naviga 
tion of the Falls of the Ohio, the Wabash and White rivers, and 
other streams, and the construction of the National and other 
roads through the State. 

In 1826 Governor Ray considered the construction of roads 
and canals as a necessity to place the State on an equal finan- 
cial footing with the older States East, and in 1829 he added: 
"This subject can never grow irksome, since it must be the 
source of the blessings of ci\ilized life. To secure its benefits 
is a duty enjoined upon the Legislature by the obligations of 
the social compact." 

In 1830 the people became much excited over the project of 
connecting the streams of the country by "The Xational Xew 
Tork & Mississippi railroad." The National road and the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. ITW 

Michifi-an aiul Ohio turupike were enterprises in wliicli the peo- 
ple and Legishiture of Indiana were interested. The latter 
had already been the cause of mnch bitter controversy, and its 
location was then the subject of contention. 

In 1832 the work of internal improvements fairly com- 
menced, despite the partial failure of the crops, the Black 
Hawk war and the Asiatic cholera. Several war parties in- 
vaded the Western settlements, exciting great alarm and some 
euflfering. This year the canal commissioners completed the 
task assigned them and had negotiated the canal bonds in New 
York city, to the amount of flOO.OOO, at a premium of 13^/4 per 
cent., on terms honorable to the State and advantageous to the 
work. Before the close of this year |o4.000 were spent for the 
improvement of the Michigan road, and |52,000 were realized 
from the sale of lands appropriated for its construction. In 
1832 32 miles of the Wabash and Erie canal was placed under 
contract and work commenced. A communication was ad- 
dressed to the Governor of Ohio, requesting him to call the at- 
tention of the Legislature of that State to the subject of the 
extension of the canal from the Indiana line through Ohio to 
the Lake. In compliance with tliis request. Governor Lucas 
promptly laid the subject before the Legislature of the State, 
and, in a spirit of courtesy, resolutions were adopted by that 
bod.y, stipulating that ii^Ohio should ultimately decline to un- 
dertake the completion of that portion of the work within her 
limits before the time fixed by tlie act of Congress for the com- 
pletion of the canal, she would, on just and equitable terms, 
enabk' Indiana to avail herself of the benefit of the lands 
granted, by authorizing her to sell them and invest the pro 
ceeds in the stock of a company to be incorporated by Ohio; 
and that she would give Indiana notice of her final determina- 
tion on or before January 1, 1S3S. The Legislature of Ohio 
also authorized and invited the agent of the State of Indiana 
to select, survey and set apart the lands lying within that 
State. In keeping with this policy Governor Xoble. in 1834, 
said: "With a view of engaging in works of internal improve- 
ment, the propriety of adopting a general plan or system, hav- 
ing reference to the several portions of the State, and the con- 
nection of one with the other, naturally suggests itself. ISTo 
work should be commenced but such as would be of acknowl- 
edged public utility, and when comiileted would form a liranch 
of some general system. In view of this object, the policy o' 
organizing a Board of Public Works is again resjjectfully sug- 
gested." The Governor also called favorable attention to the 
Lawrenceburg & Indianapolis railway, for which a charter had 
been granted. 



180 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

In 1835 the Wabash & Erie faiial was pushed rapidly for- 
ward. The middle division, exteiulin<; from the St. Joseph 
dam to the forks of the Wabash, about 32 miles, was completed. 
for about .§232.000, includius fiH repairs. Upon this portion of 
the line navigation was opened on July 4, which day the citi- 
zens assembled "to witness the mingling of the waters of the 
8t. Joseph with those of the Wabash, uniting the waters of the 
northern chain of lakes with those of the Gulf of Mexico in the 
South." On other parts of the line the work progressed with 
speed, and the sale of canal lands was unusually active. 

In 1S3G the first meeting of the State Board of Internal Im- 
provement was convened and entered upon the discharge of its 
numerous and responsible duties. Having assigned to each 
member the direction and superintendence of a portion of the 
work, the next duty to be performed preparatory to the various 
spheres of active service, was that of procuring the requisite 
number of engineers. A delegation was sent to the Eastern 
cities, but returned without engaging an Engineer-in-Chief 
for the roads and railways, and without the desired number for 
the subordinate station; but after considerable delay the 
Board was fully organized and put in operation. Under their 
management work on public improvements was successful; 
the canal progressed steadily; the navigation of the middle 
division, from Port Wayne to Huntington, was uninterrupted; 
1(> miles of the line between Huntington and La Fontaine creek 
were filled with water this year and made ready for navigation ; 
and the remaining 20 miles were completed, except a portion of 
the locks; from La Fontaine creek to Logansport progress was 
made; the line from Georgetown to Lafayette was placed undei 
contract; about 30 miles of the "Wliite water canal, extending 
from Lawrenceburg through the beautiful valley of the "\Miite- 
water to Brookville. were also placed under contract, as also 
23 miles of the Central canal, passing through Indianapolis, on 
which work was commenced; also about 20 miles of the south- 
ern division of this work, extending from Evansville into the 
interior, were also contracted for; and on the line of the ("ross- 
Cut canal, from Terre Haute to the intersection of the Central 
canal, near the mouth of the Eel river, a commencement was 
also made on all the heavy sections. All this in 183fi. 

Early in this year a party of engineers was organized, and 
directed to examine into the practicability of the Michigan & 
Erie canal line, then proposed. The report of their operations 
favored its expediency. A party of engineers was also fittei 
out, who entered upon the field of service of the Madison & 
Lafayette railroad, and contracts were let for its construction 



HISTORY OF IXDIAXA. ISl 

from Madison to Vernon, on wliich work was vigoronsly com- 
menced. Also, contracts were let for grading and bridging 
the Xew Albany & "\'incennes road from the former point to 
Paoli, abont 40 miles. Otlier roads were also undertaken and 
surveyed, so tliat indeed a stupendous system of internal im- 
provement was undertaken, and as Gov. Xoble truly remarked, 
upon the issue of that vast enterprise the State of Indiana 
staked her fortune. She bad gone too far to retread 

In 1837, when Gov. Wallace took the Executive chair, the re- 
action cousecjuent upon "over-work"' by the State in the in- 
ternal improvement scheme began to be felt by the people. 
They feared a State debt was being incurred from which they 
could never be extricated: but the Governor did all he could 
throughout the term of his administration to keep up the cour- 
age of the citizens. He told them that the astonishing success 
so far, surpassed even tlie hopes of the most sanguine, and that 
the flattering auspices of the future were sufficient to dispel 
every doubt and quiet every fear. Xotwithstanding all his ef- 
forts, however, the construction of public works continued to 
decline, and in his last message he exclaimed: "Xever before — 
I speak it advisedly — never before have you witnessed a period 
in our local history that more urgently called for the exercise 
of all the soundi st and best attributes of grave and patriotic 
legislators than the ]iresimt. * * » fj^g fi-ufii js — 

and it would be folly to conceal it — we have our hands full — 
full to overflowing; and therefore, to sustain ourselves, to jire- 
serve the credit and character of the State unimpaired, and 
to continue her hitherto unexampled march to wealth and dis- 
tinction, we have not an bour of time, nor a dollar of money, 
nor a hand employed in labor, to squander and dissipate upon 
mere objects of idleness, or taste, or amusement." 

The State had borrowed .f:i.S27,000 for internal iniprovement 
purposes, of which |1,.')27.000 was for the Wabash & Erie cauai 
and the remainder for other works. The five per cent, interest 
on debts—about .f 200.000— which the State had to pay, had be- 
come burdensome, as her resources for this purpose were only 
two, besides direct taxation, and they were small, namely, the 
interest on the balances due for canal lands, and the proceeds 
of the third installment of the surplus revenue, both amount- 
ing, in 188S, to about |4.5.000. 

In August. 1839, all work ceased on these improvements, 
with one or two exceptions, and most of the contracts were sur- 
rendered to the State. This was done according to an act of 
the Legislature providing for the compensation of contra'^tors 
by the issue of treasurv notes. In addition to this state of af- 



182 HISTORY OP INDIANA. 

fairs, the Legislature of 1839 had made no provision for Hit 
payment of interest on the State debt incurred for internal im- 
provements. Concerning this situation Gov. Bigger, in 1840, 
said that either to go ahead with the works or to abandon 
them altogether would be equally ruinous to the State, the im- 
plication bting that the people should wait a little while for a 
breathing spell and then take hold again. 

Of course much individual indebtedness was created during 
the progi'ess of the work on internal improvement. Wlien 
operations ceased in 1839, and prices fell at the same time, the 
people were left in a great measure without the means of com- 
manding money to pay their debts. This condition of private 
enterprise more than ever rendered direct taxation iin': 
pedient. Hence it became the policy of Gov. Bigger to pro- 
vide the means of paying the interest on the State debt with- 
out increasing the rate of taxation, and to continue that portion 
of the public works that could be immediatelj' completed, and 
from which the earliest returns could be expected. 

In 1840 the system embraced ten different works, the most 
imp irtant of which was the Wabash & Erie canal. The aggre- 
gate length of the lines embraced in the system was 1,1G0 miles, 
and of this only 140 miles had been completed. The amount 
expended had reached the sum of .|:.5,f)00,000, and it required at 
least 114,000,000 to complete them. Although the crops of 
1841 were very remunerative, this perquisite alone was not suf- 
ficient to raise the State again up to the level of going ahead 
with her gigantic works. 

We should here state In detail the amount of work com- 
pleted and of money expended on the various works up to this 
time, 1841, which were as follows: 

1. The Wabash & Erie canal, from the State line to Tippe- 
canoe, 129 miles in length, completed and navigable for the 
whole length, at a cost of |2, 041,012. Tliis sum includes the 
cost of the steamboat lock afterward completed at Delphi. 

2. The extension of the Wabash & Erie canal from the 
mouth of the Tippecanoe to Terre Haute, over 104 miles. The 
estimated cost of this work was |1, 500. 000; and the amount ex- 
pended for tlie same .f408,8o.j. The navigation was at this 
period opened as far down as Lafayette, and a part of the work 
done in the neighborhood of Covington. 

3. The cross-cut canal from Terre Haute to Central canal, 
49 miles in length; estimated cost, |718,672; amount expended, 
f420,C79; and at this time no part of the course was navigable. 

4. Tlie White Water can-^1. from Lawrenceburg to the 
mouth of Xettle creek, 7G 1-2 miles; estimated cost, f 1,075,738; 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 183 

amount exppndcd to that date, |1,09",1.SG7; aiicl 31 miles of the 
work was uaviyable, exteuding from the Ohio river to Brook- 
Tille. 

o. Tlie Central canal, from the Wabash & Erie canal, to In- 
dianapolis, iucludinji the feeder bend at ^Muncietown, 124 miles 
in length; total estimated cost. |2,2!l!l,S5:i; amount expended, 
f.jOS.OlC; eight miles completed at that date, and other por- 
tions nearly done. 

6. Central canal, from Indianapolis to EransWlle on the 
Ohio river, 194 miles in length; total estimated cost, |3, 532,394,- 
amount expended, |S31,302, 19 miles of which was completed 
at that date, at the southern end, and IC miles, extending south 
from Indianapolis, were nearly completed. 

7. Erie & Michigan canal, 182 miles in length; estimated 
cost, f 2,024.823; amount expended, $150,304. No part of this 
work finished. 

8. The Madison & Indianapolis railroad, over 85 miles in 
length; total estimated cost, |2, 040, GOO; amount expended, 
P,493,013. Road linished and in operation for about 28 miles;, 
grading nearly finished for 27 miles in addition, extending to 
Edenburg. 

9. Indianapolis & Lafayette turnpike road, 73 miles in 
length: total estimated cost, $593,737; amount expended, 
$72,118. The bridging and most of the grading was done on 27 
miles, from Crawfordsville to Lafayette. 

10. New Albany & Vincennes turnpike road, 105 miles in 
length ; estimated cost, .fl, 127,295; amount expended, $654,411. 
Forty-one miles graded and macadamized, extending from Xew 
Albany to Paoli, and 27 miles in addition partly graded. 

11. Jeffersonville & Crawfordsville road, over 164 miles 
long; total estimated cost, |1,651.800; amount expended, 
$372,737. Forty-five miles were partly graded and bridged, ex- 
tending from Jeffersonville to Salem, and from Greencastle 
north. 

12. Improvement of the Wabash rapids, undertaken jointly 
by Indiana and Illinois; estimated cost to Indiana, $102,.500; 
amount expended by Indiana, $9,539. 

Grand totals: Length of roads and canals, 1,289 miles, only 
281 of which have been finished; estimated cost of all the 
works. $19,914,424; amount expended, $8,101,528. The State 
debt at this time amounted to $18,409,140. The two princi- 
pal causes which aggravated the embarrassment of the State 
at this juncture were, first, paying most of the interest out of 
the money borrowed, and, secondly, selling bonds on credit. 
The first error subjected the State to the payment of compound 



ISJ: HISTORY OF INDIANA- 

interest, and the people, not feeling the pressure of taxes to 
discharge the interest, naturally became inattentive to the 
public policy pursued. Postponement of the payment of inter- 
est is demoi-alizing in every way. During this period the State 
^\as held up in an unpleasant manner before the ga/.e of the 
world; but be it to the credit of this great and glorious State, 
she would not repudiate, as many other States and municipali- 
ties have done. 

By the year 1850, the so called "internal improvement"' sys- 
tem having been abandoned, private capital and ambition 
pushed forward various "public works." During this year 
about -100 miles of plank road were completed, at a cost of 
f 1,200 to 11.500 per mile, and about 1,200 miles more were sur- 
veyed and in progress. There were in the State at this time 
212 miles of railroad in successful operation, of which 124 were 
completed this year. More than 1,000 miles of railroad were 
surveyed and in progress. 

An attem]it was made dui'ing the session of the Legislature 
in lS(i9 to re-burden the State with the old canal debt, and the 
matter was considerably agitated in the canvass of 1870. The 
subject of the Wabash & Erie canal was lightly touched in the 
Republican platform, occasioning considerable discussion. 
which probably had some effect on the election in the fall. 
That election resulted in an average majority in the State of 
about 2.SC1 for the Democracy. It being claimed that thi- 
Legislature had no authority under the constitution to tax the 
people for the purpose of aiding in the construction of. rail- 
roads, the Supreme Court, in April, 1871, decided adversely to 
such a claim. 

GEOLOGY. 

In 1809 the development of mineral resources in the State 
atti'acted considerable attention. Eicli mines of iron and coal 
were discovered, as also fine quarries of building stone. The 
Vincennes railroad passed through some of the richest portions 
of the mineral region, the engineers of which had accurately 
determined the quality of richness of the ores. Xear Brook- 
lyn, about 20 miles from Indiauapnlis, is a fine formation of 
sandstone, yielding good material for buildings in the city; in- 
deed, it is considered the best building stone in the State. The 
limestone formation at Gosport, continuing 12 miles from that 
point, is of great variety, and includes the finest and most dur- 
able building stone in the world. Portions of it are susceptible 
only to the chisel; other portions are soft and can be worked 



HISTORY OF IXDrAXA. 185 

witli the ordinary tools. At the end of tliis limestone forma 
tion there commences a sandstone series of strata which ex 
tends seven miles farther, to a point about 60 miles from In- 
dianapolis. Here an extensive coal bed is reached cousistini; 
of seven distinct veins. The first is about two feet thick, the 
next three feet, another four feet, and the others of various 
thicknesses. These beds are all easily worked, having' a 
natural drain, and they yield heavy profits. In the whole of 
the southwestern part of the State and for 300 miles up the 
Wabash, coal exists in gcod quality and abundance. 

The scholars, statesmen and philanthropists of Indiana 
worked Iiard and lon,u' for the aiipointment of a State ( Jeologist, 
with sufficient support to enabk' him to nutke a thorough geo- 
logical survey of the State. A partial survey was made as early 
as 1837-'S, by David Dale Owen, State Geologist, but nothing 
more was done until 1869, when Prof. Edward T. Cox was ap- 
pointed State Geologist. For 20 years previous to this date 
the Governors urged and insisted in all their messages that a 
thorough survey should be made, but almost if not quite, in 
Tain. In 1852. Dr. Ryland T. Brown delivered an able address 
on this subject before the Legislature, showing how much coaL 
iron, building stone, etc., there were probably in the State, but 
the exact localities and qualities not ascertained, and how 
millions of money could be saved to the State by the expendi- 
ture of a few thousand dollars; but "they answered the Doc- 
tor in the negative. It must have been because they hadn't 
time to pass the bill. They were very busy. They had to pass 
all sorts of regulations concerning the negro. They had to 
protect a good many white people from marrying negroes. 
And as they didn't need any labor in the State, if it was ''col- 
ored' they had to make reg-ulations to shut out all of that kind 
of labor, and to take steps to put out all that unfortunately 
got in, and they didn't have time to consider the scheme pro- 
posed by the white people." — W. W- Clai/toii- 

In 1S53, the State lioard of Agriculture employed Dr. Brown 
to make a partial examination of the geology of the State, at 
a salary of .foOl) a year, and to this Board the credit is dup for 
the final success of the philanthropists, who in 1869 had the 
pleasure of witnessing the passage of a Legislative act "to pro- 
vide for a Department of Geology and IS'atural Science, in con- 
nection with the State Board of Agriculture." I'nder this act 
Governor Baker immediately appointed Prof. Edward T. Cox 
the State Geologist, who has made an able and exhaustive re- 
port of the agricultural, mineral and manufacturing resources 
of this State, world-wide in its celebrity, and a work of which 



ISO HISTOKY OF INDIANA- 

ihe people of Indiana may be very proud. We cau scarcely 
give even the substance of his report in a work like this, be- 
cause it is of necessity deeply scientific and made up entirely 
of local detail. 

COAL. 

The coal measures, says Prof. E. T. Cox, cover an area of 
about G.500 square miles, in the southwestern part of the State, 
and extend from Warren county on the north to the Ohio river 
on the south, a distance of about 1.50 miles. Tliis area com- 
prises the following counties: Warren, Fountain, Pai-ke, Ver- 
million. Vigo, Clay, Sullivan, Greene, Knox, Daviess, Mar- 
tin, (libson, Pike, Dubois, Vanderburg, Warriclc, Sjjencer. 
Perry and a small part of Crawford, Munroe, Putnam and 3[ont- 
gonicry. 

This coal is all bituiiiiuous, but is divisible into three well- 
marked varieties: caking-coal, non-caking-coal or block coal 
and cannel coal. The total depth of the seams or measures is 
from GOO to 800 feet, with 12 to 14 distinct seams of coal ; but 
these are not all to be found throughout the area; the seams 
range from one foot to eleven feet in thickness. The caking 
coal prevails in the western portion of the area described, and 
has from three to four workable seams, ranging from three and 
a half to eleven feet in thickness. At most of the places where 
these are worked the coal is mined by adits driven in on the 
face of the ridges, and the deepest shafts in the State are less 
than 300 feet, the average d pth for successful mining not being 
over 75 feet. This is a. bright, black, sometimes glossy, coal, 
makes good coke and contains a very large percentage of pure 
illuminating gas. One pound will yield about IJ cubic feet of 
gas. with a power equal to 15 standard s]:)erm candles. The 
average calculated calorific power of the caking coals is 7.71.5 
heat units, pure carbon being 8.080. Both in the northei'n and 
southern portions of the field, the caking coals present similar 
good qualities, and are a great source of private and public 
wealth. 

The block coal prevails in the eastern part of the field and 
has an area of about 450 square miles. This is excellent, in its^ 
raw state, for making pig iron. It is indeed peculiarly fitted 
for metallurgical purposes. It has a laminated structure with 
carbonaceous matter, like charcoal, between the lamina, with 
slaty cleavage, and it rings under the stroke of the hammer. 
It is "free-burning," makes an open fire, and without cakins, 
swelling, scaffolding in the furnace or changing form, burns 



HISTORY OF IXDLAJXA. 187 

like hickory wood until it is consumed to a white ash and lea^■('S 
no clinkers. It is likewise valuable for generating steam and 
for household uses. Many of the principal railway lines in the 
8tate are using it in preference to any other coal, as it does 
not burn out the fire-boxes, and gives as little trouble as wood- 
There are eight distinct seams of block coal in this zone 
three of which are workable, having an average thickness of 
four feet. In some places this coal is mined by adits, but gen- 
cj ally from shafts, 40 to 80 feet deep. The seams are crossed 
liy cleavage lines, and the coal is usually mined without pow- 
<ler. and may be taken out in blocks weighing a ton or more. 
\Ylien entries or rooms are driven angling across the cleavage 
lines, the walls of the mine present a zigzag, notched appear- 
iuice resembling a Virginia warm fence. 

In 1871 there were about 21 block coal mines in operation, 
and about 1,500 tons were mined daily, which amount in 1S96 
increased to about 183 mines with a daily tonnage increasing 
in the same proportion and netting an annual number of 1,358,- 
8!J7 tons of coal of all kinds throughout the 8tate. This coal 
consists of 81 1-2 to 83 1-2 per cent, of carbon, and not quite 
ihre.'-fourtlis of one per cent, of sulphur. Calculated calorific 
l)i)wer equal to 8,283 heat units. This coal also is equally good 
both in the northern and southern parts of the field. 

The great Indiana coal field is within 150 miles of Chicaga 
or Michigan City, by railroad, from which ports the Lake Su- 
pericr specular and re 1 hematite ores are landed from vessels 
that are able to run in a direct course from the ore banks. 
Considering the proximity of the vast quantities of iron in 
Michigan and ^Missouri, one can readily see what a glorious 
future aMaits Indiana in respect to manufactories. 

Of the cannel coal, one of the finest seams to be found in the 
country is in Daviess county, this State. Here it is three and 
a half feet thick, underlaid by one and a half feet of a beauti- 
ful, jet-black caking coal. There is no clay, shale or other for- 
eign matter intervening, and fragments of the caking coal are 
often found adhering to the cannel. There is no gradual 
change from one to the other, and the character of each is hom- 
ogeneous throughout. 

The cannel conl makes a delightful fire in open grates, and 
does not pop and throw off scales into the room, as is usual 
with this kind of coal. This coal is well adapted to the manu- 
facture of illuminating gas, in respect to both quantity and 
high illuminating power. One ton of 2,000 pounds of this coal 
yields 10 400 feet of gas, wh'le the best Pennsylvania coal 
yields but 8,fiS0 cubic feet. This gas has an illuminating power 



18S HISTCUIY OF INDIANA. 

of 25 candles, while the best Pennsylvania coal gas has tliat of 
only 17 candles. 

Cannel coal is also found in great abundance in Perry, 
Greene, Parke and Fountain counties, where its commercial 
value has already been demonstrated. 

Numerous deposits of bog iron ore are found in tlie northern 
part of the. State, and chiy iron-stones and impure carbonates 
and brown oxides are found scattered in the vicinity of the 
coal field. In some placesthe beds are quite thiclc and of con 
siderable commercial value. 

An abundance of excellent lime is also found in Indiana, es- 
pecially in Huntington county, where many large kilns are 
kept in profitable operation . 

PETROLEIDr. 

Since Indiana is rapidly coming to the front as an oil pro- 
ducing state, a few facts at this time may be of great in- 
terest to the reader. 

One can hardly conceive the vast amount of money and labor 
required to handle the product of Indiana's oil fields when you 
consider the refineries, storage tanks, pumping stations, pipe 
lines, tank cars, cooper shops for the manufacturing of the bar- 
rels, boxes and such things necessary for the handling of this 
important product. The principal wells are distributed 
through the counties of Jay, Wells, Adams, IJlackford and 
Grant, while other portions of the state have shown indica- 
tions that oil may be found. There are about GlIO producing 
wells in the staite, the output of whiclr was about 2,400,000 bar- 
rels at the end of the year, which is all refined in this State. 

GAS. 

It is but proper to state here that Indiana, since a number of 
years, had the largest and best natural gas fields that were 
ever discovered in ,nny state of the I'nion. As soon as every 
inch of the gas territory will have been developed, there js no 
question but what the time eventually will come, although a 
long way off as yet. on account of the vast extent of the fields, 
when the supply will rapidly diminish. Indeed the failure has 
already begun, the pressure has decreased considerably and 
the supply began to fall short in many places, causing intense 
suffering during the hard winter of 1802.3, much to tlie surprise 
of some sanguine natives who labored under the mistaken 
idea that natural gas was to be perpetual. The legislature 



mSTOllY 01'^ INDIANA. 189 

nudoubtedlj will pass laws in the near future to pvoliibiT the 
jieople from wasting this useful product,, thereby securing au 
uninterrupted supply for many a year. 

CLAY AND BriLDINa STONES- 

Careful investigation has developed the fact that among the 
natural resources of the State building stones and clays consti- 
tute a very prominent jiart. Twenty-eight- different .'lays have 
been found in the western and southwestern parts of the State 
and no hesitation is felt to predict, that the clay-working in- 
dustries within the next ten years will become the leading 
manufacturing industries of western Indiana. The large clay- 
industries already in existence in the vicinity of Brazil, Torre 
Haute and other j)laces. are all of them flourishing; the de- 
mands for their poducts in many instances being greater than 
the possible supply. They have proven by practical exper- 
ience that the shales and underclays of the coal measures are 
in every way fitted for manufacturing purposes; but it is re- 
markable, that the people of the State, for some unknown rea- 
son, seem reluctant to invest money in these cl )y industries, as 
well as the larg n- coil, st ne. natural gas and oil interests. 

INo State in the Union possesses better stone for building 
purposes than Indiana. The oolitic limestone from Lawrence, 
Monroe and otlier counties has long been noted among arclii- 
tects for its strength and durability. In the counties of Du- 
bois, G-reene and I'arke a carbon if ei-ous sandstone is found of 
a handsome brown color, which compares favorably in appear- 
ance with the bro^Ti sandstones of the Lake Superior region, 
so much used for the fronts of business blocks in Chicago, Mil- 
waukee and other cities of the Xorthwest. 

It is perhaps not generally known that Indiana is the second 
State of the Union in the production of whetstones and grind- 
stones. The fine-grained silicious rock found in Orange and 
Martin counties has long been used for such purijose. 

agriclt:,tlt{al. 

In 1852 the Legislature passed an act authorizing the organi- 
zation of county and district agricultural societies, and also es- 
tal)lishing a State Board, the provisions of which act are sub- 
stantially as follows: 

1. Thirty or more persons in any one or two counties organ- 
izing into a society for the improvement of agriculture, adopt- 
ing a constitution and by-laws agreeable to the regulations pre- 



li'O HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

scribed by the JStiite Board, and appointing the proper oflicers 
and raising a sum of $50 for its own treasury, shall be entitled 
to the same amount from the fund arising from show licenses 
in their respective counties. 

2. These societies shall offer annual premiums for improve- 
ment of soils, tillage, crops, manures, productions, stock, arti 
cles of domestic industry, and such other articles, productions 
and improvements as they may deem proper; they shall en- 
courage, by grant of rewards, agricultural and household man- 
ufacturing interests, and so regulate the premiums that small 
farmers will have equal opportunity with the large; and they 
shall pay special attention to cost and profit of the inventions 
and improvements, requiring an exact, detailed statement of 
the processes competing for rewards. 

3. They shall publish in a newspaper annually their list of 
awards and an absti-act of their treasurers" accounts, and they 
shall report in full to the State Board their proceedings. Fail- 
ing to do the latter they shall receive no payment from their 
■county funds. 

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 

The act of Feb. 17, 1S52. also established a State Board of 
Agriculture, with perpetual succession; its annual meetings to 
be held at Indianapolis on the first Tliursday after the first 
Monday in January, when the reports of the county societies 
are to be received and agricultural interests discussed and de 
termined upon; it shall make an annual report to the Legisla- 
ture of receipts, expenses, proceedings, etc., of its own meeting 
as well as of those of the local societies; it shall hold State 
fairs, at such times and places as they may deem proper; may 
hold two meetings a year, certifying to the State Auditor their 
expenses, who shall draw his warrant upon the Treasurer for 
tlie same. 

In 1861 the State Board adopted certain rules, embracing 
ten sections, for the government of local societies, but in 186S 
they were found inexpedient and abandoned. It adopted a 
resolution admitting delegates from the local societies. 

THE EXPOSITION. 

As the Board found great diflficulty in doing justice to ex- 
hibitors without an adequate building, the members went earn- 
estly to work in the fall of 1872 to get up an interest in the 
matter. They appointed a committee of five to confer with 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 191 

the Council or citizens of Indianapolis as to the best mode to 
be devised for a more thorough and complete exhibition of the 
industries of the State. The result of the conference was that 
the time had arrived for a regiilar "exposition," like that of the 
older States. At the January meeting in 1873, Hon. Thomas 
Dowling, of Terre Haute, reported for the committee that they 
found a general interest in this enterprise, not only at the 
capital, but also throughout the State. A sub-committee Avas 
appointed who devised plans and specifications for the neces- 
sary structure, taking lessons mainly from the Kentucky Ex- 
position building at Louisville. All the members of the State 
Board were in favor of proceeding with the building except 
Mr. Poole, who feared that, as the interest of the two enter- 
pi-ises were somewhat conflicting, and tlie Evosition being 
the more exciting show, it would swallow up the State and 
county fairs. 

The Exposition was ojieneil Sept. 10, 1873, when Hon. John 
Sutherland, President of the Board, the Mayor of Indianapolis, 
Senator Morton and Gov. Hendricks delivered addresses. Sen- 
ator Morton toolc the high g^i'ound that the money spent for an 
exposition is spent as strictly for educational purposes as that 
which goes directly into tlie common sclinol. The Exposition 
is not a mere sliow, to be idly gazed upon, but an industrial 
school where one should study and learn. He thoTight that 
Indiana had less untillable land than any other State in the 
Union; 'twas as rich as any and yielded a greater variety of 
products; and that Indiana was the most prosperous agricul- 
tural community in the United States. The State had nearly 
3,700 miles of railroad, not counting side-track, with 100 miles 
more under contract for building. In 15 or 18 montlis one can 
go from Indianapolis to every county in the State by railroad. 
Indiana has 6. .500 square miles of coal field, 450 of which con- 
tain block coal, the best in the United States for manufactur- 
ing purposes. 

On the subject of cheap transportation, he said: "By the 
census of 1870, Pennsylvania had, of domestic animals of all 
kinds, 1,006,589, and Indiana, 4,511,091. Pennsylvania had 
grain to the amount of 60,400,000 bushels, while Indiana liad 
79.350,454. The value of the farm products of Pennsylvania 
was estimated to be |183,946,000; those of Indiana, 1122.014,- 
000. Thus you see that while Indiana had 505,000 head of live 
stock more, and 19,000,000 busliels of grain more than Pennsyl- 
vania, yet the products of Pennsylvania are estimated at 
$183,946,000, on account of her greater proximity to market, 
while those of Indiana are estimated at only $122,914,000. 



1'.):: HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Tims yon cau uiulei-staod the iiuijoitauce of clipap trausporta- 
tioii to ludiaua. 

"Let us see bow the question of transportation affects us on 
the other hand, with reference to the manufacture of Besse- 
mer steel. Of the 174,000 tons of iron ore used in the blast 
furnaces of Piltsbury last year, 84,000 tuns came from Lake 
Superior, G4.000 tons from Iron Mountain, ^Missouri, 20,000 
tons from Lake Champlain, and less than 5,000 tons from the 
home mines of Pennsylvania. They cannot manufacture their 
iron with the coal they have in Pennsylvania v.ithout coking 
it. We have coal in Indiana with which we can, in its raw 
state, make the best of iron; while we are 250 miles nearer 
Lake Superior than Pittsburg', aud 430 miles nep^er to Iron 
Mountain. So that the question of transportation determines 
the fact that Indiana must become the great center for the 
manufacture of Bessemer steel." 

"What we want in this country is diversified labor." 

The grand hall of the Exposition buildings is on elevated 
ground at the head of Alabama street, and commands a fine 
view of the city. The structure is of brick, 308 feet long by 
150 in width, and two stories high. Its elevated galleries ex- 
tend quite around the building, under the roof, thus atfording 
visitors an opportunity to secure the most commanding view 
to be had in the city. The lower floor of the grand hall is oc- 
cupied by the mechanical, geological and miscellaneous de- 
partments, and by the offices of the Board, which extend along 
the entire front. The second floor, which is approached by 
three wide stairways, accommodates the fine art, musical and 
other departments of light mechanics, and is brilliantly lighted 
by windows and skylights. But as we are here entering the 
description of a subject nmgniflcent to behold, we enter a de- 
scription too vast to complete, and we may as well stop here 
as anywhere. 

The Presidents of the State Fairs have been: Gov. J. A. 
Wright. lS52-'4; Gen. Jos. Orr, 1855; Dr. A. C. Stevenson. 
185(5-"8; G. D. Wagner, 1859-fiO; I). P. Holloway, ISCl; Jas. 
D. Williams. 1SC2. 1870-'l; A. D. Hamrick. 186.3, lSG7-'9; 
Stearns Fisher, 18C4-"6; John Sutherland, 1872-'4; Wm. Crim. 
1875. Secretaries: John P.. Dillon, 18.52-'3, 18.55. 18.58-"9; 
Ignatius Brown, 1856-7; W. T. Dennis, 1854, 1860-'l; W. H. 
Loomis, lS62-'0; A. J. Holmes, 1867-'n; Joseph Poole, 1S70-M; 
xVlex. Heron, 1872-'5. Place of fair, Indianapolis every year 
except: Lafayette, 18.53; Madison, 1854; New Albany,' 1859; 
Fort Wayne, 1865; and Terre Haute. 1867. In 1861 there was 
no fair. The cnte and entry receipts increased from |4,6al in 
] 8.52 to -145,330 in 1874. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 103 

On the opening of the Exposition, Oct. 7, 1874, addresses 
vrevc d.'livered by the President of tlie Board, Hon. Jolm Suth- 
erland, and by (xovs. Hendricks, Bigler and Pollock. Yvon's 
celebrated painting, the "Great Republic,"' was unveiled with 
great ceremony, and many distinguished guests were present 
to witness it. 

The exhibition of 1875 .showed that the plate glass from the 
southern part of the State was equal to the finest French plate; 
that the force-blowers made in the eastern part of the State 
■was of a world-wide reputation; that the State has within its 
bounds the largest wagon manufactory in the world; that in 
other parts of the State there were all sorts and sizes of manu- 
factories, including rolling nulls pnd blast furnaces, and in th<» 
western part coal was mined and shipped at the rate of 2,50(1 
tons a day from one vicinity; and many other facts, which 
"would astonish the citizens of Indiana themselves even more 
than the rest of the world." 

INDIANA HORTICTJLTIIRAI. SOCIETY. 

This society was organized in 1S42, thus taking the lead in 
the West. At this time Henry Ward Beecher was a resident 
of Indianapolis, engaged not only as a minister but also as edi- 
tor of the Ind'uma Fnrmrr and Gardener, and his influence 
was very extensive in the interests of horticulture, floriculture 
and farming. Prominent among his pioneer co-laborers were 
Judge Coburn, Aaron Aldridge, Capt. James Sigarson, D. T. 
Culley, Reuben Ragan, Stephen Hampton, Cornelius Ratliff. 
Joshua Lindley, Abner Pope and many others. In the autumn 
of this year the society held an exhibition, probably the first 
in the State, if not in the West, in the hall of the new State 
house. The only premium offered was a set of silver teaspoons 
for the best seedling apple, which was won by Reuben Ragan, 
of Putnam county, for an apple christened on this occasion 
the "Osceola."' 

The society gave great encouragement to the introduction of 
new varieties of fruit, especially of the i>ear, as the soil and 
climate of Indiana were well adapted to this fruit. But the 
bright horizon which seemed to be at this time looming up all 
around the field of the young society's operations was suddenly 
and thoroughly darkened by the swarm of noxiotis insects, dis- 
eases, blasts of winter and the great distance to market. The 
prosj>ects of the ciiuse scarcely justified a continuation of the 
expense of assembling from remote parts of the State, and 
the meetings of the society therefore soon dwindled away un- 
til the organization itself became quite extinct. 
13 



lyjr HISTUliV OF INDI.^'A. 

But wlien, in 1852 and afterward, railroads began to traverse 
the State in all directions, the Legislature provided for the or- 
ganization of a State Board of Agriculture, whose scope was 
not only agriculture but also horticulture and the mechanic 
and household arts. The rapid growth of the State soon ne- 
cessitated a differentiation of this body, and in the .lutuniu of 
ISGO, at Indianapolis, there was organized the 

INDIANA rOJIOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 

October 18, Reuben Eagan was elected President and Wm. 
H. Loomis, of ilariou county. Secretary. The constitution 
adopted provided for biennial meetings in January, at In- 
dianapolis. At the first regular meeting, Jan. 0, 18(11, a com 
mittee-man for each congressional district was appointed, all 
of them together to be known as the "State lYuit Committee,"' 
and twenty-five members were enrolled during this session. 
At the regular meeting in 18C3 the constitution was so 
amended as to provide for annual sessions, and the address of 
the newly elected President, Hon. I. G. D. Nelson, of Allen 
county, urged the establishment of an agricultural college. He 
continued in the good cause until his work was crowned with 
success. 

In 18(i4 there was but little done on account of the exhaust- 
ive demands of the great war; and the descent of mercury 00" 
in eighteen hours did &o much mischief as to increase the dis- 
couragement to the verge of despair. The title of the society 
was at this meeting, Jan., ISGl, changed to that of the Indiana 
Horticultural Society. 

The first several meetings of the Society were mostly devoted 
to revision of fruit lists; and although the good work, from its 
vastness and complication, became somewhat monotonous, it 
has been no exception in this respect to the law that all the 
greatest and most productive labors of mankind require per- 
severance and toil. 

In 18GG, George M. Beeler, who had so indefatigably served 
as Secretary for several years, saw himself hastening to his 
grave, and showed his love for the cause of fruit culture by be- 
queathing to the Society the sum of fl.OflO. This year also the 
State Superintendent of Public Instruction was induced to 
take a copy of the Society's transactions for each of the town- 
ship libraries in the State, and this enabled the Society to bind 
its volume of proceedinss in a substantial manner. 

At the meeting in 1867 many valuable and interesting papers 
were presented, the office of corresponding secretary nas 
created, and the subject of Legislative aid was discussed. The 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 195 

State Board of Agrii-ulture placed tlie management of the 
horticultural department of the State fair in the care of the 
Society. 

The report for 18G8 shows for the th-st time a balance on 
hand, after paving expenses, the balance being §01.5.3. Fp to 
this time the Society had to take care of itself. — meeting cur- 
rent expenses, doing its own printing and binding, "boarding 
and clothing itself,"' and dili'using annually an amount of 
knowledge utterly incalculable. During the year called meet- 
ings were held at Salem, in the peach and grape season, and 
evenings during the State fair, which was held in Terre Hautt 
the p-evious fall. The State now assumed the cost of print- 
ing and binding, but the volume of transactions was not quite 
so valuable as that of the former year. 

In 1870 |160 was given to this Society by the State Board of 
Agriculture, to be distributed as prizes for essays, which ob- 
ject was faithfully carried out. The practice has since then 
been crmtinued. 

In 1871 the Horticiiltural Society brought out the best vol- 
ume of papers and proceedings it ever has had published. 

In 1872 the office of corresponding secretary was di.scoutin- 
ued; the appropriation by the State Board of Agriculture di- 
verted to the payment of premiums on small fruits given at a 
show held the previous summer; results of the exhibition not 
entirely satisfactory. 

In 1873 the State officials refused to publish the discussions 
of the members of the Horticultural Society, and the Legisla 
ture appropriated .f.jOO for the purpose for each of the ensu 
ing two years, which amount was increased to -f 1.000 in 1895. 

In 187.5 the Legislature enacted a law requiring that one of 
the tnistees of Purdue University shall be selected by the Hor- 
ticultural Society. 

The aggregate annual membership of this Society from its 
organization in 1860 to 1875 was 1.225. 

EDUCATION. 

The subject of education has been referred to in almost 
every gubernatorial message from the organization of the Ter- 
ritory to the p'esent time. It is indeed the most favorite en- 
terprise of the Hoosier State. In the first sun-ey of Western 
lands. Congress set apart a section of land in every township, 
generally the IGth. for school purposes, the disposition of the 
land to be in hands of the residents of the respective town- 
ships. Besides this, to this State were given two entire town- 



lUO H:ST0KY of INDIANA. 

ships for the use of a State Seminary, to be under the pontrol 
of the Legislature. Also, the State constitution provides that 
all fines for the breach of law and all coniiuutations for militia 
service be appropriated to the use of county seminaries. In 
182.5 the common-school lands amounted to 680,207 acres, esti- 
mated at ?2 an acre, and valued therefoi-e at .fl,210.044. At 
this time tlie seminary at Bloomington, supported in part by 
one of these township grants, was very flourishing. The com- 
mon schools, however, were in rather a poor condition. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

In 1852 the free-school system was fully established, which 
has resulted in placing Indiana in the lead of this great nation. 
Although this is a pleasant subject, it is a very large one to 
treat in a condensed notice, as this has to be. 

The free-school system of Indiana first became practically 
operative the first Monday of April, 18.53, when the townsliip 
trustees for school purposes were elected through the State. 
The law committed to them the charge of all the educational 
affairs in their respective townships. As it was feared by the 
opponents of the law that it would not be possible to select 
men in all the townships capable of executing the school laws 
satisfactorily, the people were thereby awakened to the neces- 
sity of electing their very best men; and although, of course, 
many blunders have been made by trustees, the operation of 
the law has tended to elevate the adult population as well as 
the youth; and Indiana still adheres to the policy of appointing 
its best men to educational positions. The result is a grand 
surprise to all old fogies, who indeed scarcely dare to appear 
such any longer. 

To instruct the people in the new law and set the educa- 
tional machinery going, a pamphlet of over 60 pages, embrac- 
ing the law, with notes and exi>lanations, was issued from the 
office of a superintendent of public instruction, and distributee 
freely throughout the State. The first duty of the Board of 
Trustees was to establish and conveniently locate a sufficient 
number of schools for the education of all the children of theii 
township. But M'here were the school-houses, and what v.i-rc 
they? Pr(>viously they had been erected by single districts, 
Tint under this law disti-icts were abolished, their lines ob- 
literated, and houses previously built by districts became tlie 
j)ioperty of the township, and all the houses were to be built 
at the expense of the townsliip by an appropriation of town- 
ship funds by the tinrstees. In some townships there was not 



HISTORY OF IXDIAXA. 197 

a single scliool-hoiise of any kind, and in others tliere were a 
few old. leakv, dilapidated log cabins, wholly unfit for use even 
in summer, and iu "winter worse than nothing." Before the 
people could be tolerably accommodated with schools at least 
3,500 school-houses had to be erected in the State. 

By a general law, enacted in conformity to the constitution 
of lSo2. each township was made a mimicipal corporation, and 
every voter in the township a member of the corporation; the 
Board of Trustees constituted the township legislature as well 
as the executive body, the whole body of voters, however, ex- 
ercising direct control through frequent meetings called by the 
trustees. Special taxes and every other matter of importance 
"were directly voted iipon. 

Some tax-payers, who were opposed to special townships' 
taxes, retarded the progress of schools by refusing to pay their 
assessment. Contiacts for building school-houses were given 
up, houses half finished were abandoned, and in many town- 
ships all school operations were suspended. In some of them, 
indeed, a rumor was circulated by the enemies of the law that 
the entire school law from beginning to end had been declared 
l\v the Supreme Court unconstitutional and void; and the 
trustees, believing this, actually dismissed their schools and 
considered themselves out of office. Hon. W. C. Larrabee, the 
(first) Superintendent of Public Instruction, corrected this er- 
ror as soon as possible. 

But while the voting of special taxes was doubted on a con- 
stitutional point, it became evident that it was weak in a prac- 
tical point; for in many townships the opponents of the system 
voted down every proposition for tlie erection of school- 
houses. 

Another serious obstacle was the great deficiency in the 
number of qualified teachers. To meet the newly (•r(^i!tr 
want, the law authorized the appointment of deputies in each 
county to examine and license persons to teach, leaving it in 
their judgment to lower the standard of qualification suffi- 
ciently to enable them to license as many as were needed to 
supply all the schools. It was therefore found necessary tc 
employ many "unqualified" teachers, especially in the remote 
rural districts. But the progress of the times enabled the 
Legislature of 1853 to erect a standard of qualification and give 
to the county commissioners the authority to license teachers; 
and in order to supply every school with a teacher, while there 
might not be a sufticient number of properly qualified teachers, 
the commissioners were authorized to grant temporary li- 
censes to take charge of particular schools not needing a high 
grade of teachers. 



WS HlSTdltY OF INDIANA, 

In 1854 tlie arailnble common-school fund consisted of tlie 
congressional township fund, the surplus revenue fund, th« 
saline fund, the bank tax fund and miscellaneous fund, 
iimouuting in all to |2,4(:0,(!00. This amount, from many 
sources, was subsequently increased to a very great extent. 
The common-school fund was intnisted to the several counties 
of the State, which were held responsible for the preservation 
thereof and for the payment of the annual interest thereon. 
The fund was managed by the auditors and treasurers of the 
several counties, for which these offlcers were allowed one- 
tenth of the income. It was loaned out to the citizens of the 
county in sums not exceeding -f.^OO, on real estate security. 
The common-school fund was thus consolidated and the pro- 
ceeds equally distributed each year to all the townships, cities 
and towns of the State, in proportion to the number of chil- 
dren. This phase of the law met with considerable opposi- 
tion in 1854. 

The provisions of the law for the establishment of township 
libraries was promptly carried into effect, and much time, la- 
bor and thought were devoted to the selection of books, special 
attention being paid to historical works. 

The greatest need in 1.S54 was for qualified teachers; but 
nevertheless the progress of public education during this and 
following years was very great. School-houses were erected, 
many of them being fine structures, well furnished, and the li- 
Liaries were considerably enlarged. 

The city school system of Indiana received a heavy set-back 
in 1858, by a decision of the Supreme Court of the State, that 
the law authorizing cities and townships to levy a tax addi- 
tional to the State tax was not in conformity with that clause 
in the Constitution which required uniformity in taxation. 
The schools were stopped for want of adequate funds. For a 
few weeks in each year thereafter the feeble "uniform" supply 
from the State fund enabled the people to open the schools, but 
considering the returns the public realizes for so small an out- 
lay in educational matters, this proved more expensive than 
ever. Private schools increased, but the attendance was small. 
Thus the interests of popular education languished for years. 
But since the revival of the free schools, the State fund has 
grown to vast proportions, and the schools of this intelligent 
and enterprising commonwealth compare favorably with those 
of any other portion of the United States. 

There is no occasion to present all the statistics of school 
progress in this State from the first to the present time. The 
rapid, substantial and permanent increase whicli I-idiana en- 



HIST<»KY OF INDIANA. 



199 



joys in iter school interests, will best be demonstrated by com- 
paring a few, of the official reports issued at the earliest date 
and recently: 



Year. 


Number of 
Teachers. 


Attendance at 
School. 


School 
Enumeration. 


1855 


4,016 
13,676 
14,071 


206, 994 
512,535 
541,570 


445,791 
699, 153 


1878 


189i 


808,261 







The average number enrolled in each district varies from 
the;average daily attendance to a certaiu extent, but this is 
mostly due to the, fact that many children reported as absent 
attend parochial or private schools. 

The number of days taught vary materially in .the different 
township.s, and on this point State Superintendent Smai't in 
his report for 1877-78 very, ably remarks: 

"As long as the schools of some of our townships are kept 
open but GO days and jOthers 220 days, we do not have a uni- 
form system, — such as was contemplated by the constitution. 
The school law recpiires the trustee of a township jto maiutaln 
each of the schools in his corporation an equal length of time. 
This provision cannot be so easily applied to the various coun- 
ties of the State, for the reason that there is a. variation in the 
density of the population, in the wealth, of the people, and the 
amount of the township funds. I think, however, there is 
scarcely a township trustee in the, State who cannot, under the 
present law, if he chooses to do so, bring his schools up to an 
average of , six months. I think it would be wise to require 
each township trustee to levy a sufficient local tax to maintain 
the schools at least six months of the year, .provided this can 
be done without increasing the local tax beyond the amount 
now permitted by, law. This would tend to bring the poorer 
schools up to the standard of the best, and would thus unify 
the system, and make it indeed a, common-school system." 

The nmnber of teachers in 1878 increased from 13,076 to 
14.071 in 1894, of which, 7,072 were males and 6,999 females. 

The average daily compensation throughout the State in 
1894 was as follows: In townships, males |2.08; females If 2.00 
—in towns, males. |3.01; females .$2.02— in cities, males, $?,M; 
females, •|2.22, — average for the State at large: males .f2.3S; 
females -f 2.06. 



;;L)0 history of ixdiaxa. 

In 1878 there were 89 stone school-houses, 1,724 brick, 7,nOS 
frame, and 124 log; total, 9,545, valued at |ll,53G,(i47. These 
figures have materially chauged in the course of time; the old 
frame and log houses have mostly disapi>eared; new, substan- 
tial and more spacious brick buildings have been erected in 
their places and their value has increased to a considerable 
and remarkable extent. The reports of 1S94 show that there 
were 87 stone school-houses, 2,282 brick, 5,514 frame and 7 log; 
total 7.890, valued at .$18,940,021. 

And lastly, and best of all, Me are happy to state that lu- 
diana has a larger school fund than any other State in the 
Union, larger than that of any other State by at least $2,000,- 
000. according to statistics obtainable. 

Without going into any lengthy detail on this subject we will 
here reproduce a summary of the school fimd in 1894 as fol- 
lows: 

Common School Fund held by counties June, 1894 S7, 585, 228 

Congressional Township Fund held by counties June, 1894.. . 2,571,9.35 

Total Fund June, 1894 Sll, 157, 163 

The origin of the respective school funds of Indiana is as fol- 
lows: 

1. The "Congressional township" fund is derived from the 
proceeds of the Kith sections of the townships. Almost all 
of these have been sold and the money put out at interest. 
The amount of this fund in 1877 was .$2,452,030.82. 

2. The "saline" fund consists of the proceeds of the sale of 
salt sfirings, and the land adjoining necessary for working 
them to the amount of 36 entire sections, authorized by the 
original act of Congress. By authority of the same act the 
Legislature has made these proceeds a part of the permanent 
school fund. 

3. The "surplus revenue" fund. Under the administration 
of President Jackson, the national debt, contracted by the Rev- 
olutionary war and the purchase of Louisiana, was entirely dis- 
charged, and a large surplus remained in the treasury. In 
June, 1830, Congress distributed tliis money among the States 
in the ratio of their representation in Congress, subject to ve- 
call, and Indiana's share was $800,254. The Legislature sub- 
sequently set apart $573,502.90 of this amount to be a part of 
the school fund. It is not probable that the general Govern- 
ment will ever recall this money. 

4. "Bank tax" fund. The Legislature of 1834 chartered a 
State .'Bank, of which a part of the stock was owned by the 



HISTORY OF INDIA^'A. 201 

State and a part by individiialsi. Section 15 of the charter re- 
quired au annual deduction from the dividends, equal to 12 1-2 
cents on each share not held by the State, to be set apart foi 
common-school education. This tax finally amounted to fSO,- 
000. which now bears interest in favor of education. 

5. "Sinking"' fund. In order to set the State bank undei 
good head\^ ay. the State at lirst borrowed $1,300,000. and out 
of the unapplied balances a fund was created, increased by 
unapplitni balances, also the principal, interest and dividends 
of the amouut lent to the individual holders of stock, for the 
purpose of sinking the debt of the bank; hence tlie name sluic- 
ing fund. The 111th section of the charter provided that af- 
ter the full payment of the bank's indebtedness, principal, in- 
terest and incidental expenses, the residue of said fund should 
be a permanent fund, appropriated to the cause of education. 
As the charter extended through a period of 25 yeare. this fund 
ultimately reached the handsome amount of ?5, 000, 000. 

The foregoing are all interest-bearing funds; the following 
are additional school funds, but not productive: 

6. "Seminary" fund. By order of the Legislature in 1852, 
all county seminaries were sold, and the net proceeds placed in 
the common-school fund. 

7. All fines for the violation of the penal laws of the State 
are placed to the credit of the common-school fund. 

8. All recognizances of witnesses and parties indicted for 
crime, when forfeited, are collectible by law and made a pai't of 
the school fund. These are reported to the office of the State 
Superintendent of Public Instruction annually. For the five 
years ending with 1S72. they averaged about •'i.jl.OOO a year. 

9. Escheats. These amount to |lT.S0o.55. which was still 
in the State treasury in 1S72 and unapplied. 

10. The "swamp-land" fund arises from the sale of certain 
Ccmgressional hind grants, not devoted to any particular pur- 
pose by the terms of the grant. In 1S72 there was .'?42.418.40 
of this money, subject to call by the school interests. 

11. Tax<'s on corjiorations are to some extent devoted by 
the Constitution to school purposes, but the clause on this sub- 
ject is somewhat obscure, and no funds as yet have been real- 
ized from this source. It is supposed that several large sums 
of money are due the common-school fujid from the corpora- 
tions. 

Constitutionally, any of the above funds may be increased, 
but never diminished. 



202 HISTORY OF IXDIA^T^, 

INDIANA STATE TJXn'ERSITY, 

So early as 1802 the U. S. Conjji-ess granted lands and a 
charter to the people of that portion of the Xorthwestern Ter- 
ritory residing at Vincennes. for the erection and maintenance 
of a seminary of learning in that early settled district; and five 
years afterward an act incorporating the Vincennes University 
asked the Legislature to appoint a Board of Tinstees for the 
institution and order the sale of a single township in Gibson 
county, granted by Congress in 1802, so that the proceeds 
might be at once devoted to the objects of education. On this 
l>oard tlie following gentlemen were appointed to act in the 
interests of the institution: William H. Harrison. John Gib- 
son. Thomas H. Davis, Henry Vanderburgh, Waller Taylor, 
Benjamin Parke, Peter Jones. James Johnson, Jo\n Rice Jones. 
George Wallace. William Bullitt, Elias McXamee, John Bado 
lett, Henry Hurst, Gen. W. Johnston, Francis Vigo, Jacob 
Kuykendall, Samuel McKee, Nathaniel Ewing, George Leech. 
Luke Decker, Samuel Gwathmey and John Johnson. 

The sale of this land was slow and the proceeds small. The 
members of the Board, too, were apathetic, and failing to meet, 
the institntion fell out of existence and out of memory. 

In 181(i Gongress granted another township in !Monroe 
county, located within its present limits, and the foundation 
of a university was laid. Four years later, and after Indiana 
was erected into a State, an acli of the local Legislatu,'re ap- 
pointing another Board of Trustees and authorizing them to 
select a location for a university and to enter into contracts 
for its construction, was passed. The new Board met at 
Bloom ington and selected a site at that place for the location 
of the present building, entered into a contract for the erection 
of the same in 1822. and in 182.5 had the satisfaction of being 
present at the inauguration of the nniversity. The first ses- 
sion was commenced under the Bev. Baynard E. Hall, with 20 
students, and when the learned professor could only boast of a 
salary of .?1."0 a year; yet, on this very limited sum the gentle- 
man worked with energy and soion brought the enterprise 
through all its elementary stages to the position of an academic 
institution. Dividing the year into two sessions of five months 
each, the Board acting \inder his advice, changed the name to 
the "Indiana Academy,"' under which title it was duly char- 
tered. In 1827 Prof. John H. Harney was raised to the chairs 
of mathematics, natural philosojihy and astronomy, at a sal- 
ary of 1300 a year; and the salary of Mr. Hall raised to $m) a 
year. In 1S2S the name was again changed by the Legislature 



HISTORY OF IMDIA:na. 203 

to the "Indiana College," and the following professors ap- 
pointed over the different departments: Rev. Andrew Wjlie, 
D. D., Prof, of mental and moral philosophT and belles lettres; 
John H. Harney, Prof, of mathematics and natural philosophy; 
and Kev. Bayard R. Hall, I'rof. of nnoicnt languages. This 
year, also, dispositions were made for the sale of Gibson county 
lands and for the erection of a new college building. This ac 
tion was opposed by some legal difficulties, which after a time 
wei'e overcome, and the new college building was put under 
construction, and continued to prosper until 1834, when it waf^ 
destroyed by fire, and 9,000 volumes, with all the apparatus^ 
were consumed. The curriculum was then can-ied out in a tem- 
porary building, while a new structure was going up. 

In 187.3 the new college, with its additions, was completed, 
and the routine of studies continued. A museum of natural 
history, a laboratory and the Owen cabinet added, and the 
standard of the studies and morale generally increased in ex- 
cellence and in strictness. 

Bloomington is a fine, healthful locality, on the Louisville, 
New Albany & Chicago railway. The University buildings are 
in the collegiate Gothic style, simply and truly carried out. 
The building, fronting College avenue, is 145 feet in front. It 
consists of a central building CO feet by 5-3, with wings each 38 
feet by 2C, and the whole, three stories high. The new build- 
ing, fronting the west, is 130 feet by 50. Buildings lighted by 
gas. 

rUr.Dt'E UNIVERSITY. 

This is a "college for the benefit of agriculture and the 
mechanic arts."' as provided for by act of Congress, July 2, 18()2. 
donating lands for this purpose to the extent of 30,000 acres of 
the public domain to each Senator and Representative in the 
Federal assembly. Indiana having in Congress at that time 
thirteen members, became entitled to 300,000 acres; but as 
thf're was no Congress land in the State at this time, scrip had 
to be taken, and it was ui)on the following condition (we quote 
the act): 

"Section 4. That all moneys derived from the sale of land 
scrip shall be invested in the stocks of the United States, or of 
some other safe stocks, yielding no less than five per centum 
upon the par value of said stocks; and that the moneys so in- 
vested shall constitute a perpetual fund, the capital of which 
shall remain undiminished, except so far as may be provided in 
section 5 of this act, and the interest of which shall be in- 



20i mSTOKY OF IXDTANA. 

violiibly ai)propi'iated by eaeli State, wUicli may take and claim 
the benefit of tliis act, to the endowment, support and main- 
tenance of at least one college, where the leading object shall 
be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and 
including military tactics, to teach such branches of learninu 
as ai*e related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in such a 
manner as the Legislatures of the States may respectively pre- 
scribe, in order to promote tlie liberal and practical education 
of tile industrial clas-ses in the several pursuits and professions 
of life. 

"Sec. 5. That the gi-ant of land and land scrip hereby au- 
thorized shall be made on the following conditions, to wliich, 
as well as the jirovision hereinbefore contiiined, the previous 
as.sent of the several States shall be signified by Legislative act: 

"First. If any portion of the funds invested as provided by 
the foregoing section, or any portion of the interest thereon, 
shall by any action or contingency be diminished or lost, it 
shall be replaced by the State to which it belongs, so that the 
capital of tlie fund shall remain forever undiminished, and the 
annual interest shall be regularly applied, without diminution, 
to the purposes mentioned in the fourth section of this act, ex- 
cept that a sum not exceed.' g ten per centum upon the amount 
received by any State under the provisions of this act may be 
expended for the purchase of lands for sites or ex])priui!'ntal 
farms, whenever authorized by the respective Legislatures of 
said States. 

"Second. Xo portion of said fund, nor interest thereon, shall 
he app ied, directly or indirectly, under any pretence whatever 
to the purchase, erection, preservation or repair of any build- 
ing or buildings. 

"Third. Any State which may talce and claim the benefit of 
the provisions of this act. shall provide, within five years at 
least, not less than one college, as provided in the fourth sec- 
tion nf this act, or the grant to such State shall cease and said 
State be bound to pay the T'nited States the amount received 
of any lands previously sold, and that the title to purchase un- 
der the States shall be valid. 

"Fourth. An annual report shall be made regarding the 
progress of each college, recording any improvements and ex- 
periments made, with their cost and result, and su?h other 
matter, including State industrial and economical statistics, 
as may be supposed useful, one copy of which shall be trans- 
mitted by mail free, by each, to all other colleges which may 
be endowed under the provisions of this act, and also one copy 
to the Secretary of the Interior. 



lU.SXOIiY OF IXDIANA. 205 

"Fiftli. "\Mien lands shall be selected from those which have 
been i-aised to double the minimum price in consequence of rail- 
road yi-ants, that they shall be computed to the states at the 
mixximum price, and the number of acres proportionately di- 
minished. 

"Sixth. [No State, while in a condition of rebellion or insur- 
rection against the Government of the United States, shall be 
entitled to the benefits of this act. 

"Seventh. No State shall be entitled to the benefits of this 
act unless it shall express its acceptance thereof by its Legis- 
lature within two years from the date of its approval by the 
President.'' 

The foregoing act was approved by the President, July 2, 
18(j2. It seemed that this law, amid the din of arms with the 
great Rebellion, was about to pass altogether unnoticed by the 
next General Assembly. January, 1863, had not Gov. Morton's 
attention been called to it by a delegation of citizens from Tip- 
pecanoe county, who visited him in the interest of Battle 
Ground. He thereupon sent a special message to the Legisla- 
ture, upon the subject, and then public attention was excited 
to it everywhere, and sevei-al localities competed for the insti- 
tution ; indeed, the rivalry was so great that this session failed 
to act in the matter at all, and would have failed to accept of 
the grant within the two years prescribed in the last clause 
quoted above, had not Congress, by a supplementary act, ex- 
tended the time two years longer. 

March 6, 1805, the Legislature accepted the conditions of the 
national gift, and organized the Board of "Trustees of the In- 
diana Agricultural College.'' This Board, by authority, sold 
the scrip April 9, 1867, for $212,238.50, which sum, by com- 
pounding, has increased to nearly $400,000, and is invested in 
I'. S. bonds. Xot until the special session of May, 1869, was 
the locality for this college selected, when John Purdue, of La- 
fayette, offered |150.000 and Tippecanoe county |oO,000 more, 
and the title of the institution changed to "Purdue I'niversity." 
Donations were also nuide by the Battle Ground Institute and 
the Battle Ground Institute of the ^Methodist Episcopal Church. 
The building was located on a 100-acre tract near ('hauucey. 
which Purdue gave in addition to Ms magnificent donation, 
and to which 86 1-2 acres more have since been added on the 
north. The boarding-house, dormitory, the laboratory, boiler 
and gas house, a frame armory and gymnasitim, stable with 
shed and work-shop are all to the north of the gravel road, and 
form a group of buildings within a circle of 600 feet. The 
boiler and gas house occupy a rather central position, and sup- 



.206 HISTORY OF IXDIAXA. 

ply steam and gas to the boarding-house, doi'iiiitoi-y and hib- 
oratory. A description of these buildings may be a]nopos. 
The boarding-house is a brick structure, in the nioderu Italian 
style, planked by a turret at each of the front angles and meas- 
uring 120 feet front by 68 feet de^p. The dormitory is a quad- 
rangular edilice, in the plain Elizabethan style, four stories 
high, arranged to accommodate 125 students. Like the other 
buildings, it is heated by steam and lighted by gas. liathing 
accommodations are in each end of all the stories. The lab 
oratory is almost a duplicate of a similar department in Brown 
University, K. I. It is a much smaller building than the board- 
ing-house, but yet sufficiently large to meet the requirements. 
A collection of minerals, fossils and antiquities, purchased 
from Mr. Richard Owen, former President of the institution, 
occujiies the temporary cabinet or museum, pending the con 
struction of a new building. The military hall and gymnasium 
is 100 feet frontage by 50 feet deep, and only one story high. 
The uses to which this hall is devoted are exercises in physical 
and military drill. The Ixiiler and gas house is an establish- 
ment replete in itself, possessing every facility for supplying 
the buildings of the university with adequate heat and light. 
It is further provided with pumping works. Convenient to 
this department is the retort and great meters of the gas house, 
capable of holding 0,000 cubic feet of gas. and arranged upon 
the principles of modern science. The barn and shed form a 
single building, both useful, convenient and ornamental. 

In connection witli the agricultural department of the uni- 
versity, a brick residence and bnrn were erected and placed at 
the disposal of the farm superintendent, Maj. L. A. Burke. 

The Ibuildings enumerated above have been erected at a cost 
approximating the following: boarding-hnuse, $37,807.07; lab- 
oratory. $15,000; dormitory^ .f 32,000; military hall and gym- 
nasium, .1f!fi,410.-17 ; boiler and gas house. .fl,S14; barn and shed. 
$1,500; work-shop, .f 1.000; dwelling and barn, .f 2,500. 

Besides the original donations. Legislative appropriations, 
varying in amount, have been made from time to time, and Mr. 
Pierce, the treasurer, has donated his official salary, .S<'>00 a 
year, for the time he served, for decorating the grounds, — if 
necessai'y. 

The opening of the university was, owing to varied circum- 
stances, postjioned from time to time, and not until March, 
1874, was a class formed, and this only to comply with the act 
of OongT'ess in that conni-ction in its relation to the \iniversity. 
However, in September following a curriculum was adopted, 
and the first regular term of the Purdue Fniversitv entered 



HISTORY OF IXDTAXA. 207 

upon. This curriculum comprises tlie varied subjects generally 
pertaining to a first-class university course, namely: in tlie 
school of natural science — physics and industrial mechanics, 
chemistry and natural history; in the school of engineering — 
ci^-il and mining, together with the principles of architecture; 
in the school of agriculture — theoretical and practical agricul- 
ture, horticulture and veterinary science; in the military school 
— the mathematical sciences, German and French literature, 
free-hand and mechanical drawing, with all the studies per- 
taining to the natural and military sciences. Modern lan- 
guages and natural history embrace their respective courses 
to the fullest extent. 

INDIANA STATE NORJIAL SCHOOL. 

This institution was founded at Terre Haute in 1870, in ac- 
cordance with the act of the Legislature of that year. The 
building is a large brick edifice situated upon a commanding 
location and possessing some architectural beauties. From its 
inauguration many obstacles opposed its advance toward ef- 
ficiency and success: but the Board of Trustees, composed of 
men experienced iu educational matters, exercised their 
strength of mind and body to overcome every difHculty, and se- 
cure for the Stat(" Xormal School every distinction and emolu- 
ment that lay within their power, their efforts to this end being 
very successful; and it is a fact that the institution 1ms arrived 
at, if not eclipsed, the standard of their expectations. Xot 
alone does the coiirse of study embrace the legal subjects 
known as reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, geography, 
Tnited States history, English grammar, physiology, manners 
and ethics, but it includes also universal history, the mathe- 
matical sciences and many otlier subjects foreign to older in- 
stitutions. The first studies are prescribed by law and must 
ho inculcated; the second are optional with the professors, and 
in the case of Indiana generally hold place in the curriculum of 
the normal school. 

The model, or training school, specially designed for the 
training of teachers, forms a most important factor in State 
educational matters, and prepares teachers of both sexes for 
one of the most important positions in life, viz., that of educat- 
ing the youth of the State. The advanced course of studies, 
together with the higher studies of the normal school, embraces 
Latin and Oerman. and prepares young men and women for en- 
trance to the State Fniversity. 

The efficiency of this school may be elicited from the follow- 



208 HISTORY OF INDIANA". 

iug facts, tak(-ii fioiii the official reports: out of 41 persons who 
bad graduated from the elementary course, nine, after teach- 
ing successfully in the public schools of this State from two 
terms to two years, returned to the institution and sought ad- 
mission to the advanced classes. They were admitted; three 
of them were gentlemen and six ladies. After spending two 
years and two terms in the elementary course, and then teach- 
ing in the schools during the time already mentioned they re- 
turned to spend two and a half or three years more, and for the 
avowed purpose of qualifying themselves for teaching in the 
most responsible positions of the public school service. In 
fact, no student is admitted to the school who does not in good 
faith declare his intention to cpialify himself for teaching in 
the schools of the State. This the law requires, and the rule 
is adhered to literally. 

Tlie report further says, in speaking of the government of the 
school, that the fundamental idea is rational freedom, or that 
freedom which gives exemption from the power of control of 
one over another, or, in other words, the self-limiting of them- 
selves, in their acts, by a recognition of the rights of others 
wli'O are equally free. The idea and origin of the school being 
laid down, and also the means by which scholarship can be 
realized in the individual, the student is left to form his own 
conduct, both during session hours and while away from school. 
The teacher merely stands between this scholastic idea, and the 
student's own partial conception of it. as expositor or inter- 
preter. The teacher is not legishitor, executor or police officer; 
he is expounder of the true idea of school law, so that the only 
test of the student's conduct is obedience to, or nonconformity 
with, that law as interpreted by the teacher. This idea once 
inculcated in the minds of the students insures iudusti'y, punc- 
tuality and order. 

NORTHERN INT)IANA NORJIAL SCHOOL ANB BUSI- 
NESS INSTITUTE, VALPARAISO. 

This institution was organized Sept. 16, 1873, with -35 
students in attendance. The school occupied the building 
known as the Valparaiso ^fale and Female College building. 
Four teachers were employed. The attendance, so small at 
first, increased rapidly and steadily, until at the present writ- 
ing, the seventh year in the history of the school, the yearly 
enrollment is more than three thousand. The number of in- 
structors now employed is '2?>. 

From time to time, additions have been made to the school 



HISTORY OF INUIAXA. 209 

buildings, and uumerons boarding balls have been erected, so 
tliat now tbe value of tlie buildings and grounds owned by the 
school is one hundred thousand dollars. 

A large library has been collected, and a complete equipment 
of philosophical and chemical apparatus has been purchased. 
The depai'tnieut of physiology is supplied with skeletons, mani- 
kins, and everything necessary to tlie demonstration of each 
branch of the subject. A large cabinet is provided for the 
study of geology. In fact, each department of the school is 
completely furnished with tlie apparatus needed for the most 
approved presentation of every subject. 

There are 15 chartered departments in the institution. 
These are in charge of thorough, energetic, and scholarly in- 
structors, and send forth each year as graduates, a large num- 
ber of finely cultured young ladies and gentlemen, living testi- 
monials of the efficiency of the course of study and the methods 
used. 

The Commercial College in connection with the school is in 
Itself a great institution. It is finely fitted up and furnished, 
and ranks foremost among the business colleges of the United 
States. 

The expenses for tuition, room and board, have been made so 
low that an opportunity for obtaining a thorough education is 
presented to the poor and the rich alike. 

All of this work has been accomplished in the short space of 
seven years. The school now holds a high place among edu- 
cational institutions, and is the largest normal school in the 
United States. 

This wonderful growth and development is wholly due to the 
energy and faithfulness of its teachers, and the unparalleled 
executive ability of its proprietor and principal. The school is 
not endowed. 

DENOMINATIONAL AND PKWATE INSTITUTIONS. 

Nor is Indiana behind in literary institutions under denomi- 
national auspices. It is not to be understood, however, at the 
present day. that sectarian doctrines are insisted upon at the 
so-called "denominational" colleges, universities and semi- 
naries; the youth at these places are influenced only by 
Christian example. 

Xoirr Dame Uiiircrsifi/, near South Bend, is a Catholic in- 
stitution, and is one of the most noted in the United States. It 
was founded in lS-12 by Father Sorin. The first building was 
erected in 1843. rud the university has continued to grow and 
14 



210 HISTUUY OF INDIANA. 

prosper until the present time, now having 35 professor.*. '2C, in- 
structors, 9 tutors, 213 students and 12,000 volumes in lilirary. 
At preseut the main building has a frouTage of 224 feet and a 
depth of 155. Thousands of young people have received their 
education here, and a large number have been graduated tor 
the priesthood. A chapter was held here in 1872, attended by 
delegates from all parts of the world. It is worthy of mention 
that this institution has a bell weighing 13,000 pounds, the 
laigest in the United States and one of the linest in the world. 
71ic De Pa>iw Uiiirvrxiti/, formerly known as the Indiana As- 
bury Tuiversity, at Greencastle, is an old and well-established 
institution under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, named after its first bishop, Asbury. It was founded 
in 1^35, and in 1872 it had nine professors and 172 students. 

Ilairaid CoUc(/(\ not denominational, is located at Koknnio, 
and was founded in 18(19. In 1872 it had five professors, four 
instructors, and 09 students. 

Union Vhri-sfiaii ('dUvi/c. Christian, at ilerom, was organ- 
ized in 1858, and in 1872 had four resident professors, seven 
instructors and 15(i students. 

Moore's Hill ColJri/c. Methodist Episcopal, is situated at 
Jloore's Hill, was founded in 1851, and in 1N72 had five resi- 
dent professors, five instructors, and 112 students. 

EarllKDu's Colhuc. at Eichmoud, is under the management 
of the Orthodox Friends, and was founded in 18.59. In 1872 
they had six resident professors and 107 vStudents. and 3,300 
volumes in library. 

^V(tJl<{sll ('i,]J((/(\ at Crawfordsville. was organized in 1834, 
and had in 1872, eight professors and teachers, and 231 stu- 
dents, with about 12.000 volumes in the library. It is under 
Presbyterian management. 

Coiicordid (^nllcf/c. Lutheran, at Fort Wa\Tie. was founded 
in 1850: in 1872 it had four professors and 148 students; 3.000 
volumes in lil-rarv. 

Ihnionr (UjUci/r. Presbyterian, was organized in 18-33, at 
Hanover, and in 1872 had seven professors and 118 students, 
and 7.000 volumes in library. 

ILnisriUc Vnircrsit/f. Tnited Brethren, at Hartsville, was 
founded in 1854, and in 1872 had seven professors and 117 stu- 
dents. 

The Biithr Vtiirrrsiti/. formerly Xorth western Christian 
University, Disciples, is located at Ir^ington. near Indianap- 
olis. Founded in 1854 it had 15 resident professors in 1872, 
181 students and 5,000 volumes in the library. 
St. Mari/'s of the Woods, a Catholic institution near Terre 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 211 

Haute, and Cuafes CoUcf/e and the Base Pohjt<vhn\c liistlhilc 
at Tfire Haute. 

North ireshrn Christian Uiiirersitif. Disciples, is located at 
Irvington. near Indianapolis. It was founded in IS-li, and by 
1872 it had 15 resident professors, ISl students, and 5,000 vol- 
umes in library. 

BEXEVOLEXT AXD PEXAL IXSTITUTIOXS. 

By the year 1830, the influx of paupers and invalid persons 
was so great that the Governor called upon the Legislature to 
take steps toward regulating the matter, and also to provide 
an asylum for the poor, but that body was very slow to act on 
the matter. At the present time, however, there is no State in 
the I'uion which can boast a better system of benevolent in- 
stitutions. The Benevolent Society of Indianapolis was or- 
ganized in 1813. It was a pioneer institution; its held of work 
was small at tirst, but it has grown into great usefulness. 

INSTITUTE FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND. 

In behalf of the blind, the first effort was made by James il. 
Ray, about 1846. Through his efforts William H. Churchman 
came from Kentucky with blind pupils and gave exhibitions ia 
Mr. Beecher's church, in Iu(liana]iiilis. These entertainments 
were attended by members of the Legislature, for whom indeed 
they were' especially intended, and the effect upon them was so 
good, that before they adjourned the se.ssion they adopted 
measures to establish an asylum for the blind. The commis- 
sion appointed to carry out these measures, consisting of James 
M. Eay, Geo. W. Mears, and the Secretary, Treasurer and Au- 
ditor of State, engaged Mr. Churchman to make a lecturing 
tour through the State and collect statistics of the blind popu- 
lation. 

Tlie "Institute for the Education of the Blind"' was founded 
by the Legislature of 1817, and first opened in a rented build- 
ing Oct. 1, of that year. The permanent buildings were opened 
and occupied in February, 1853. The original cost of the 
buildings and ground was fllO.OOO and the present valuation 
of buildings and grounds approximates |300.000. In 1890 the 
sum of $33,133 was appropriated for the maintenance of this 
institute. The main building is 90 feet long by fil deep, and 
with its right and left wings, each 30 feet in front and S3 in 
depth, give an entire frontage of 1.50 feet. The main building 
is five stories in height, surmounted by a cupola of the ( Jor- 



212 HISTORY OF IXDIAiNA. 

intliian style, while each, wing is similarly overcnpped. The 
]xirticoes, cornices and verandahs are gotten up witli ex(iuisite 
taste, and the former are molded after the principle of Ionic 
architecture. The building is very favorably situated, and oc- 
cupies a space of eight acres. 

The nucleus of a fund for supplying indigent graduates of 
the institution with an outfit suitable to their trades, or with 
money in lieu thereof, promises to meet witli many additions. 
The fund is the outcome of the benevolence of Mrs. Fitzpatrick. 
a resident of Delaware, in this State, and appears to be suggest- 
ed by the fact that her daughter, who was smitten with blind- 
ness, studied as a pupil in the institute, and became singularly 
attached to many of its inmates. The following passage from 
the lady's will bears testimony not only to her own sympathetic 
nature but also to the efficiency of the establishment which so 
won her esteem: "I give to each of the following persons, 
friends and associates of my blind daughter, Margaret Louisa, 
the sum of $100 each, to-wit, viz.: Melissa and Phoebe Garrett- 
son, Fi'ances Cundiff, Dallas Xewiand, Naomi Unthunk, and a 
girl whose name before marriage was Kachel Martin, her hus- 
Itand's name not recollected. The balance of my estate, after 
]iayingthe expenses of administering, I give to the snperiuten 
dent of the blind asylum and his successoi", in trust, for the use 
and benefit of the indigent blind of Indiana who may attend 
the Indiana blind asylum, to be given to them on leaving m 
such sums as the superintendent may deem proper, but not 
more than |50 to any one person. I direct that the amount 
above directed be loaned at interest, and the interest and prin 
cipal be distributed as above, agreeably to the best judgment 
of the superintendent, so as to do the greatest good to the 
greatest number of blind per.sons." 

The following rules regulating the institution, after laying 
down in preamble that the institute is strictly an educational 
establishment having its main object the moral, intellci-tual, 
and physical training of the young blind of the State, and is 
not an asylum for the aged and helpless, nor an hospital where- 
in the diseases of the eye may be treated, proceed as follows: 

1. The school year commences the first Wednesday after 
the 15th day of September, and closes on the last Wednesday 
in June, showing a session of 40 weeks, and a vacation term of 
84 days. 

2. Applicants for admission must be from 9 to 21 years of 
age; but the trustees have power to admit blind students under 
9 or over 21 years of age; but this power is extended only in 
Tery extreme cases. 



HISTL)11Y OF INDI.VXA, 213 

3. Iiubecilc or unsound pprsons, or confirmed ininioralists, 
cannot be admitted knowingly; neither can admitted pupils 
who prove disobedient or incompetent to receive instructions 
be retained on the roll. 

4. No cliarge is made for the instruction and board given 
to pupils from the State of Indiana; and even those without 
the State have onlv to pay |200 for board and education during 
the 40 weeks' session. 

"). An abundant and good supply of comfortable clothing 
for both summer and winter weai', is an indispensable adjunct 
of the pupil. 

6. The owner's name must be distinctly marked on each 
article of clothing. , 

7. In cases of extreme indigence the institution may pro 
vide clothing and defray the traveling expenses of such pupil 
and levy the amount so expended on the county wherein his 
or her home is situated. 

5. The pupil, or friends of the pupil, must remove him or 
her from the institute during the annual vacation, and in case 
of their failure to do so, a legal provision enables the superin- 
tendent to forward such pupil to tlie ti'ustee of tbe townshiji 
M'here he or she resides, and the expense of such transit and 
board to be charged to the county. 

9. Friends of the pupils accompanying them to the institu- 
tion, or visiting then thereat, cannot enter as boarders 'or 
lodgers. 

10. Letters to the pupils should be addressed to the care of 
the Supei'intendent of the Institute for the Education of the 
Blind, so as the better to iusui'e delivery. 

11. Persons desirous of admission of pupils should apply to 
the superintendent for a printed copy of instructions, and no 
pupil should be sent thereto until tlie instructions have been 
complied with. 

IXSTITI'TE FOR THE DEAF .AJST) DUMB. 

In 1S43 the G-overnor was also instructed to obtain plans 
and information res^pecting the care of mutes, and the Legisla- 
ture also levied a tax to provide for them. Tlie first one to 
agitate the subject was William Willard. himself a mute, who 
visited Indiana in 1843, and opened a school for mutes on his 
own account, with 10 pupils. The next year the Legislature 
adopted this school as a State institution, appointing a Hoard 
of Trustees for its management, consisting of the Governor and 
Secretary of State, ex-officio, and Kevs. Henry Ward P>eecher, 



-1-i HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Pbineas D. Giirley, L. H. .Tanicsoii, Dr. IMinlap, Hon. James 
Morrison and Bev. ^lattliew Simpson. They rented the lari^c 
building- on tlie southeast corner of Illinois and ilarvland 
streets, and opened the first State asylum there in 1844; but 
in 1840, a site for a permanent building just east of Indianai> 
olis was selected, consisting first of 30 acres, to which 100 more 
have been added. On this site the first two structures were 
commenced in 1849, and completed in the fall of 1850, at a cost 
of -f-SO.OOO. The school was immediately transferred to the 
new building, wliere it is still flourishing, with enlarged build- 
ings and ample facilities for instruction in agriculture. In 
1809-70, another building was erected, and the three together 
now constitute one of the most beneficent and beautiful insti- 
tutions to be found on this continent, at an aggregate cost of 
.'Ji^l.'O.OOO. The main building has a facade of 200 feet. Here 
are the offlees, study rooms, the quarters of officers and 
teachers, the pupils' dormitories and the library. The center 
of this building has a frontage of eighty feet, and is five stories 
high, with wings on either side 00 feet in frontage. In this 
Central structure are the store rooms, dining-hall. servants' 
rooms, hospital, laundry, kitchen, bakery and several school- 
rooms. Another structure known as the "rear building" con- 
tains the chapel and another set of schoolrooms. It is two 
stories high, the center being 50 feet square and tlie wings 40 
by 20 feet. In addition to these there are many detached build- 
ings, containing the shops of the industrial department, the 
engine-house and wasli-house. 

The grounds comprise 105 acres, which in the immediate 
vicinity of the buildings partake of the character of ornamental 
or pleasure gardens, comprising a space devoted to fruits, flow- 
ers and vegetables, while the greater part is devoted to pasture 
and agriculture. In 1806, the sum of $G7,357 was appropri- 
ated for this institution. 

HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 

The Legislature of 1832-'3 adopted measures providing for a 
State hospital for the insane. This good worlc would have 
been done much earlier had it not been for the hard times of 
1837, intensified by the results of tire gigantic scheme of in- 
ternal improvement. In order to survey the situation and 
awaken public sympathy, the county assessors were ordered to 
make a return of the insane in their respective counties. Dur- 
ing the year 1842 the Governor, acting under the direction of 
the Legislature, procured considerable information in regard 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 215 

to hospitals for the iusane in otlier States; and Dr. John Evans 
lectured before the Legislature on the subject of insanity and 
its treatment. As a result of these elforts the authorities de- 
terniiiied to take active steps for the establisliment of siuh a 
hospital. I'lans and suggestions from the sui)erintend('nts and 
hosjiitals of other States were submitted to the Legislature in 
18i4, which body ordered the levy of a tax of one cent on the 
|100 for the purpose of establishing the hospital. In 184o a 
commission was appointed to obtain a site not exceeding 200 
acres. Mount .Jackson, then the residence of Xatlianiel Bol- 
ton, was selected, and the Legislature in 1846 ordered the com- 
missioners to proceed with the erection of tlie building. Ac- 
cordingly, in 1S47. the central building was completed, at a cost 
of f 75. 000. It has since bet^n eidarged by the addition of wings, 
some of which are larger than the old central building, until 
it has become an immense structure, having cost over half a 
millicm dollars. For the maintenance of this vast instinite, 
which is now known as the Central Tlnspitdl for the Insane^ an 
appropriation of |2S9.3f!S was made in 18i)G. 

Xotwithstanding the enormous dimensions of tliis hospital, 
which was opened for the reception of patients in 1848, it soon 
became inadecpiate to harbor all the patients, which numeri- 
cally increased to an alarming extent. As a logical conse- 
quence of this condition of affairs the different Legislatures 
passed lesohitions ordering the erection of additional hospi- 
tals in different parts of the State, of which we now have four, 
viz. : the above mentioned Central Hospital, the Xorthera, the 
Eastern and the Southern Hospitals for the Insane. The 
amounts appropriated in 1890 for the tliree last named institu- 
tions are |104,S1S, .f;94.8S2 and |79,80G respectively, 

THE STATE TRISON SOUTH. 

The first penal institution of importance is Ifnown as the 
"State Prison South" located at .Jeffersonville, and was the 
only prison until 1859. It was established in 1821. Before 
that time it was customary to resort to the old-time punishment 
of the whipping-post. Later the manual labor system was 
inaugurated, and the convicts were hired out to employers, 
among whom wei-e Capt. Westover, afterward killed at Alamo, 
Texas, with Crockett, James Keigwin, who in an affray was 
fired at and severely wounded by a convict named Williams, 
Messrs. Patterson Hensley, and Jos. R. Pratt. During the rule 
of the latter of these lessees, the attention of the authorities 
"was turned to a more practical method of utilizing convict 



216 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

labor; aud instead of the prisoners being permitted to serve 
private entries their work was turned in the direction of their 
own prison, where for the next few years they were employed 
in erecting the new buildings now known as the "State Prison 
South." This structure, the result of prison labor, stands on 
16 acres of ground, and conipiises the cell houses and work- 
.shops. together with the prisoners" garden, or pleasure-ground. 

It seems that in the erection of these buildings the aim of the 
overseers was to create so many petty dungeons and unven- 
tilated laboratories, into which disease in every form would be 
apt to creep. This fact was evident from the high mortality 
characterizing life within the prison; and in the elforts made by 
the Government to remedy a state of things which had been 
permitted to exist far too long, the advance in prison reform 
has become a reality. From 1S.j7 to 1871 the labor of the 
prisoners was devoted to the manufacture of wagons and farm 
implements; and again the old policy of hiring the convicts 
was resorted to; for in the latter year, 1871. the Southwestern 
Car Company was organized, and every prisoner capable of 
taking a part in tlie work of car-buihling was leased out. This 
did very well until tlie panic of 1873, when the company suf- 
fered irretrievable losses; and previous to its final down-fall 
in 1876 the warden withdrew convict labor a second time, leav- 
ing the prisoners to enjoy a luxurious idleness around the 
prison which themselves helped to raise. 

In later years the State Prison South has gained some no- 
toriety from the desperate character of some of its inmates. 
During the civil war a convict named Harding mutilated in a 
most horrible manner and ultimately killed one of the jailors 
named Tesley, In 1871, two prisoners named Kennedy and 
Applegate, possessing themselves of some arms, and joined by 
two other convicts named Port and Stanley, made a break for 
freedom, swept past the guard. Chamberlain, and gained the 
fields. Chamberlain went in pursuit but had not gone very far 
when Kennedy turned on his pursuer, fired and killed him in- 
stantly. Subsequently three of the prisoners were captured 
alive and one of them paid the penalty of death, while Ken- 
nedy, the murderer of Chamlierlain, failing committal for mur- 
der, was sent back to his old cell to spend the remainder of his 
life. Bill Rodifer, better known as "Tlie Hoosier -Jack Shep- 
pard," effected his escape in 1875, in the very presence of a 
large guard, but was recaptured and has since been kept in 
irons. The sum of $8.").0O0 was appropriated during lS95-'96 
for the maintenance of this establishment. 



HISKJlty e)F INDIANA. 217 

THE STATE PRISON NORTH. 

In lSo9 the first steps towards the erection of a prison m 
the northern part of the State were taken, and bv an act of the 
Legishiture approved March 5, this year, authority was given to 
construct prison buildings at Michigan City, for whicli pur- 
pose foO.OOO were apjir(ii)riated. A hirge number of con\icts 
were removed from Jett'erson\ille and the different Legishi- 
tures have from time to time ordered the construction of new 
cells and improvements in other directions. The Xoithern 
prison differs widely from the Southern, inasmuch as its sani- 
tary condition has been above the average of similar insti- 
tutions. The strictness of its silent system is better enforced. 
The petty revolutions of its inmates have been very few and 
insignificant and the number of punishments inflicted com- 
paratively small. From whatever point this prison may be 
looked at, it will bear a favorable comparison with the largest 
and best administered of like establishments thi'onghout the 
world. The disbursements in behalf of this institute in 1S05- 
96. as taken from the records of the State Treasurer, amounted 
to ?116,898. 

FEilAI.E PRISON ANT) REFORilATORY. 

The prison reform agitation which in this State attained 
telling proportions in ISlJ'.t, caused a Legislative measure to be 
brought forward, which would have a tendency to ameliorate 
the condition of female convicts. Gov. Baker recommended it 
to the General Assembly, and the members of that body showed 
their appreciation of the Governor's philanthropic desire by 
conferring upon the bill the authority of a, statute; and fur 
ther, appropriated f.50,000 to aid in carrying out the objects 
of the act. The main provisions contained in the bill may be 
set forth in the following extracts from the proclamation of 
the Governor : 

"Whenever said institution shall have been proclaimed to 
be open for the reception of girls in the reformatory depart- 
ment thereof, it shall be lawful for said I'.oard of ^Manag'^rs to 
receive them into their care and management, and the said re- 
formatory department, girls under the age of 15 years who 
may be committed to their custody, in either of the following 
modes, to-wit: 

''1. When committed by any judge of a Circtiit or Common 
Pleas Court, either in term time or in vacation, on complaint 
and due proof by the parent or guardian that by reason of her 



-IS HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

incorrigible or vicious conduct she has rendered her control be- 
yond the power of such parent or guardian, and made it mani- 
festly requisite that fioiu regard to the future welfare of such 
infant, and for the protection of society, she should be placed 
under such guardianship. 

"2. When such infant has been cnunuitted by such judge, as 
aforesaid, upon complaint by any citizen, and due proof of such 
<'oniplaint that such infant is a proper subject of th*^ guardian- 
ship of such institution in consequence of her vagrancy or in- 
corrigible or vicious conduct, and that from the moral deprav- 
ity or otherwise of her parent or guardian in whose custody 
slie may be, such parent or guardian is incapable or unwilling 
to exercise the proper care or discipline over such incorrigible 
or vicious infant. 

"3. When such infant has been committed by such judge as 
aforesaid, on complaint and due proof thereof by the township 
trustee of the township where such infant resides, that such 
infant is destitute of a suitable home and of adequate means of 
<ibtaining an honest living, or that she is in danger of being 
brought up to lead an idle and immoral life." 

In addition to these articles of the bill, a formal section of 
instruction to the wardens of State prisons was embodied in 
the act, causing such wardens to report the number of all the 
female convicts under their charge and prepare to have them 
transferred to the female reformatory immediately after it was 
declared to be ready for their reception. After the passage of 
the act the Governor appointed a Board of ^lauagers. and 
these gentlemen, securing the services of Isaac Hodgson, 
caused him to draft a jilan of the proposed institution, and fur- 
ther, on his recommendation, asked the people for an ajipro- 
priatiou of another |oO,000, which the Legislatm-e granted in 
February, 1873. The work of construction was then entered 
upon and carried out so steadily, that on the Cth of September. 
1873. the building was declared ready for the reception of its 
future inmates. Gov. Baker lost no time in proclaiming this 
fact, and October 4 he caused the wardens of the State prisons 
to be instructed to transfer all the female convicts in their cus- 
tody to the new institution wliirh may be said to rest on the ad- 
vanced intelligence of the age. It is now called the "Indiana 
Reformatory Institution for Women and Girls." 

This building is located immediately north of the deaf and 
dumb asylum, near the arsenal, at Indianapolis. It is a three- 
story brick structure in the French style, and shows a frontage 
of 171 feet, comprising a main building, with lateral and trans- 
verse wings. In front of the central portion is the residence of 



HISTORY OF IXDIANA. -1^ 

the superintendent and his associate reformatory officers, while 
in the rear is the engine house, with all the ways and nuMiis fm 
heating the buildings. Enlargements, additions and iinjnuvi^ 
ments are still in progress. There is also a school and library 
in the main building, which are sources of vast good. 

October 31, 1879. there were GG convicts in the "penal" de- 
partment and 147 in the "girls' reformatory" department. The 
"ticket-of-leave" system has been adopted, with entire satis- 
faction, and the conduct of the institution appears to be up 
with the times. Forty-five thousand dollars were required 
during the last fiscal year for tlie maintenance of the institn- 
tiou. 

IXDIAXA HOUSE OF REFUGE. 

In 1SG7 the Legislature appropriated ig.jO.OOO to aid in the 
formation of an institution to be entitled a house for the cor- 
rection and reformation of juvenile offenders, and vested with 
full powers in a Board of Control, the members of which were 
to be app:)inted b.y tlie Governor, and with the advice and con- 
sent of the Senate. This Board assembled at the Governor's 
house at Indianapolis. April 3, 1867, and elected Charles F. 
Colfin, as president, and visited Chicago, so that a visit to the 
reform school there might lead to a fuller knowledge and guide 
their future ])roceedings. The House of Refuge at Cincinnati, 
and the Ohio State Reform school were also visited with this 
design; and after full consideration of the varied governments 
of these institutions, the Board resolved to adopt the method 
known as the "family" system, which divides the inmates into 
fraternal bodies, or small classes, each class having a separate 
house, house father and family offices — all under the control of 
a general superintendent. The system being adopted, the ques- 
tion of a suitable location next presented itself, and proximity 
to a large city being considered rather detrimental to the wel- 
fare of such an institution. Gov. Baker selected the site three 
fourths of a mile south of Plainfield, and about fourteen miles 
from Indianapolis, which, in view of its eligibility and conven- 
ience, was fully concurred in by the Board of Control. There- 
fore, a farm of 225 acres, claiming a fertile soil and a most pic- 
turesque situation, and possessing streams of running water, 
was purchased, and on a plateau in its center a site for the pro- 
posed hoiise of refuge was fixed. 

The next movement was to decide upon a plan, which uUi 
mately met the approval of the Governor. It favored the erec- 
tion of one principal building, one house for a reading-room and 



220 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

liospital. two large meclianiral shops and eight family houses. 
January 1, ISGS, three family houses and work-sliop were com- 
plete.l; in lS(i9 tlie main building, and one additional family 
house were added; but previous to this, in August, 1SG7, a Mr. 
Frank P. Ainsworth and his wife were appointed by the Board, 
superintendent and matron respectively, and temporary quar- 
ters placed at their disposal. In ISfJD they of course removed 
to the new building. This is 04 by 12S feet, and three stories 
high. In its basement are kitchen, laundry and vegetable cel- 
lar. The first floor is devoted to offices, visitors' room, house 
father and family dining-room and store-rooms. The general 
sui>erintendent's jirivate apartments, private offices and five 
dormitories for officers occupy the second floor; while the third 
floor is given up to the assistant superintendent's apartment, 
libra I y, chapel and hospital. 

The family liouses are similar in style, forming rectangular 
buildings 3G by 58 feet. Tlie basement of each contains a fur- 
nace room, a store-room and a large wash-i-oom, which is con- 
verted info a play-room during inclement weather. On the 
first floor of eacli of these buildings are two rooms for the 
house father and his family, and a school-room, which is also 
convertible into a sitting-room for the boys. On the third floor 
is a family dormitory, a clothes-room and a room for the "I'lder- 
brother."' who ranks next to the house fatlier. And since the 
reception of the first boy. from Hendricks county. January 23, 
1808. the house plan has proved equally convenient, even as the 
management has proved efficient. 

Other buildings have since been erected, and .|fi7.000 were 
Ttppropriated for the maintenance of the institution duringlast 
vear. 



BIOGBAPniCAL SKETCHES. 

Arthur St. Clair, one of the most noted public characters of 
our early colonial days, was a native of Scotland, being born at 
Edinburg, in 1735. Becoming a surgeon in the Bi'itish army, 
he subsequently crossed the Atlantic with his regiment and 
thenceforward was identified with the history of tlii- ■ ' 
until the day of his death. Serving as a lieutenant with Wolfe 
in the memorable campnign against Quebec. St. Clair won suffi- 
cient reputation to obtain appointment as commander of Fort 
Ligonier, Pennsylvania, where a large tract of land was 
granted to hiin. During the Revolutionary war he espoused 
the colonial cause, and before its close had risen to the I'auk 
of major general. In 1783 he was elected a delegate to the 
Continental congress, and afterward became its president. Af- 
ter the passage of the ordinance of 1787, St. (?lair was ap- 
pointed first military governor of the Northwest Territory, 
with headquarters at Fort Washington, now Cincinnati. In 
1791 he undertook an expedition against the northwestern In- 
dians, which resulted in tlie great disaster kno^m in western 
history as "St. Clairs defeat." On the 4th of Xovcmber, the 
Indians surprised and roTited his whole force of about 1.400 
regulars and militia, in what is now Knrke county, Ohio, killing 
over 900 men and capturing his artillery and camp equipage. 
General St. Clair held the office of territorial governor nntU 
1802, when he was removed by President Jefferson. He re- 
tumed to Ligonier, Peun., poor, aged, and infirm. The state 
granted him an annuity which enabled him to pass the hist 
years of life in comfort. He died near Greenburgh, Penn., Au- 
gust 31st, 1818, leading a family of one son and tliree daugh- 
ters. 

William Henry Harrison, first governor of Indiana, and ninth 
president of the United States, was a native of Virginia, born 
in the town of Berkeley, Charles City Co., Febiniary 9. 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harrison, whose signature is affixed to 
the Declaration of Independence, was a man of note in the 
early days of Virginia, of which state he was twice elected 
governor. William Henry Harrison received a classic educa- 
tion at Hampden Svdney college, and subsequentlv began the 
(221) 



^'22 HISTORY OF IXDIANA. 

study of medicine, which he soon abandoned to join the 7nili- 
tary force then being raised to repel the Indian ags'rpssion on 
the frontier. He joined his regiment at Fort Washinuton. 
Ohio, was soon appointed lieutenant, and afterward joined tlie 
new army under Gen. Anthony Wayne. He was made aid-de- 
camp to the commanding officer, whom he greatly assisted by 
his advice concerning an expedition to the Miami, and in 1707, 
was made captain, and given the command of Fort Washing- 
ton. While in command of this fort he was married to Anna 
Symmes, daughter of John Cleves Symmes. the original owner 
of the land occupied by the city of Cincinnati. In 1708 he re- 
signed his commission and retired to his farm near the Ohio 
river, from which he was almost immediately recalled by Tresi- 
dent Madison, who tendered him the position of secretary of 
the Northwest Territory, by virtue of which he became r.r- 
officio lieutenant governor. One year later he was elected del- 
egate to congTCss, in which body he distinguished himself by 
the introduction of measures to facilitate tlie easier acquire- 
ment of land by the early settlers. During the session, part 
of the Northwest Territory was formed into the territory of 
Indiana including tlie pre.«ent states of Indiana, Illinois, ^Micli- 
igan and Wisconsin, and Harrison was made its governor and 
superintendent of Indian affairs — a deserved com])liment to 
his energy and ability. Resigning his seat in congress. Mr. 
Harrison at once removed to Viucennes, the territorial cap- 
ital, and entered upon the duties of his office whi<-h he dis 
charged with such signal ability that he was re-appointed suc- 
cessively by Presidents Jefferson and Monroe. He organized 
the legislature in 1805, and applied himself especially to im- 
proving the condition of the Indians, in his relations with 
whom his powers were most completely shown. He pursued 
a conciliatory course, held frequent councils with them, and al 
though his life was frequently endangered, he succeeded in 
averting many outbreaks. In July, 1810, he held his cele 
brated council with Tecumseh, at Vincennes, in the progress 
of which a bloody conflict was averted by the coolness and skill- 
ful tactics of the general. In the following spring depreda- 
tions by the savages were fretjuent. and the governor sent word 
to the chief that unless they should cease the Indians would 
be punished. In July, 1811, a second council was held, the re- 
sult of which promised much for the peace of the settlers, but 
subsequently being convinced of Tecumseh's insincerity, (tcu. 
Harrison proceeded to establish a military fort near Tippe- 
canoe, an Indian village on the upper Waba.sh. In Sej)teni 
ber, 1811. Harrison with a force of 000 men, marched from 



HISTOKV OF INDIANA. 228 

Yracennes, and after completing Fort Harrison, near the pres- 
ent site of Terre Haute, pressed forward toward the prophet's 
tottii, where, on Xorember 7, was fought the murderous battk> 
of Tippecanoe, which resulted in a. signal victory for the 
Americaus, and crippled for a time the power of the red men 
in the territory. In the battle of the Thames, and the defense 
of Fort Meigs, Harrison, who had been appointed to the com- 
mnnd of the northwest army, by President Monroe, distin- 
guished himself, but he resigned before the close of the war 
in consequence of difference of opinion with the secretary of 
war. In ISIO he was elected a member of congress, in 1824:, 
T'nited States senator from Ohio, and in 1S2S. was appointed 
minister to Columbia, by Presideut Adams. In 183G he made 
the race for the presidency in opposition to Martin Van Buren, 
and was defeated. In 1840 he was triumphantly elected presi- 
dent of the I'nited States, after one of the most animated and 
exciting campaigns in the history of the country, the effect of 
which was too much for his strength, and he died within one 
month after his inauguration, before any distinctive features 
of his administration could be seen. His death occurred on 
the 4th day of April, 1S41. 

Thomas Posey, the last governor of Indiana territory, was 
born near Alexandria, Va.. on the 9th of July, 1750. His edu- 
cational training was limited, being confined to the branches 
taught in the different schools of those days. In 1774 he took 
part in the expedition originated by Governor Dunmore, of 
Virgina, against the Indians, and was present at the battle of 
Mt. Pleasant. At the close of this war Mr. Posey went back 
to his home in Virginia, but did not long pursue his peaceful 
avocations, being called upon the following year, to take the 
part of the colonies in their struggle for liberty against the 
mother country. He participated in the battle of Bemis 
Heights, as captain in Col. Morgan's command, in 1779 was 
colonel of th(> Eleventh Virginia regiment, and afterward com- 
manded a battery under Gen. Wayne. He bore a gallant part 
in the storming of Stony Point, was at the capitulation of Corn- 
wallis at Yorktown, and continued in the service some time 
after peace was declared. In 179.3, he wa«i appointed brigadier- 
general in the army of the Northwest, and being pleased with 
the appearance of the countn-, settled in Kentucky not long 
after. In that state he was a member of the state senate, be- 
ing president of the body from November 4, 1805. to November 
3, 1800, performing the duties of lieutenant governor at the 
same time. He removed to Louisiana in 1812. and afterward 



224 HISTORY OF IXDIAA'A. 

represented the state in tlie senate of the United States. While 
a resident of Louisiana he was ajipointed governor of Indiana 
territory, by Pi'esident ifadison, and in ilay, 1813, he moved 
to Vincennes, and entered upon the discharge of his official 
duties. When his tenn as governor expired by I'easou of the 
admission of Indiana into the I'nion, Col. Posey was appointed 
Indian agent for Illinois Territory, with headijuarters at Shaw- 
neetawn, where his death occurred March ID. ISIS. 

Jonathan Jennings, the first governor of Indiana, was born 
in Hunterdon county, N. J., in the year 17S4. His father, a 
Presbyterian clergyman, moved to Pennsylvania shortly after 
Jonathan's birth, in which state the future governor received 
his early educational training and grew to manhood. He early 
began training himself for The legal profession, but before his 
admission to the bar he left Pennsylvania, and located at Jef- 
fersonville, Ind., where he coinpleted his preparatory study of 
the law, and became a practitioner in the courts of that and 
other towns in the territory. He was subsequently made clerk 
of the Territorial legislature, and while discharging the duties 
of that position, became a candidate for congress, against 
Thomas Eandolph, attorney general of the territory. The con- 
test between the two was exciting and bitter, the principal 
question at issue being slavery, which Mr. Randolph opposed, 
while his competitor was a firm believer in the divine right of 
the institution. Jennings was elected by a small majority. 
He was re-elec:ted in ISll, ovei' Walter Taylor, and in 1813 was 
chosen the third time, his competitor in the last race being 
Judge Sparks, a very worthy and popular man. Early in 1816. 
Mr. Jennings reported a bill to congress, enabling the people of 
the territory to take the necessary steps to convert it into a 
state. Delegates to a convention to form a state constitution 
were elected in May, 1816, Mr. Jennings being chosen one from 
the county of Clark, He was honored by being chosen to pre- 
side over this convention, and in the election which followed 
he was elected governor of the new state by a majority of 1.277 
votes over his competitor. Gov. Posey. In this office he served 
six years, also acting as Indian commissioner in 1S18 by ap- 
pointment of President Monroe. At the close of his tenn as 
governor he was elected representative in congress, and was 
chosen for four terms In succession. He was nearly always in 
public life and filled his places acceptably. He died near 
Charleston, July 26, 1834. 

Eatliff Boon, who became governor of Indiana upon the resig- 
nation of Jonathan Jennings, September 12, 1822, was born in 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 225 

th.- State of Georgia. January 18. 1781. WTiile lie was young 
his father emigrated to Kentucky, settling in Warren county. 
Eatlitf Boon learned the gunsmith trade in Danrille, Ky.. and 
in 1S09 came to Indiana and settled on the present site of 
Boonville. in what is now Warrick county. In the organiza- 
tion of this county he took a prominent part, was elected its 
first treasurer, in the session of ISlfi-lT he was a member of the 
house of representatives, and in 1818 he was elected to the 
state senate. In 1819 he was elected lieutenant governor on 
the ticket with Jonathan Jennings, whom he succeeded as 
stated above. He was re-elected to the oifice of lieutenant 
governor in 1822, but resigned that office in 182-1:, to become a 
candidate for congress, to which he was elected in August of 
the same year. He was reelected in 1829-1831-1833-1835 and 
in 1837, serving most of the time as chainuan of the committee 
of public lands. In 183G he was a candidate for United States 
senator, but was defeated by Oliver H. Smith. His congres- 
sional career ended March, 1839, and a few month afterward he 
I'i'uioved to Missouri, settling in Pike county. In that state 
(Jnv. Boon became active in public affairs, and was one of the 
leading men of the state. Placing himself in antagonism to 
Col. Thomas H. Benton, who then controlled the politics of 
Missouri, he incurred the lattei-"s deadly enmity. He again be- 
came a candidate for congress in ]8'14, but his death on No- 
vember 20th of that year put an end to his earthly career. Mr. 
Boon was a pioneer of two states and left .the impress of his 
character upon both. 

William Hendricks, governor of Indiana from 1822 to 182.5. 
wa-i b')rn at Ligonier, Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1783. His 
parents were Abraham and Ann (.Jamison) Hendricks, descend- 
ants from old families of New .Jersey, William Hendricks was 
educated at Cannonsburg, Penn.. and shortly after his grad 
nation in 1810. went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he studied law 
in the office of Mr, Carry, supporting himself in the meantime 
by teaching school. In 181-1 he removed to Indiana, and lo- 
cated at Madison, which continued to be his home during the 
rest of his life. He began the practice of law at Madison, 
where he was also identified with journalism for some time, 
and shortly after his removal to the state he was made s^f^re. 
tary of the Territorial legislature at Vincennes. In June, 1816, 
he was appointed secretary of the constitutional convention, 
and in August of the same year was elected as the first and 
sole representative to congress from the newly ci'eated state, 
serving three successive terms. He discharged the duties of 
15 



22() HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

his high position with so mucTi acceptability that at the end 
of his third term, in 1822, he was elected governop of the slate 
without opposition. Before the expiration of his term as gov- 
ernor, the legislature elected him a senator of the United 
vStates, and on February 12, 182.5, he filed his resignation as 
governor. In 1S31 he was re-elected, and at the expiration of 
this term, in 1837, he retired to private life and never after- 
ward took upon himself the cares of public oiHce. In 1840 he 
was one of the state electors on the Van Buren ticket, and it 
was during the campaign of that year that he contracted a 
disease from which he suffered the remainder of his life. Gov. 
Hendricks was a man of imposing apiie irance. He was si.x feet 
in heiglit, handsome in face and figure, and had a ruddy com- 
plexion. He was easy in manner, genial and kind in disposi- 
tion, and was a man who attracted the attention of all and won 
the warm friendship of many. He was brought up in the Pres- 
byterian faith, early united with that church, and lived a con- 
sistent, earnest. Christian through life. The Iiiilliiua Gaziiff, 
of 1850, has the following mention of him: "Gov. Hendrick^i 
was for many years by far the most popular man in the state. 
He had been its sole representative in congress for six years, 
elected on each occasion by large majorities, and no member of 
that body, probably, was more attentive to the interests of the 
state he i-epreseiited, or more industrious in arranging all the 
private or local business intrusted to him. He left no lettei 
unanswered, no jnililic office or document did he fail to visit or 
examine on request; with personal manners very engaging, he 
long retained his popularity.'' He died May IG. 1850. 

James Brown Ray, governor of Indiana, was born in .Jeffer- 
son county, Ky., February 10, 1701. Early in life he went to 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and after studying law in that city he was ad- 
mitted to the bar. He began the practice at Brookville, Ind.. 
where he soon ranked among the ablest and most intlueutial 
of an able and ambitious bar. In 1822 he was elected to the 
legishiture. On the SOrh of Jamiary, 1824. Lieut. Gov. Batliff 
Boon resigned his office, and Mr. Ray was elected president 
pro ffiiiiiorc of the senate, and presided during the remainder 
of the session. He was governor of the state from 1825 to 
1831. and during this time was appointed T'nited States com- 
missioner Mith Lewis Cass and John Tipton, to negotiate a 
treaty with the Miami and Tottawatomie Indians. The con- 
stitution of the state prevented the governor from holding any 
oflfice under the I'nited States government, in consequence of 
which he became involved in a controversy. He remembered 



niSTORi' OK IXDIAXA. 227 

the difficTiltv Jonathan Jennings had encountered under like 
circumstances, and sought to avoid trouble by acting without a 
regukir commission, but liis precaution did not save iiim from 
trouble. Through his exertions tlie Indians gave land to aid in 
building a road from Lake Michigan to the Ohio river. Gov. 
Rav was active in promoting railroad concentration in In- 
dianapolis, and took an active part in the internal improve- 
ment of the state. At the expiration of his term of ottice he 
resumed the practice of law, and in 1837 was candidate for con- 
gress in the Indianapolis district, but was defeated b.v a large 
majority. This want of appreciation by the public soured him. 
and in later years he became very eccentric. In ISts, while 
at Cincinnati, he was taken with the cholera, which terminated 
in his death, August i. of that year. In person. Gov. Eay in 
his younger days was very pre-possessing. He was tall and 
straight, with a body well proportioned. He wore his hair 
long and tied in a queue. His forehead was broad and high, 
and his features denoted intelligence of a high order. For 
many years he was a leading man of Indiana, and no full his- 
tory of the state can be written without mention of his name. 

Xoali Xoble, fourth governor of Indiana, was born in Clark 
county, Va., January 1.5. 1701. When a small boy he was 
taken by his parents to Kentucky, in which state he grew to 
manhood. About the time Indiana was admitted into the 
Union, Mr. Xoble came to the state, and located at liiookville, 
where a few years later he was elected sheriff of Franklin 
county. In 1821 he was chosen a representative to the state 
legislature from Franklin county, in which body he soon be- 
came quite popular and gained a state reputation. In 182C he- 
was a])pointed receiver of jjublic moneys to succeed his brother 
Lazarus Xoble, who died while moving the office from P.rook- 
ville to Indianai>olis, in which capacity he continued with great 
accei>tability until his removal in 182!), by President Jaclvson. 
In 18.30 he was appointed one of the commissioners to locate 
and lay out the Micliigan road. In 1831 he was a candidate for 
governor, and although a whig, and the democracy had a large 
majority in the state, he was elected by a majority of 2,791. 
This was remarkable, for Milton Stapp, also a whig, was a can- 
didate and polled 1,122 votes. In 1831 Gov. X'oble was a can- 
didate for re-election, when he was also successful, defeating 
his competitor. James G. Reed, by 7,GG2 votes. In 1839, after 
his gubernatorial term had expired, he was elected a member 
of tlie board of internal improvements. In 1811 he was chosen 
a fund commissioner, and the same vear was offered bv the 



228 KISTOltY OF INDIANA. 

president of the Fniteil States, the office of general land com- 
missiouei', which he declined. Gov. Xoble died at his home 
near Indianapolis February 8, 1844:. Gov. Xoble had a laudable 
ambition to go to the I'nited States senate, and in 1830 was a 
candidate to succeed William Hendricks, but was defeated by 
Oliver H. Smith. In 183!) he was again a candidate to succeed 
Gen. .John Tipton, but was defeated by Albert S. White on the 
thirty-sixth ballot. Oliver H. Smith says that Gov. ]S^oble 
"was one of the most popular men with the masses in the 
state. His person was tall and slim, and his constitution deli 
cate, his smile winning, his voice feeble, and the pressure oi 
his hand irresistible. He spoke plainly and well, but made no 
])retence to oratory. As governor he was very popular, and 
his social entertainments will long be remembered." 

David Wallace, governor of Indiana from 1837 to 1840, was 
a native of Mifflin county, Penn., born April 24, 1799. He re- 
moved with his father to Biookville, Ind., when (piite young, 
and in early manhood began the study of law in the office of 
Miles Eggleston, a distinguished jurist of that day. In 1823 
he was admitted to the bar and soon obtained a large practice. 
He served in the legislature from 1828 to 1830, and in 1831 was 
elected lieutenant governor of Indiana, and re-elected in 1834. 
In 1837 he was elected governor over -John Dumont, an able 
and distinguished lawyer, who lived at ^'evay, on tlie soutliern 
border of the state. During his periud.s of service as legislator 
and lieutenant governor, he was active as an advocate of in- 
ternal improvements and in establishing a school system, and 
he was elected governor upon those issues. In 1841 he was 
elected to congress from the Indianapolis district, defeating 
Col. Xathan B. Palmer. As a member of the committee on 
commerce he gave the casting vote in favor of an approprin 
tion to develop Col. S. T. B. Morse's magnetic telegraph, which 
vote had great weight in defeating him for re-election in 1843. 
At the expiration of his term in congress he resumed the prac 
tice of law, which he continued nninterriiptedly until 1850, 
when he was elected a delegate to the constitutional conven 
tion from the county of Clarion. In 18.50 he was elected iiiil'-( 
of the court of common pleas, which position he held until his 
death on the 4th of September, 18.~)9. Gov. Wallace was twice 
married. His first wife was a daughter of John Test, and his 
second a daughter of John H. Sanders. The latter still lives 
and is prominent in reformatory and religious work. When a 
young man,. Gov. Wallace had a well proportioned body, but 
in his later years its symmetry was marred by an undue 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 22[) 

aniiimit of flc'sh. He had black hair, dark ojes, and a ruddy 
comijlexion. He was cultured and well-bred, his address was 
good and his manners uuexceqitionable. He was a laborious 
and impartial jurist, a painstaking- executive, and as an orator 
had few equals in the nation. 

Samnel Bigger, who succeeded David Wallace as governor of 
Indiana, was born in Warren count.y, Ohio, March 20, 1802, 
and was the eldest son of John Bigger, a westera pioneer, and 
for many years a member of the Ohio legislature. He was 
prepared for college in his own neighborhood, graduated with 
honors from the TTniversity of Athens, and afterward began 
the study of law. In lS2fl he removed to Liberty, Ind., where 
he was duly admitted to the bar, and soon secured a lucrative 
practice. He remained at Liberty but a short time, removing 
thence to Eushville, where his public life began in 18.34: as rep 
resi'utative of Eush county, in the state legislature. He was 
reelected in 18.35, and .'■hortly after the expiration of his terui 
was chosen judge of the eastern circuit, a position for which 
he proved himself ably qualified, and which he held in an ac- 
ceptable manner for many years. In 1810 he was nominated 
for governor by the whiu' stite convention, and after an excit- 
ing race was elected, defeating Gen. Tilghman A. Howard, tt , 
was a candidate for re-eltction in 1813, but was defeated by 
James Whitcomb. After the expiration of his gubernatorial 
term Gov. Bigger moved to Fort Wayne, Ind., and resumed the 
practice of law, which he continued until his death, .-Septem- 
ber 9, 181.5. "Gov. Bigger possessed talents of a high order, 
rather substantial than brilliant. His judgment was remark- 
ably sound, dispassionate and discriminating, and it was this 
chiefly that made him eminently a leader in every circle in 
which he moved, whether in political life, at the bar, or so- 
ciety at large." He was a man of fine form and presence. He 
was six feet two inches in height, and weighed 210 pounds. 
His hair was black, his ey.^s a blue hazel, and his complexion 
dark. The expression of his face was kind and benignant, and 
denoted goodness of heart. He was a patriotic citizen, an in- 
corruptible judge, and an executive officer of very respectable 
ability. 

James V^liitcomb was born near Windsor, Vt., December 1, 
179.5. His father removed to Ohio, and settled near Cincinnati, 
when James was quite young, and it was there upon a farm that 
the youthful years of the future governor and senator were 
passed. He received a classical education at Transylvania uni- 



230 IIISTOUV UK JNUIANA. 

A-ersity, subsequently studied law, and in March, lSl!2, was ad- 
mitted to the bar in Lexiuj;ton, Fayette Co., Ky. Two years 
later he came to Indiana, and located at Bloomington, where 
he soon became known as an able advocate and successlul 
practitioner. In lSi2(; he was ajjpointed piusecutiug attorney 
of his circuit, and in the discharge of the duties of this otlice, 
traveled over a large scope of country, and became acquainted 
with many leading men of the state. In 1820 and 183G he was 
elected to the state senate, where he did much to staj' the 
pi'ogress of the internal improvement fever which was then at 
its highest point. In October, I80G, President Jackson ap- 
pointed Mr. Whitcomb commissioner of the general land office, 
to which he was re-appointed by President Van Buren, and 
served as such until the expiration of the latter's term of oi'flce. 
Early in 1841, he returned to Indiana and resumed the ijrac- 
tice of law in Terre Haute, where he soon acquired a large and 
lucrative business. He was at tliat time one of the best known 
and most popular members of his party, and at the democratic 
state convention of 18i3, he was nominated for governor of the 
state. His opponent was Samuel Bigger, whom he defeated by 
a majority of 2,013 votes. Three years afterward he was re- 
elected, beating Joseph G. Marshall, the whig candidate, by 
3,958 votes. When he became governor he found the state 
loaded down with debt, upon which no interest had been paid 
for years, but when he left the oiflce the debt was adjusted and 
the state's credit restored. He also, by his efforts, created a 
public sentiment that demanded the establishment of benevo- 
lent and reformatory institutions, and he awakened the people 
to the imjwrtance of establishing common schools, and provid- 
ing a fund for their maintenance. During his term of office he 
raised five regiments of infantry that represented the state in 
the war with Mexico. The legislature of 1849 elected Gov. 
Whitcomb to the senate of the United States, for which high 
position he was well qualified by talent, by educxition and by 
experience. Owing to feeble health he was unable to dis- 
charge his senatorial duties as he wished, and he died from a 
painful disease when he had served little more than half his 
term. In 1843 he wrote a pamphlet entitled, "Facts for the 
People," the most effective treatise against protective tariff 
ever known. As a lawyer. Mr. Whitcomb ranked among the 
ablest in the country, and as governor will always be remem- 
bered as one of the ablest of the distinguished men who have 
iiccupied that position. Gov. Whitcomb was compactly and 
strongly built; he was somewhat above the average size of 
man ; he had a dark complexion and black hair. His features 



KISTORi or INDIANA. 231 

were good and expressive, and his manners llie most elegant. 
He was a talented and an honest man, and when the roll of In- 
diana's great men is made up, among the first in the list will 
be the name of Whilcomb. 

raris C. Dunning was horn in Huilford county, N. C, in 
[March. 180(5. but emigrated to Indiana with his mother and 
elder brother, and located at Bloomington in 1S23. He stud- 
ied law and was admitted to practice about 1830. In 1833 he 
was elected to represent Monroe county in the state legislature, 
and was three times re-elected. In 1830 he was elected to the 
state senate from Monroe and Brown counties, and remained 
there until 1840, when he voluntarily retired. He was chosen 
as a democratic presidential elector in 1844, and during the 
campaign exhibited extraordinary energy and ability as a pub- 
lic speaker. In 1840 he was elected lieutenant governor on the 
democratic ticket, and when Gov. Whitconib was elected to the 
Fuited States senate, Mr. Dunning succeeded him as governor. 
After his retirement in 18.50, he practiced his profession for 
many years, having meantime declined a noanination for con- 
gress. In 1800 he was a delegate to the Charleston and Balti- 
more national conventions, where he distinguished himself as 
an earnest advocate of the nomination of Stephen A. Douglas, 
and subsequently worked assiduously for that statesman's elec- 
tion to the presidency. At the breaking out of the rebellion in 
18(11, Mr. Dunning identified biniself with the T^nion cause, and 
throughout the war rendered valiant aid to the country. In 
1861 he was elected to the state senate without distinction of 
party. Subsequently he was elected twice as president of the 
senate. Governor Dunning was twice married, first to Miss 
Sarah Alexander, and the second time to Mrs. Ellen D. Ash- 
ford. Ex-Gov. Dunning takes high rank as one of the self- 
made men of Indiana, and he filled the many positions of honor 
and trust conferred upon him with great credit to himself and 
to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of Indiana. 

Joseph A. Wr-ight, for seven years governor of Indiana, was 
born in Washington, Penn., April 17, 1810. In 1819 his family 
moved to Bloomington, Ind., where he and his two brothers as- 
sisted their father at work in a brickyard, and in the brick bus- 
iness generally. In 1822 his father died and he, then fourteen 
years of age. having but little if any aid from others, was left 
to depend entirely upon his own resources. He attended 
school, and college about two years, and while at college was 
janitoi', rang the bell and took care of the buildings. It is said 



2?.2 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

tljat what little pocket money he had was made hv gathering' 
walnuts and hickory nuts in the fall and selling them to 
students in the winter. He subsequently studied law with 
Craven P. Hester, of Bloomington, and began the practice of 
his profession in 1829, at Rockville. Parke county, where he met 
with good success from the start. In 1S3.3 he was elected to 
the state legislature, and in 1840, the year of the Harrison po- 
litical tornado, was chosen a member of the state senate. He 
was also elected disti'ict attorney for two terms in 1830 and 
1837, and later was appointed by President Polk, United States 
commissioner to Texas. In 1843 he was elected to congress 
from the Seventh district, over Edward McGaughey, by three 
majority, and seized until Polk was inaugurated March 4, 1845. 
In 1849 he was elected governor of Indiana, under the old con- 
stitution, and in 1852, was re-elected by over 20.000 majority, 
and served until 1857. In the summer of the latter year he 
was appointed minister to Prussia, by James Puchanan, and as 
such served until 18G1. In 18C2 he was appointed by Gov. 
Morton T'nited States senator, and sat in the senate until the 
next January. He was appointed commissioner to the Ham- 
burg exposition in 1803, and in 1805 went again to Prussia as 
United States minister, and remained there until his death, 
which occurred at Berlin, March 11, 1807. Gov. Wriglit will 
be best remembered as governor of Indiana, his services in the 
general assembly, senate and congress being too brief for him 
to make much impression in any of tliose bodies. As governor 
he was an important factor in shaping legislation and mould- 
ing public opinion. He was an orthodox democrat of the 
straightest sect, stood high in the councils of his party, and con 
tested with Jesse D. Bright for the leadership, but without 
success. He was strong with the people but weak with the 
leaders. In personal appearance Gov. Wiight was tall and 
raw-boned. He had a large head and an unusually high fore- 
head. His hair was light and thin, his eyes blue, and his 
nose and mouth large and prominent. He was an eifective 
speaker, mainly on account of his earnestness and simi)licity- 
Whiile not the greatest man in the state, he was one of the most 
influential; and to his honor be it said, his influence was exer- 
cised for the public good. Economy and honesty in public life, 
and morality and religion in private station, had in him an ad- 
vocate and an exemplar. 

Ashbel Parsons Willard was born October 31, 1820. at ^''er- 
non. Oreida Co.. X. Y.. the son of Col. Erastus Willard. at one 
time sheriff of Oneida county. He pursued his preparatory 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 233 

studies in tlie Oneida Liberal Institute, and when eighteen 
years of age entered Hamilton college in the class of 1^42. 
After graduating from that institution he studied law for some 
time with Judge Baker, of his native county, and later emi- 
grated to Michigan, locating in the town of ;^^arshall. where 
he remained for over a year. He then made a trip to Texas on 
horseback, and on his return stopped at CarrolUon, Ky., and 
tbere taught school. After this lie taught for s(nue time neai 
Louisville, but subsequently left tlie school room for the politi- 
cal arena. In the contest for tlie presidency in 1844. between 
Clay and Polk, young Willard began stumping for tlie latter, 
and during the campaign made a speech in New ^Vlbany. Ind.. 
which made such a favorable impression that many of the first 
men of the town solicited him to come and settle among them. 
He sonn afterward located in New Albany, which place re- 
mained his home until his death. He at once opened a law 
office but was compelled to encounter a very able bar, in con- 
sequence of which his practice for some time was by no means 
lucrative. The first office he held was that of common coimcil- 
man. He took pride in the place and won the good opinion of 
the people irrespective of party. In 1850 he was elected to the 
state legislature, and from that time until his death he occu 
pied a conspicuous place in the public mind. Such was his 
career in the legislature that when the democratic convention 
of 1S52 convened the delegates were met by an ovenvhelming 
public sentiment demandinn' the nomination of Willard for 
lieutenant governor. The demand was recognized and the 
nomination made. He filled this office imtil 18.50. when he was 
electid governor, after a very bitter and exciting political con- 
test. In the summer of 1800. his health gave way. and he wcnl 
to Minnesota in quest of health, which he did not find, but died 
there on October 4th of that year. Gov. Willard was the first 
governor of Indiana to die in office. The people, without re- 
spect to party, paid homage to his remains, and a general feel- 
ing of the most profound sorrow was felt at his untimely tak- 
ing off. "In person Gov. Willard was very prepossessing. His 
head and face were cast in finest moulds, his eyes were bh:e, 
his hair auburn, and his complexion florid. A more magnetic 
and attractive man could nowhere be found, and had he lived to 
the allotted age of mankind he must have reached still higher 
honors." 

Abram Adams Hammond, who succeeeded to the governor- 
shi]) on the death of A. V. Willard, by virtue of his office of 
lieutenant governor, was a native of Vermont, born in the 



234 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

town of Brattleboro, March 21, 1814. He came to Indiana 
when six years of age, and was raised near Broolvville, where 
he began the study of hiw in the offic;- of Jnhu Ryman, a Uiwyer 
of note in that town. He was admitted to the bar in 1S35, 
moved to Columbus, Bartholomew Co., in 1S40, where he was 
afterward chosen ijro.^eL'iitiug attorney, an office which he filled 
with more than ordinary ability. In 184(i he became a resident 
of Indianapolis, and the following year removed to Cincinnati, 
Ohio. He returned to Indianapolis in 1S49, and in 1850 was 
chosen first judge of the common pleas court of llarion county. 
In 1852 he emigrated to California, and for some time practiced 
his profession in San Francisco. He soon returned to his 
adopted state, locating at Terre Haute, where he resided until 
his election as lieutenant governor in 1852. He made a most 
excellent presiding officer of the senate, his rulings being so 
fair and his decisions so just that even his political opponents 
bestowed encomiums upon him. On the death of Gov. Willard 
in 1860, Mr. Hammond became governor, and as such served 
with dignity until the inauguration of Gov. Lane, January. 
1861. Governor Hammond was not a showy man, but he was 
an able one. He possessed an analytic and logical mind, and 
was remarkably clear in stating his positions when drawing 
conclusions. WHieu in his prime he was a fine specimen of 
physical manhood. He was of medium height, compactly built, 
and of dark complexion. His head was large and well shaped, 
while the expression of his countenance was kind and gentle. 
Frank in manners, honorable in his dealings and dignified in 
deportment, he commanded the esteem of all with whom he 
came in contact. Although not one of the most learned gov- 
ernors of Indiana, he was by nature one of the ablest. 

Conrad Baker, governor of Indiana from 1867 to 187-3, was 
born in Franklin county, Penn.. February 12, 1817. He was 
educated at the Pennsylvania college, Gettysburg, and read 
law at the office of Stevens and Smyser, and was admitted to 
the bar in the spring of 1830, at Gettysburg, where he had a 
lucrative practice for two years. He came to Indiana in J 841, 
and settled at Evansville, where he practiced his profession 
until after the commencement of the rebellion. He was 
elected to the lower house of the general assembly of Indiana 
in 1845, and served one session, elected judge of the district 
composed of the counties of Vanderburgh and Warrick, in 1852, 
in which capacity he served about one year, when he resigned. 
In 1856 he was nominated for lieutenant governor by the re 
publican party without his knowledge, on the ticket with ()li- 



IIISTOKV OF INDIANA. 235 

vei- P. Morton. They were defeated by Willard and Ham- 
mond. In 1861 Mr. Baker was commissioned colonel of the 
First cavalry regiment of Indiana volunteers, which he organ- 
ized, and with which he served until September, 18(J4, in which 
3'earhe was elected lieutenant governor. In 18()5 Gov. Morton 
convened the general assembly' in special session, and immed- 
iately after delivering his message, started for Europe in 
<iuest of heallh, leaving Col. Baker in charge of the executive 
department of the state government. Gov. Mcrton was absent 
about five mouths, during which time the duties of the execu- 
tive office were jierformeJ by Lieut. Gov. Baker. In February, 
1867, Gov. Morton was elected to the senate of the United 
States, in consequence of which the duties of governor devolved 
upon Mr. Baker. He was unanimously nominated by the re- 
publican convention of 18(38, for governor, and was elected over 
Thomas A. Hendricks, by a majority of 9G1 votes. He ser\^ed 
as governor with ability and dignity, until the inaiigurarioa of 
Mr. Hendricks in 1873, since which time he has been engaged in 
tile practice of law in Indianapolis, being a member of one of 
the strongest and most widely known firms in the state. 

Oliver Perry Morton, Indiana's great war govei'nor and 
T'nited States senator, was born in Saulsbury, Wayno Co., Ind., 
August 4, 1823. The family name was originally Throckmor- 
ton, and was so written by the grandfather, who emigrated 
from England, about the beginning of the revolutionary war 
and settled in Xew Jersey. Gov. Morton's father was James 
T. Morton, a native of New Jersey, who moved in an early day 
to Wayne county, Ind., where he married the mother of Oliver 
P., whose maiden name was Sarah !Miller. Of the early life of 
Gov. Morton but little is known. "\Mien a boy he attended the 
academy of Prof. Hoshour, at Centerville, but owing to the 
poverty of the family, he was taken from school, and at the 
age of fifteen, with an older brother, began learning the hat- 
ter's trade. After working at his trade a few years, he de- 
termined to fit himself for the legal profession, and with this 
object in view he entered the Miami university in 1813. where 
he pursued his studies vigorously for <a period of two years. 
While in college he earned the reputation of being the best 
debater at the institution, and it was here that he developed 
those powers of ready analysis and argument which made him 
so celebrated in after life. He began his professional reading 
in the office of Judge Xewman, of Centerville, and after his ad- 
mission to the bar was not long in rising to an eminent place 
among the successful lawyers of Indiana. In 18.52 he was 



•SM HlSTUllY OF 1XDIA_NA. 

elected circuit judge, but resigned at the end of one year and 
afterward increased bis knowledge of the profession bv an at- 
tendance at a Cincinnati law school. On resuming the prac- 
tice the number of his friends and legal cases rapidly increased, 
<ind his reputation soon extended beyond the limits of his own 
state. As a hiwyer he pos-essed the faculty of selecting the 
salient points of a case and getting at the heart of a legal (jues- 
tion. His mind was mas.sive and logical, and he could apply 
great principles to given cases, discard non-essentials and 
reach decisive points. Mr. Morton's political career was of 
such a brilliant character that his great achievements in the 
arena of statesmanship, his wonderful power as an organizer, 
won for him a recognition from the strongest opponents, and 
faith in his powers, and the lasting fealty and admiration of 
thousands of friends tintil he reached the highest point among 
the great American statesmen. Up to his thirty-first year, Mr. 
Morton was a democrat. The county in which he lived was 
largely whig, thus virtually precluding him from holding elec- 
tive offices. He was opposed to the extension of slavery, how- 
ever, and upon the organization of the republican party, he en- 
tered the movement, and in ISoli was one of the three delegates 
from Indiana, to the Pitt.sburgh convention. His ])romineuce 
was such that in 18.56 he was unanimously nominated by the 
new p-:irty for governor of Indiana, against Ashbel P. Willard, 
an able and lnnlliant speaker, the superior of Mr. Morton as an 
orator, but his inferior as a logician and debater. These two 
distinguished men canvassed the state together, and drew im- 
mense crowds. The speeches of Willard were florid, eloquent 
and spirit stirring, while Mr. Morton's style was earnest, con- 
vincing and forcible. He never appealed to men's passions, 
but always to their intellect and reason, and whether in at- 
tack or defense, proved himself a ready and powerful deliater. 
Although beaten at the polls, he came out of the contest with 
his popularity increased, and with the reputation of being one 
of the ablest public men in the state. In 1800 he was nomi- 
nated for lieutenant governor on the ticlcet with Hon. Henry 
S. Lane, with the understanding that if successful he should 
go to the senate, and Mr. Morton become governor. He made 
a vigorous canvass, and the result of the election was a repub- 
lican success, which placed Mr. Lane in the senate, and ^Ir. 
Morton in tlie gubernatorial chair. From the day of his 
inaugiiration ^Ir. ^forton gave evidence of possessing extra- 
ordinary executive ability. It was while filling this term as 
governor that he did his best public work and created for him- 
self a fame as lasting as that of his state. A great civil war 



inSXGlix' OF INDIANA. 237 

was breaking out when he became governor, and few so well 
comprehended what would be its magnitude as he. He wan 
one of the first to foresee the coming storm of battle, and most 
active in his preparations to meet it. Perceiving the danger of 
a dilatory policy, he visited Washington soon after the iuaugn 
ration of President Lincoln, to advise vigorous action and to 
give assurance of Indiana's support to such a policy. He com- 
menced prei)aring for the forthcoming conflict, and when Sum- 
ter was fired on, April 12, 1861, he was neither surprised nor 
appalled. Three days after the attack. President Lincoln 
called for 75,000 men to put down the rebellion, and the same 
day Gov. Morton sent him tie following telegram: 

" Indianapolis, April 15, 1861. 
"To Abraham Lincoln, President of the Un itcd States. — On behalf of 
the state of Indiana. I tender to}-ou, for the defense of the nation, and to 
uphold the authority of the government, ten thousand men. 

" Oliver P. Morton, 

" Governor of Indiana." 

In seven days from the date of this offer over three times the 
number of men reipiired to fill Indiana's quota of the presi- 
dent's call, offered their services to the country. Never in the 
world's history did the people of a state respond more cheer- 
fully nnd more enthusiastically to the call of duty, than did the 
people of Indiana in ISCl. This record of the state, which Mr. 
Morton was instrumental in planning, reflects imperishable 
honor on his name, and from that time forth ho was known 
throughout the nation as the "Great War Go\ernor.'' During 
the entire period of the war he performed an incredible amount 
of labor, counseling the president, encouraging the people, or- 
ganizing regiments, hurrying troops to the field, forwarding 
stores, and inspiring all with the enthusiasm of his own earnest- 
ness. His labors f.ir the relief of the soldiers, and their de- 
pendent and needy families, were held up as matters of emu- 
lation by the governors of other states, and the result of his 
efforts seconded by the people was that during the war over 
.?!;00,000 of moneys and supplies were collected and conveyed 
to Indiana soldiers in camp, field, hospital and prison. The 
limits of a sketch like this forbid a detailed account of Gov. 
Morton's public acts. He displayed extraordinary industry and 
ability, and in his efforts in behalf of the soldier justly earned 
the title of "The Soldiers' Friend."' The legislature of 1862 
was not in accord with the political views of Gov. Morton, and 
it refused to receive his message, and in other ways treated 
him with want of consideration and respect. It was on the 
point of taking from him the command of the militia, when the 



238 HISTOUY OF INDIANA. 

republican members withdrew, leaving both houses without a 
quorum. In order to carry on the state government and pay 
the state bonds he obtained advances from banks and county 
boards, and appointed a bureau of finance, which for two years 
made all disbursements of the state, amounting to more than 
^1.000.000. During this period he refused to summon the leg- 
islature, and the supreme cc.urt condemned his arbitrary 
course, but the pecph- subequently applauded his action. Cy 
assuming great responsibilities he kept the machinery of the 
state in motion and preserved the financial credit of the com 
monwealth by securing advances through an eastern banking 
house to pay the interest on the public del):. In ISfi-ihe was 
again nominated for governor against Hon. Joseph E. McDon- 
ald, whom he defeated by an overwhelming majority. Tliese 
two distinguished men made a joint canvass of the state, and 
passed through it with the utmost good feeliug. In ISCj Gov. 
Morton received a partial ])ara!ytic stroke, affecting the lower 
part of his body, so tli-it he never walked afterward without 
the use of canes. His mind, however, was in no wise affected 
by the shock, but continued to grow stronger while he lived. 
In January. ISilT. he was elected to the United States senate. 
and immediately thereafter resigned the governor.ship to Con- 
rad Baker, who served the remainder of the gubernatorial 
term. In 187.3 he was re-elected to the senate and continued a 
leading member of that body while he lived. In the senate he 
lankrd among the ablest members, was chairman of the com- 
mittee on privileges and elections, was the acknowledged 
leader of the republicans, and for several years exercised a 
detei-mining influence over the course of the party. He lab- 
ored zealously to secure the passage of the fifteenth ami'ud- 
ment, was active in the impeachment proceedings against An- 
drew .Johnson, and was the trusted adviser of the republic.ms 
of the south. In the national republican convention of 187*5. 
he received next to the highest number of ballots for the presi- 
dential nomination, and in 1877 was a member of the celebrated 
electoral commission. In 1S70 President Grant offered Sen 
ator Morton the English mission, which was declined. After 
visiting Oregon in the spring of 1877, as chairman of a com- 
mittee to investigate the election of Senator Grover, of that 
state, he suffered another stroke of paralysis, which termi- 
nated in his death, Xovember 1st, of the same year. The death 
of no man with the exception of President Lincoln, ever created 
so much grief in Indiana, as did that of Senator ^forton, and he 
was moui'ned almost as mucli throughout the entire nation. 
On the 17 ill of th'- n >xt Januarv, Mr. McDonald offered in the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 239 

senate a series of resolutions in relation to Senator Morton's 
death, which were unanimously adopted. In speaking of these 
resolutions, Mr. McDonald said: "Naturally combative aud 
aggressive, intensely in earnest in his undertakings, and in- 
tolerant in regaid to those who differed with him, it is not 
strange that while he held together his friends and followers 
with hooks of steel, he caused many whose patriotism and love 
of country were as sincere and uncjuestioned as his own. to 
p'ac themselves in pnlitical hostility to him. That Oliver P. 
Morten was a great man is conceded by all. In regard to his 
(jualities as a statesman men do differ now and always will. 
But that he was a great partisan leader — the greatest of his 
day and generation — will hardly be questioned, and his place 
in that particular field will not, perhaps, be soon snpplied.'' 
Senator Burnside said: "Morton was a great man. His judg- 
ment was good, his power of research was great, his integrity 
was high, his patriotism was lofty, his love of family and 
friends unlimited; his courage indomitable." The following is 
from Senator Edmonds: "He was a man of strong passions 
and great talents, and as a consequence a devoted partisan. 
In the field in which his patriotism was exerted it may be said 
of him as it was of the Knights of St. Jolin in the holy wars, 
'In the fore front of every battle was seen his burnished .mail 
and in the gloomy rear of every retreat w^as heard his voice of 
constancy and courage.' " The closing speech upon the adop- 
tif.n of the resolutions was made by his successor, D. W. Voor- 
hees, who used the following: "Senator Morton was without 
doubt a very remarkable man. His force of character cannot 
be over estimated. His will power was simply tremendous. 
He threw himself into all his undertakings with that fixedness 
of purpose and disregard of obstacles which are always the 
best guarantees of success. This was true of him whether en- 
gaged in a lawsuit, organizing troops during the war, conduct- 
ing a political campaign, or a debate in the senate. The same 
daring, aggressive policy characterized his conduct every- 
where." 

Henry Smith Lane, for two days governor of Indiana, was 
bom Pebniary 24. 1811, in Montgomery county, Ky. He se- 
cured a good practical education, and at the age of eighteen, 
commenced the study of law. Soon after attaining his major- 
ity, he was admitted to the bar, and in 183o, came to Indiana 
and located at Prawfordsville where he soon obtained a good 
legal practice. His winning manners made him very popular 
with the people, and in 1837, he was elected to represent Mont- 



240 HISTUKY OF INDIANA. 

gomery county in the state legislature. In 1840 lie was a can- 
didate for congress against Edward A. Hannegau, whom he 
defeated by 1,.500 votes. He was re-elected the next year over 
John Bryce, and us a national rex^resentative, ranked with the 
ablest of his colleagues. He took an active part in the presi- 
deutial campaign of 1844, and made a brilliant canvass 
Throughout Indiana for his favorite candidate, Henry Chiy. On 
the breaking out of the Mexican war, Mr. Lane at once organ- 
ized a conspany, was chosen captain, and later, became major 
and lieutenant colonel of the regiment, and followed its for- 
tunes until mustered out of service. In 18.58 Col. Lane was 
elected to the United States senate, but owing to opposition 
on the piart of democratic senators, he did not take his seat. 
On February 27, 18G0, he was nominated by acclamation for 
goveraor. and was elected over Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks by 
a majority of about 10,000 votes. Two days after the delivery 
of his first message, G^ov. Lane was elected to the senate of the 
United States. He at once resigned the governorship, the 
shortest term in that office on record in Indiana. In the sen- 
ate. Mr. Lane did not attain any great distinction, as it was nit 
the place for the exercise of his peculiar talents as an orator, 
which were better suited to the hustings than to a dignified 
legislative body. When C-ol. Lane's senatorial term expired, 
he retiirned to his home in Crawfordsville, and never afterward 
held public office except the appointment of Indian comniis 
sinner, by Pros. Grant. He was chosen president of the first 
national convention that assembled in 1856, and nominated 
Jdhn C. Fremont. It is worthy of note that every noauina- 
tion ever conferred upon him was by acclamation and withou 
opposition in his party. In person, (^ol. Lane was tall, slender 
and somewhat stoop shouldered. His face was thin and wore 
a kindly expression. In his later days, the long beard he wore 
was white as snow. He moved quickly, and his bearing was 
that of a cultured man. He departed this life at his home in 
Crawfordsville, on the 18th of June, 1881. 

Thomas A. Hendricks was the son of Major .John Hendricks, 
and the grandson of Abraham Hendricks, a descendant of the 
Huguenots, who emigrated to New Jersey and thence to Penn- 
sylvania, prior to the revolution. Abraham Hendricks was a 
man of remarkable force of character. He was elected to the 
Pennsylvania assembly first in 1702, and served four terms, the 
last ending in 1708. William Hendricks, second governor of 
Indiana, preceded his brother John in moving to this state 
from Ohio, and had gained much notoriety as a talented and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 241 

public man when Major Jolin finally concluded to risk liis for- 
tune in the wilds of the new west. John Hendricks, prior to 
1829, resided with hi.s family at Zanesville, Ohio. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Jane Thoiiipsoii, and a niece, were the 
onlj- members of the Thompson family who emigrated west, 
the others remaining in Pennsylvania and other eastern states, 
where some of them gained enviable reputations in law, medi- 
cine, politics and ministry. Shortly after their marriage John 
Hendricks and wife moved to Muskingum, Ohio, where they 
lived for some time in a nide log house, one story, one room, 
one door and two windows, built of round logs and chinlced 
and daubed after the pionw^r fashion. In this little domicile 
were bum two sons, Abraham and Tliomas A. The last named, 
Thomas A., was born September 7, 1810. The next year, 1820, 
lured by the brilliant career of William Hendricks, heretofore 
spoken of, Major John Hendricks with his little family, re- 
moved to ^Madison, Ind., th^n the metropolis of the state. Two 
years later the family removed to Shelby county, at that tim 
a wilderness, and settled on the present site of Shelbr\ille. 
Here the father commenced to erect a house and carve a career 
for their hopeful son, then scarcely three years of age. A 
dwelling was soon constructed, trees felled, and a farm opened, 
and the Hendricks house early became a favorite stopping 
place for all who saw fit to accept its hospitalities. The future 
vice president received his early educational training in the 
schools of Shelbyville, and among his first teachers was the 
wife of Rev. Eliphiilet Kent, a lady of excellent culture, fine ed- 
ucation, graceful, and nobly cimseci-ated to the Master, to whom 
Mr. Hendricks was largely indebted for much of his train- 
ing and success. Having completed his course in the common 
schools, he entered Hnnnver college in IS.Sfi, where he I'emained 
for the greater part of the time until 1841. On leaving col- 
lege he returned to Shelbyville, and commenced tlie study of 
law in the ofBce of Stephen Major, then a young lawyer of 
brilliant attainments, and considerable tact and exp(n-ience. 
In 18i:'. Mr. Hendriclcs went to Ohambersbiirg, Penn., where he 
entered the law school, in which .Vlexander Thompson was in- 
structor, a man of distinguished ability, extensive learning, 
and much experience as judge of the sixteenth judicial district 
'of that state. After eight months' arduous woric in tliis in- 
stitution, he returned to Shelbyville, passed an examination, 
and was the same year admitted to the bar. His first case was 
before Squire Lee, his opponent being Xathan Powell, a young 
a-quaintauce who had opened an office about the same time. 
The cause was a tri\ial one, yet the voung attorneys worked 
16 



•^■k2 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

hard and with the vim of old practitioners for their respective 
clients. Mr. Hendriclis won, and after complimenting Mr. 
Powell upon his effort, he gracefully served the apples which 
had been generously furnished by an enthusiastic spectator. 
Thus started the young advocate who was destined to become 
one of the nation's greatest and most beloved statesmen. In 
ISJr.'J he formed the acquaintance of Miss Eliza Morgan, who 
was the daughter of a widow, living at North Bend, and two 
years later, September 2G, 1845, the two were united in the 
bonds of wedlock. So soon as ilr. Hendricks emerged from 
boyhood Ms success as a lawyer and public man was ass^.red. 
Having established an office in Shelbyville, he gained in a short 
time a fair competence, and soon became one of the leading at- 
torneys of the place. As an advocate he had few equals, and 
as a safe counsellor none surpassed him at the Shelby county 
bar. In the year 1848 Mr. Hendricks was nominated for the 
lower house of the general assembly, was elected after a brill- 
iant canvass, and served his term with marked distinction. In 
1850 he was chosen a delegate to the state constitutional con- 
vention, in the deliberations of which he took an active part, 
having s-rved on two very important committees, and won dis- 
tinction by a brilliant speech upon the resolution relative to 
the abolition of the grand jury system. The following year 
was the beginning of Mr. Hendricks" career in national politics. 
He- was nominated for congress at Indianapolis, May 16, 1851, 
over several other candidates, made a vigorous canvass, and 
was elected by a decided majority over Col. James P. Bush, the 
whig candidate. In congress he progi-essed with simial 
ability, and wa.s called to act on some of the most important 
committees, and soon won a national reputation. Scarce had 
congress adjourned when he was required to make another 
campaign, for the constitution had transferred the congres- 
sional elections to even years, and the month of October. The 
whig candidate. Jolui H. Bradley, of Indianapolis, was a 
brilliant man and a public speaker of rare attainments, whom 
Mr. Hendricks defeated by a largely increased majority. In 
1854, when the northern whigs were in a chaotic condition, 
pro-slavery, anti-slavery, free-soilers, abolitionists, know-noth- 
ings and democrats commingling in a storm of confusion a 
"fusion'" state and congTessional ticket was formed for tlie oc- 
casion. Opposed to Mr. Hendricks was Lucian Barbour, a 
talented lawyer of Indianapolis, who exerted himself to com- 
bine all the opponents of democracy, ilr. Hendricks made a 
vigorous and manly contest, but was defeated, after which he 
retired to his profession and his home, at Shelbyville. In 1853 



HISTOIiY OF INDIANA. 243 

he was appointed by Presiflent Pierce, seneral land commis- 
sioner, in wliicli capaeitv be served nearly four years, and in 
18(50 was nominated for governor of Indiana, against Henry S. 
Lane. After a brilliant and able canvass, during which the 
two competitors spoke together in neai'ly every county of tiie 
state, defeat again came to Mr. Hendricks. To the same year 
he moved to Indianapolis, where he lived until his death. In 
January, 1S()?>, he was elected to the United States senate, 
which position he held for six years. In 1872 he was again 
nominated for governor, his opponent being Gen. Thomas 
Brown, a man of ability and enviable reputation. This cam- 
paign was peculiar in one particular. The republicans had in- 
fused the crusaders with the idea that they were the salvation 
of their cause, while the democracy opposed all sumptuary 
laws. Yet Mr. Hendricks went before the people as a tem- 
perance man, opposed to prohibition, but willing to sign any 
constitutional legislation looking toward the amelioration of 
crime and the advancement of temperance. He was elected 
and kept his pledges to the letter. He always kept his pledges 
inviolate, and ever remained true to his friends. He !iad a 
high sense of duty and a spirit of philanthropy pervaded his 
whole nature. In 1876 he was nominated for the nee presi- 
dency on the democratic ticket with Samuel J. Tilden, of New 
York, and of this election it was claimed they were flagrantly 
defrauded by retui'ning boards and the electoral commission. 
In 1880 the name of Thomas A. Hendricks was placed in nomi- 
nation for the presidency, at Cincinnati, by Indiana, and his 
nomination was strongly urged in the convention. In 1884 he 
was a delegate to the Chicago convention, and as chairman of 
the Indiana delegation, pi-esented in fitting terms and masterly 
manner, the name of Joseph E. McDonald for the presidency. 
After the latter had positively refused to accept second place 
on the ticket, Mr. Hendricks was almost unanimously chosen, 
and the successful ticket for 1884, the lirst in twenty-flve years, 
became Grover Cleveland and Themes A. Hendricks. But few 
greater calamities ever befell the people than the death of Vice 
President Hendricks, which occurred on the 2.5th day of Novem- 
ber, 1885, at his home in Indianapolis, of heart disease. Mr. 
Hendricks was one of the nation's greatest men; deep, broad- 
minded, dii>lomatic and above all, a true man. His acts and 
speeches in congress, both in tlie house and senate, his defense 
of what he conceived to be right, his labors for the poor, the 
oppressed and the wronged of every class in this and other 
countries, were of great interest to his people and worthy of 
emulation by all. His devotion to his party, his candor and 



244 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

honesty of purpose, liis noble ambition to serve the people faith- 
fully, his philanthropy and universal love of mankind, all com- 
bined to make him one of the noblest of men. Stronj^ in his 
convictions, yet courteous to opponents. Oreat in intellect, yet 
approachable by the humblest of men. Hifih in po.sition, he 
met every man as his equal. Independent in thought, self-re- 
liant in principle, and rich in pleasant greetings to all whom he 
met. Thouf^ch dead he yet lives in the hearts of the people, and 
his noble characteristics stand out in bold relief as beacon 
lights to guide and direct generations yet to be. 

.James D. Williams was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, 
January Ifi, 1808, and moved with his parents to Indiana, in 
1818, settling near the town of Yincennes, Knox county. He 
grew to manhood there, and upon the death of his father in 
1828, the su])port of the family devolved on him. He received 
a limited education in the pioneer log school-house, but, by 
mingling with the best people in the neighborhood, he obtained 
a sound practical knowledge of men and things, which, in a 
great measure, compensated for his early deficiency in literary 
studies, so that when on leaching his majority, he was unusu- 
ally well versed for one in his circumstances. He was reared a 
farmer, and naturally chose agriculture for his life work, and 
followed it with much more than ordinary success, until the 
close of his long and useful life. Cfov. Williams entered public 
life in 18.39, as justice of tlie peace, the dutiesi of which he dis- 
charged in an eminently satisfactory manner for a period of 
four years, resigning in 184.3. In the latter year he was elect- 
ed to the lower house of the state legislature, and from that 
time until his election to the national congress in 1874, he was 
almost continuously identified with the legislative sen'ice of 
the state. Few men in Indiana have been so long in the public 
service, and few have been identified with more popular legis- 
lative measures than he. It is to him that tlie widows of In- 
diana are indebted for the law which allows them to hold, with- 
(uit administration, the estates of their deceased husbands, 
when they do not exceed .$300 in value. He was the author of 
the law which distributed the sinking fund among the counties 
of tlie state, and to him are the people largely indebted for the 
(■stal)li.shment of the state board of agriculture, an institutiorr 
that has done much to foster and develop the agi'icultural 
interests of Indiana. He was a delegate to the national demo- 
cratic convention at Baltimore in 1872, and in 1S73 was the 
democratic nominee for T'nited States senator, against Oliver P. 
Morton, but the p;irty being in the minority, he was defeated. 



HISTORY or INDIANA. 245 

He served in the uatioinal house of representatives from Decem- 
ber, 1875. till December, 1876, when he resigned, having been 
elected governor in the latter year. The camjwign of 1876 was 
a memorable one, dniing which the oppo-sition, both speakers 
and press, ridicnled the democratic nominee for governor, mak- 
ing sport of his homespun clothes and plain appearance, but 
the democracy seized upon his peculiarities and made them the 
watchwords of victory. Gov. Williams, or Blue Jeans, as his 
friends were pleased to call him. was a man of the strictest in- 
tegrity, and was known as a careful, painstaliing executive, en- 
tering into the minutest details of his otlice. He was self- 
willed and self-reliant, and probably consulted fewer persons 
about his ofBcial duties than any of his predecessors. In per- 
sonal apearance, Gov. Williams wais over six feet high, remark- 
ably straight, had large hands and feet, high cheek bones, long 
sharp nose, gray eyes, and a well formed head, covered profuse- 
ly with black hair. He was courteous in his intercourse with 
others, a good conversationalist, and possessed in a very 
marked degree, shrewdness and force of character. He died 
in Ihr- year 1880. 

Isaac Pusey Gray, one of the most prominent party leaders 
of Indiana, was born In Chester county, Penn., October 18. 
1828. In 18.36, he was clerk in a dry goods store in Xew lladi- 
son, Ohio, and afterward became its proprietor. In 1855 he re- 
moved to I'nion City. Ind., where he engaged in business for 
three years. Like nearly every other successful politician in 
Indiana, the future Gov. Gray eventually adopted the law as 
the surest stepping stone to fame and fortune. After a few 
years of practice, however, the civil war came on and, being 
an ardent unionist, Mr. Gray accepted a captaincy of the 
Fourth Indiana cavalry, which position he retained until com- 
pelled to retire on account of ill health. Subsequently he re- 
cruited the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry. 
Originally a whig. Mr. Gray drifted naturally into the republi- 
can ])arty after its foniiation, and was for a long time one of 
its influential members. Dissatisfied with the administration 
of Grant, he joined the Greeley liberal movement in 1872, and 
from that time on, acted with the democrats. The latter re- 
ceived him with open arms and speedily showered upon him 
their highest honors. He was elected lieutenant governor on 
the democratic ticket in 1876, and was renominated for the 
same position in 1880, but was defeated. In 1881 he reached 
the goal of his ambition, by receiving the democratic nomina- 
tion for governor^ to whch position he was triumphantly elect- 



240 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

ed in the fall of that year. He served with enerfry and ability 
for four years, his administration proving so satisfactory to 
his partisau friends that he became the recognized leader of 
the democratic party in Indiana. He was that party's choice 
for vice presidential candidate on the ticket with Grover Cleve- 
land in 1888. and his supporters always insisted that Gray's 
nomination would luive insured ("levelaud's election. I're- 
voiis to that event, his friends urj^ed him for the United States 
senate in the winter of 188(]-"S7, and he would, no doubt, have 
achieved that honor, but for the fact that he occupied the 5j;ov- 
ernor's chair, and could not vacate it without giving place to 
a republican successor, which for party reasons, he was anx- 
ious to avoid. Since his retirement from the governorship. 
Mr. Gray was a busy leader and spokesman for his party in the 
state, proving to be an exceedingly able oi'ganizer, a speaker of 
more than ordinary ability and an excellent judge of men and 
their motives. Fully ap}>reciating the valuable services ren- 
dered by Mr. Gray, President Cleveland appointed him minis- 
ter to Mexico, where he represented the Vnited States with a 
great deal of tact and vigor up to the time of his death, which 
occurred in 1894 while on his way to Indianapolis. Mr. Gray 
was a gentleman of a strong personality and a handsome per- 
sonal presence and courteous address, and when to this is add- 
ed a natural talent for acquiring and retaining friends, his 
popularity as a party leader is easily accounted for. 

Albert G. Porter. — Among the self-made men of Indiana, 
none stand higher or have a more noteworthy career than the 
distinguished gentleman whose name heads this sketcli. Al- 
bert G. Porter was born in Lawrenceburg. Iiid.. .Vpril 20, 1S24 
He was graduated at Asbury university in 184.3, studied law, 
was admitted to the bar in 184.5, and began to practice in In- 
dianapolis, where he was councilman and corporation attorney. 
In 1853 he was appointed reporter of the supreme court of In- 
diana, and was subsequently elected to the same position by a 
very large majority of the voters of the state. He was elected 
to congress from the Indianapolis district in 1858, on the repub- 
lican ticket, overcoming an adverse democratic majority of 
SOO, which he converted into a majority for himself of 1,000. 
Two years subsequently, he was re-elected by a smallin' majori- 
ty. On March 5, 1878, he was appointed fiist com]it roller of 
the United States treasury, which position he filled with dis- 
tingniished ability until called therefrom to '►•=>come a candidate 
for governor of Indiana on the republican ticket. He resigned 
and entered into the campaign of 1880, which will ever be 



HISTORY OF INDIAJSiA. 247 

memorable in the history of the state. After a canvass of re- 
markable bitterness and excitement, in which every inch of 
ground was stubbornly contested, Mr. Torter was elected gov- 
ernor by a handsome majority. He held the office from IS.Sl to 
1884, his administratiou being regarded by friend and foe, 
alike, as one of the ablest in the history of the state. Mr. Por- 
ter has for many years ranked as one of the ablest and most 
successful lawyers in Indiana, and his "Decisions of the Su- 
preme' Court of Indiana" (.5 vols., 1853-56), are regarded as 
among the best of their kind in the state. Besides liis talent 
in politics and law, ]Mr. Porter enjoys a literary reputation of 
no mean rank, attained chiefly from his law writings and 
lectures. He is especially good authority on all matters relat- 
ing to pioneer histoiy, in the west, and has in preparation a 
history of Indiana, which will undoubtedly rank as a classic 
in that line of literature. Mr. Porter occupied the position of 
United States minister to Rome, w^ich high honor was con- 
ferred upon him by his friend, President Harrison. 

Alvin P. Hovey. — This gentleman, who was elected governor 
of Indiana in 1888, lias had a notable career, both civil and mili- 
tary. He was born in 1821, in Posey county, Ind., where he 
has spent his whole life, and he died ^^ovember 28rd, 1801. 
After a common school education, he studied law and was ad- 
mitted to the Mt. Vernon bar in ISl.i. where he has practiced 
with success. The civil positions he held previous to the war 
■were tbose of delegate to the constitutional convention of 
1850; judge of the third judicial circuit of Indiana from 1851 
to 1854, and judge of the supreme court of Indiana. From 
1856 to 1858 he served as United States district attorney for 
the state. During the civil war he entered the national service 
as colonel of the Twenty-fourth Indiana volunteers, in July, 
1861. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers on 
April 28, 1862, and breveted major-general for meritorious and 
distinguished services in July, 1864. He was in command of 
the eastern district of Arkansas in 1863, and of the district of 
Indiana in 1864-1865. Gen. Grant, in his otlicial reports, 
awards to Gen. Hovey the honor of the key battle of the Vicks- 
burg campaign, that of Champion's Hill. This is no small 
praise; also, it is remembered that military critics, in view of 
tlie vast consequences that flowed therefrom, have ranked 
Champion's Hill as one of the five decisive battles of the civil 
war, and second in importance to Gettysburg alone. Gen. 
Hovey resigned' his commission on October 18, 1865, and was 
apijointed minister to Peru, which office he held until 1870. In 



-18 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

lSS(j he was noininated for congress by the republicans in the 
Evansville district, which theretofore had steadily given a large 
democratic majority. Gen. Hovey's personal popularity and 
military prestige o\ercame this, and he was elected by a small 
majority. In congress, he attracted attention by his earnest- 
ness in advocating more liberal pension laws, and every meas- 
ure for the benefit of the ex-Union soldiers. Largely to this 
fact was due his nomination for the governorship of Indiana, 
by tlie republican i)arty in ISSS, the soldier element of the state 
being a very important factor in securing his nomination, and 
his subsequent election. In his social relations. Gov. Hovey 
has always been very popular, and his family circle was con- 
sidered on? of the happiest in the state. Though a strong par- 
tisan, he was never abusive or ^nndictive, and at every trial 
of .strength at the polls, he received strong support from many 
pei'.son;il friends in the ranks of the opposite party. 

Ira P. Chase, elected lieutenant-governor in 1888 on the same 
ticket with A. V. Hovey, succeeded the latter, wlio died Xo- 
vember 2.3d, 1801, and served as governor for the iinex])ired 
term. Xomiuated for governor in 1802 by the republicans of 
the state, he was defeated by Claude Matthews, tbe present in 
cumbent. 

James Xoble was the son of Thomas T. Xoble, who moved 
from Virginia to Kentucky, near the close of the eighteenth 
century. James Noble gi-ew to manhood in Kentucky, and 
after his marriage, which was consummated before he had at- 
tained his majority, began the study of law in the office of Mr. 
Southgate, of Covingrton. After finiishiug his legal studies and 
being admitted to the bar, he removed to Brookville, Ind., and 
commenced the practice of his profession, and soon became 
known as one of the most successful lawyers and most elo- 
quent advocates of the Whitewater country. When Indiana 
became a state Mr. Xoble represented Franklin county in the 
constitutional convention, in which he was chairman of the 
legislative and judiciary committees. In August, 1810, he was 
elected a member of the first legislature under the state gov- 
ernment, which met at Corydon, Xovember, 181G, and ad- 
journed January, 1817. November 8, 181G, the general assem- 
T)ly, by a joint vote, elpcted James Xoble aud Waller Taylor to 
represent Indiana in the senate of the Ignited States. "In the 
senate Gen. X'oble had for associates the ablest men the coun- 
try has yet produced. He was not dwarfed by their stature, 
but maintained a resjiectable standing among them." He re- 



HlSTOK'i OF INDIANA. ~i-> 

niaiued in the senate until liis deatli, which occuired February 
2G, 1831. Jlr. Noble was a large, well proportioned man of 
fine address and bearing. He was a good lawyer and as a 
speaker was very effective before a jury or promiscuous as- 
sembly. Personally he was quite popular and his warm heart 
and generous nature made him the idol of the people of his 
section of the state. 

Waller Taylor, one of the first senators from Indiana, aftei' 
her admission as a state, was boirn in Lunenburg county, Va., 
before 1780, and died there before 182G. He received a com- 
nicn school education, studied law, served one or two terms in 
the Virginia legislature as a representative from Lunenburg 
county. In 1805 he settled in Vincennes, Ind., having been ap- 
pointed a territorial judge. He served as aid-de-camp to Gen. 
William H. Harrison, at the battle of Tippecanoe, and in the 
war of 1812-15. On the admission of Indiana as a state he was 
elected United States senator, and at the close of his term was 
re-elected, serving from December 12, 1810, until March 3, 1825. 
He was a man of fine literary attainments, and a prominent 
political leader of his day, 

Robert Hanna was boni in Laurens district, S. C, April 6, 
17sr>, and removed with his parents to Indiana in an early day. 
settling in Brookville as long ago as 1802. He was elected 
sheriff of the eastern district of Indiana in 1800, and held the 
position until the organization of the state government. He 
was aftei'^vard appointed register of the land office, and re- 
moved to Indianapolis in 1825. In 1831 he was appointed 
United States senator, to fill the unexjjired term caused by the 
death of James Noble, and served with credit in that capacity 
from December, of the above year, until January 3, 1832, when 
his successor took his seat. He w-as afterward elected a mem- 
laer of the state senate, but suffered a defeat, when making the 
race for a reelection. He was accidentally Icilled by a railroad 
train while walking on the track at Indianapolis, November 19, 
1850. 

Gen. John Tijiton was born in Sevier county, Tenn., August 
14, 1786, and was a son of Joshua Tipton, a native of Mary- 
land, a man who possessed great positiveness of character, with 
keen perceptions and uncommon executive ability. These pe- 
culiarities induced him to remove from his native state and 
settle in a, home further west, where he afterward became a 
header in the defense of the frontier against the hostile Indians. 



250 HISTOIiY OF INDIANA. 

He was murdered by the savages on the ISth of April, 1703. 
Left thus early in life in the midst of a frontier settlement, sur- 
rounded by the perils incident thereto, the son inheriting the 
sagacity and self-reliance of his father, soon began to develop 
that positive energy of character which distingniished his after 
life. In the fall of 1807, with his mother and two sisters and 
a half-brother, he removed to Indiana territory and settled 
near Bringley's Ferry, on the Ohio river, where he purchased 
a homestead of fifty acres, which he paid for out of his scanty 
earnings, making rails at fifty cents a hundred. These early 
experiences laid the foundation of his future success in life. 
June, 1809, he enlisted in a company recruited in his neighbor- 
hood, which was soon afterward ordered to the frontier for the 
protection of the settlements. September, isll, the comjiany 
entered the campaign which terminated in the battle of Tippe- 
canoe. Early in that memorable engagement all his superior 
officers were killed, and he was promoted to the captaincy, 
when the conflict was at its height. Subsequently he rose by 
regular gradation, to the rank of brigadier general. At the 
first election under the state constitution, he was chosen sheriff 
of Harrison county, which position he filled two terms, and in 
1819 was elected to represent this county in the state legisla- 
ture. While a member of that body he served on the committee 
to select the site for the location of the state cajatol, which se- 
lection was mrade in June, 1820, and approved January, 1821. 
He was re-elected in 1821, and at the following session was 
cho;en one of the commissioners to locate the boundary line 
between the states of Indiana and Illinois. In !March, 1S23. 
he was appointed by I'residrnt IMonroe, genend agent for the 
Pottawatomie and ^liami Indians on the upper Wabash and 
Tippecanoe livers, and immediately thereafter moved to Ft. 
Wayne, the seat of the agency. .\t his instance the agency was 
removed from Ft. Wayne to Logansport, in the spring of 1828. 
where he continued to discharge the functions of his trust with 
fidelity and success. At the session of the legislature, Decem- 
bei-. 1831, he was elected United States senator from Indiana, 
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. James 
Xoble, and was re-elected at the session of 1832-33, for a full 
term of six years. While a member of that distinguished 
body, he was noted for the soundness of his judgment and the 
independence of his actions on all questions invohnng the in 
terests of the state or general government. He opposed the 
views of President Jackson in reference to the re-charter of 
the I'nited States bank, and recognized no party in detennining 
the line of duty, always acting from motives of public right. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 251 

As a civilian and citizen, he was alike successful in directing 
and executing to the extent of his power, whatever purpose Ms 
conscience approved or his judgment dictated. After locating 
in Logansport he directed his energies toward the develop ueni 
(II the natural resources of that town and surrounding country, 
and to him more than to any other man is due the credit of sup- 
jilying the settlements with grist and saw-mills and other im 
provements, and for taking the initial steps which led to the 
organization of the Eel Kiver seminary, at that time one of the 
best known educationil institutinns of n<uthern Indiana. He 
was also proprietor of four additions to the town of Logans- 
port, and was interested with Mr. Carter in the plan and loca- 
tion of the original plat thereof. Mr. Tipton was twice mar- 
ried, the first time to a Miss Shields, who died within two years 
after their marriage. The second time was in April, 182.5, to 
Matilda, daughter of Captain Spier Spencer, who was killed at 
the battle of Tippecanoe. The second Mrs. Tipton died in the 
spring of 1S;>!I, about the close of her husband's senatorial ca- 
reer. Gen. Tipton closed an honorable life on the morning of 
April 5, 1839, in the full meridian of his usefulness, and re- 
ceived the last sad honors of his Masonic brethren on Sunday,. 
April 7, 18-39. 

Oliver Hampton Smith, congressman and senator, was born 
on Smith's island, near Trenton, X. J.. October 2.3, 179-1. He 
attended school near his home at intervals, until 1813, at which 
time, owing to the death of his father, he was thrown upon his 
own resources. He afterward found employment in a woolen 
mill in Pennsylvania, and on attaining his majority, received 
i?1..500 from his father's estate, which he soon lost in an un- 
fortunate business investment. Mr. Smith came to Indiana in 
1817, and settled at Kising Sun. Ohio county, but in a short 
time moved to Lawreuceburg, and began the study of law. In 
March. 1820, he was licensed to practice, and soon afterward 
removed tb A'ersailles. Ripley county, where he opened an 
office, but becoming dissatisfied with the location, in a few 
months he located at Connersville, thence in 1839, moved to 
the .s.'tate capital. In August, 1822, he was elected to the leg- 
islature from Fayette county, and while a member of that 
body, served as chairman of the judiciary committee, an im- 
portant position, and one usually given to the ablest lawyer of 
the body. In 182-1: he was appointed prosecutor of the third 
judicial district, and in 1820. became a candidate for congress 
against Hon. .John Test, who had represented the district for 
three full terms. He made a vigorous canvass, and defeated 



'Zh'l HlSTUltY Ul' INDIANA. 

his popular competitor by 1,500 majority. Mr. Smith served 
with distiuctiou in congress, and was ever attentive and in- 
dustrious in his public duties. In December, 1836, he was a 
candidate for United States senator, his eompetitors being 
Jv'oah Xoble, William Hendricks and Eatliff Boon. He was 
elected on the ninth ballot. In the senate Mr. Smith was 
chairman of the committee on public lands, and took great 
pride in the place, which he filled with distinguished ability. 
In 1.S12 he was a candidate for re-election, but was defeated by 
Edward A. Hanncgan, and in March, ]843, his senatorial ser- 
vices terminated. Soon after his return home, his attention was 
directed to railroads, and Indianapolis is mainly indebted to 
him for the building of the Indianapolis & Bellfonte road, now 
known as the "Bee Line.'' In 1857 he commenced writing a 
series of sketches for the IticrniiiiipoIis Journal, on early times 
in Indiana, which attracted much attention, and which were 
afterward brought out in book form. This volume is valuable 
as a record of early Indiana times, and contains much informa- 
tion not otherwise noted. Mr. Smith died March 10, 1850. As 
a political speaker, he exhibited much the same qualities and 
powers of mastery that he did as a forensic speaker, but he was 
less successful on the stumy), because argument and close 
reasoning, which were his mode of dealing with political ques- 
tions, were not as popular as anecdotal and declamatory style. 
"As a lawyer, Mr. Smith was ever tnie to the interest of his 
client, and in the prosecution of his cases in court, he displayed 
much zeal and earnestness. He was an honest opponent, and 
very liberal in his practice, and yet very capable, and some- 
times ready to seize upon the weakness or oversight of an ad- 
versary. His career at the bar was a saccessful one, and he 
well merited the high tribute paid to his memory at the time 
of his death." "In person, ^Ir. Smith was five feet ten inches 
in height and weighed .about 180 pounds. He was broad 
chested, and large from the waist up. The lower part of the 
body was correspondingly smaller, and when he was subjected 
to great physical fatigue, it was too weak to bear him up. His 
eyes were dark, his hair was black and stood up upon his head. 
He had large shagtry eyebrows and the general contour of his 
features denoted energy, pluck and endurance. His place is 
in the front rank of the great men of Indiana." 

Albert S. "^Hiite, one of the most scholarly of Indiana's dis- 
tinguished men. was born in Blooming Grove. X. Y.. October 24, 
180:{. He graduated from Union college, that state, in 1822, 
in the same class with Hon. William H. Seward, and after 



HISTOKV OF IXDIAXA. '^O^i 

studving law for some time at N^ewburg:, was licensed to prac 
tice his iirofession in 1825. 8oon after this, he came to ludiana 
and located at Eushville, thence one year later, moved to I'aoli 
and subsequently took up his permanent abode in Lafayette. 
In 1S30 and 1831 he was assistant clerk of the Indiana house 
of representatives!, and served as clerk of the same from 1832 
to 1835. In 1833 he was a candidate for congress against P^d- 
ward A. Hannegan, by whom he was defeated. "He had 
neither the brilliancy nor the eloquence of Mr. Hanneg;in. but 
was the superior of that erratic man in education, culture and 
in most of the qualities which go to malve up the successful 
man." In 1837 he was more successful, having been elected to 
congress by an overwhelming majority over Nathan Jackson. 
The year previous, he was on the whig electoral ticket, and in 
the electoral college, cast his vote for William Henry Harrison. 
In 1839 he was elected to succeed Gen. John Tipton, in the 
Ignited States senate, the struggle having been an animated 
one. requiring thirty-six ballots divided among ]\Ir.\Miite. Noali 
Xoble and <"ol. Thomas H. Blake. He entered the senate a 
young man. but his training eminently fitted him for the duties 
of that distinguished body, in the deliberations of wliich he 
bore an active part. He strenuously opposed the annexation 
of Texas, as he did every measure which was calculated to ex- 
tend the area of slavery. "He was of a conservative tempera- 
ment, and usually voted with the moderate men of his party, 
but he was conscientiously an anti-slavery man and always 
acted with those who strove to confine slavery to the territory 
it then polluted." He was active in securing grants of land, to 
aid in the extension of the Wabash and Erie canal, and took a 
prominent part in shaping legislation, to promote other Im- 
portant internal improvements. On the expiration of his term, 
Mr. Wliite resumed the practice of law, biit soon abandoned 
the profession and entered actively into the business of rail- 
road building. He was president of the Indianapolis & Lafay- 
ette railroad, from its organization until 1S5(>, and during a 
part of that time, was at the head of the Wabash «& Western 
railw-ay. In 18b0 he was again called into public life, as a 
member of congress, where his thorough knowledge of politi- 
cal and state affairs soon enabled him to take high rank. He 
was made chairman of a select committee, raised to consider 
the question of compensated emancipation, and also reported a 
bill appropriating .1180,000,000 to pay loyal men for their slaves 
and 120.000.000 to aid in the colonization of freedmen. His 
congressional career was eminently honorable, but he failed 
of a renomination, mainly on account of his action in regard to 



:io4: HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

the emancipation qnestion. In January. 1804, he was ap- 
pointed by rresident Lincoln, T'nited States jud<;e for the dis- 
trict of Indiana, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Hon. 
f.ialeb B. Smith. He soon adapted himself to his new position, 
and had he lived, would have proven a worthy successor of his 
eminent predecessor. His term was cut short by his death, 
which occurred on the 4th day of September, 1864. "Mr. 
While hiic^ but little in common with the typical western pio- 
neer, and it is therefore somewhat straufie that he should have 
reached the eminence he did. He never sunk his manhood nor 
lowered his self-respect, by trying- to set down to th<' level of 
every nmn who approached him. He was in no sense a dema- 
gogue, and never sought to curry favor by pretending to be 
what he was not. He was always dignified and always a gentle- 
man." In personal appearance, Mr. White was below the med- 
ium height, quite spare and had a narrow visage with a promi- 
nent Roman nose. Physically he was weak, bnt intellectually 
ranked with the strong men of the state and nation. "He was 
one of the fl,rst men of the Wabash country, and of the state, 
and his name will not be forgotten while learning and scholar- 
ship are cherished and honor and patriotism revered.'' 

Edward A. Hannegan was a native of Ohio, but in early life 
moved to Kentucky, and settled at Lexington, where he grew 
to manhood. He received a liberal education, and after sev 
eral years spent in the study of law, was admitted to practice 
at the Lexington bar at the early age of twenty-three. Not 
long after this he settled at Coving^ton, Ind., where he opened 
an office and practiced his profession with flattering success 
for a number of years. He soon entered the political arena 
and ere long wa.s honored by an election to the state legisla- 
ture, in the deliberations of which he soon took an active and 
brilliant part. His career in the legislature brought him into 
prominent notice, and in January, 18.33, he was elected to die 
congress of the T'nited States, defeating Albert S. White, after- 
ward his colleagnie in the senate. In 1840 he was again a can- 
didate for congress, but after a very exciting contest was de- 
feated by Hon. Henry S. Lane, aftenvard governor and T'nited 
States senator. In 1842, much to the surprise of every one, 
Mr. Hannegan was elected Ignited States senator, defeating 
Oliver H. Smith and Tilghman A. Howard on the sixth Tiallot. 
He took his seat in the senate on the 4th of December, 1843, 
and served until March 4, 1849. during which time he made sev- 
eral speeches which attracted the attention of the country. 
"While a member of that body his votes were alwavs in accord 



HISTORY OF INDIA^'A. 255 

witli his party. In March, 1849, President Polk nominated 
him for minister to Prussia, but being uniit for diplomacy by 
nature and habit it is no wonder that liis career at Berlin added 
nothing to tlie character of the government he represented. 
He was recalled the n;'xt January, and with that recall the pub- 
lic life of the brilliant but erratic statesman ended. He re- 
turned to his home at Covington, and the next year was de- 
feated in a race for the legislature, which he took much to heart 
and which served to drive liini further into the convivial habits 
which ultimately proved liis ruiu. The habit of drink contin- 
ued to grow upon him until in a tit of drunken frenzy he took 
the life of one whom lie dearly loved — his brother-in-law, Capt. 
Duncan. The two had been drinking deeply, and angry words 
passed between them. ]\Ir. Hannegan finally went into a sep- 
arate apartment, but was followed by Capt. Duncan, who ap- 
plied some bitter epithets to him and slapped him in the face. 
Upon this Mr. Hannegan seized a dagger and buried it to the 
hilt in Duncan's body, the effect of which was death the fol- 
lowing day. He was not indicted and tried for this killing, 
the universal sentiment of the people being in his favor. He 
removed to St. Louis, in ISoT, and on the 25th of January, 1850. 
lie died in that city. Mr. Hannegan was warm in his friend- 
ships and had a large personal following. His manners were 
elegant, and be was ardent, impulsive and undaunted, think- 
ing, acting and speaking with the utmost freedom. In person 
he was below the medium height, finnly and compactly built, 
but in after years became quite corpulent. He was a charm 
iou companion, and as an orator was more elofjuent than log- 
ical. "He was not a profound man nor a great scholar, but 
what he lacked in profundity he made up in brilliancy, and his 
deficiency in scholarship was largely compensated for by his 
quick wit and fertile imagination, and his power to express 
himself in the choicest language. He was of Irish descent, and 
inherited many of the characteristics of that warm-hearted, 
impulsive race." 

Jesse D. Bright, for twenty years a leading politician of In- 
diana, was boin in Xorwich, N. Y., December IS. 1812, and 
came to this state when a boy, locating with his parents at 
Madison, where he grew to manhood's estate. He received an 
academic education, and after a preparatory course of reading, 
was admitted to the bar. where his talents soon won for hitn a 
conspicuous place among the successful lawyers of Indiana. 
He was not profound in the philosophy of jurisprudence, but 
being a fluent speaker and quite popular with the people, he 



L'otJ HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

succeeded in gaining a lucrative practice, wliicli extended 
tliroiigliout the counties of tlie lower Wabasli and elsewliere. 
He was elected judge of probate in Jefferson county, and snb- 
isecpiently received the appointment of United States marshal 
foi- Indiana, and it was while holding the latter office that he 
laid the foundation of his political career. In the forties, he 
made the race for the state senate, against Williamson Dunn 
and Shadrack Wil'ber, whom he defeated, and in that body was 
soon recognized as the leader of the party. In fact, he was a 
born leader of men, and always stood at the forefront of the 
line. In ISV.i he was lieutenant governor on the ticket with 
.James Whitcomb, and such was the ability he displayed in the 
discharge of the duties of that position, that the senators and 
representatives, with all of whom he sustained relations of the 
warmest friendship, afterward elected him to the senate of the 
United States. At this time he was barely eligible to a seat 
in the senate, on account of his age. being the youngest man 
ever elected to that distinguished body. In 1^50, he was a can- 
didate for re-election against Hon. Robert Dale Owen, who sub- 
sequently withdrew from the contest, thus making Mr. Cright's 
I'lec'tiou without opposition. In lS.")(i. his term having exi)ired, 
he again sought re-election which was granted him after a 
memorable contest which was decided by the United States 
senate in a strictly party vote. In the senate. Mr. Bright 
ranked high as a committee worker, and enjoyed great per- 
sonal popularity. Such was his standing that on the death of 
Vice I're.sident King in 185.3. he was elected president pro tem- 
jjore of the senate, which he filled with ability until the inaugu- 
ration of John C. Breckeuridge, in 1857. In the latter year, 
when forming his cabinet. President Buchanan offered Mr. 
Bright the secretaryship of state, which position he saw fit to 
decline. He continued a senator until 1802, when he was ex- 
pelled for disloyalty, by a vote of thirtv-two to fourteen. The 
principal proof of his crime was in recduimending to -lefferson 
Da^^s, in ^farch, 1801, Thomas Lincoln, of Texas, a person de- 
sirous of furnishing aims to the confederacy. Mr. Bright or- 
ganized and led the Breckeuridge pirty in Indiana in 1800, and 
in stuui])ing for the brilliant young Kentuckian gave the move- 
ment all the force and vitality it had in this state. He left In- 
diana soon after the legislature of 1803 refused to return him 
to the United States senate, and took up his residence in Ken- 
tucky, in the legislature of which state, he subsequeutly served 
two terms. In 1874, he removed to Baltimore, in which city he 
died on the 20th of May, 1875, of organic disease of the heart. 
!Mr. Bright had a splendid physique, and weighed about 200 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 257 

pounds. He Iiiid a good head and a good face, but was imper- 
ious in manner and brooked no opposition from either friend 
or foe. "He was the Dautou of Indiana democracy, and was 
both loved and feared by his followers."' 

John Pettit was born at Sackett's Harbor, X. Y., July 24, 
1807, and died in Lafayette, Ind., June 17, 1877. After receiv- 
ing a classical education and studying law, he was admitted to 
the bar in 1838, and commenced the practice of his profession 
at Lafayette, lud. He so«n liecame active in stiite politics, was 
in the legislature two terms and served as I'nited States dis- 
trict attorney. He was elected to congress as a democrat in 
184:2, re-elected to the next congress and served with distin- 
guished ability in that body from December 4, 1843, to March 
3, 1849. He Mas a democratic ehctor in 1852, and in January, 
1853, was chosen I'nitec States senator to fill the unexpired 
term, occasioned by the death of James Whitoomb, serving as 
such until March 3, 1855, during which time he earned the rep- 
utation of an able and painstaking legislator. In 1859 he was 
appointed by .James Buchauan. chief justice of Kansas, and in 
1870 was elected supreme judge of Indiana. He was a dele- 
gate to the Chicago democratic convention in J8Ij4, and as a 
political leader, wielded a strong influence in Indiana in a num- 
ber of state and national contests. He was renominated for 
supreme judge in 1876. but owing to scandals connected with 
the court, which excited popular indignation, he was forced off 
the ticket and the name of Judge I'erkins substituted. 

Charles W. Cathcart. of wlioise public and private history but 
little is now known, was born on the island of Madeira, in 1809. 
He received a liberal education and early in life shipped as a 
Bailor, and after a number of yenrs sirent on the sea, located in 
1831, at La Forte, Ind., where he tlngaged in farming. He 
served several years as land surveycir, was a representative in 
the legislature, and in 1845, was an elector on the democratic 
ticket. He was elected to the congress of the Fnited States 
iu 1845-47, re-elected the latter year to serve until 1840, and 
was aftei-ward appointed to the United States senate to All the 
unexpired term occasioned by the death of .James Whitcouib. 
He served as senator from December 0, 1852, to March 3, 1853, 
and at the expiration of his term returned to La Porte county, 
where his death subsequently occurred. 

Graham N. Fitch was born in LeRiy. Genessee county, X. Y., 
on the 5th of December, 1810, and is said to have been the first 
17 



•2oS HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

white cliild bora in that town. His grandfather was a soldier 
in the revolutionary war, and his father, a soldier in the war 
of 1812, was wounded at the battle of Queenstown. Mr. Fitch 
received a liberal education, and in early life, chose the medi- 
cal profession for a life work, and completed a course of study 
in the same in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of west- 
ern New York. He came to Indiana in 1834, and settled at Lo- 
gansport, where his successful professional career soon won for 
him the reputation of one of the most skillful surgeons and 
thorough practitioners in the west. In 184-1 he accepted a pro- 
fessorship in Kush Medical college, at Chicago, and occupied 
the chair of theory and practice during the years 1844-1847. 
Though not naturally a politician. Dr. Fitch, from force of cir- 
cumstances, was drawn into the arena of politics, where his 
commanding talents and energy marked him as the people's 
choice. In 183G and again in 183!), he was chosen to represent 
•Cass county in the state legislature. Subsequently at the elec- 
tion in August, 1847, he was chosen to represent his district in 
the lower house of congress, holding that responsible position 
until 18.52. During his membership he was active and efficient 
in the discharge of his duties, earning the reputation of a good 
legislator. His legislative cajiacity was further tested by an 
experience in the senate of the United States, commencing in 
1860-"G1. The honorable distinction acquired in subordinate 
legislative positions was not dimmed by his senatorial exper- 
ience, and he left that distinguished body with a record of 
which posterity need not be ashamed. Although a democrat 
in political affiliations, he always esteemed principles above 
mere partisanship and was not slow to manifest disapproba- 
tion when his party seemed disposed to pursue a course of pol- 
icy in antagonism to his better judgment. In the triangular 
contest for the presidency between Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Douglas 
and Mr. Breokenridge, he gave bis undivided support to the 
last named gentleman, influenced tliereto by a belief that his 
election would prevent the threatening civil war. .Vgain when 
his party rallied to the support of ^Mr. Oreeley, he manifested 
his dissent by supporting Mr. O'Connor for the presidency. 
MTien the war came on, he raised a regiment, the Forty-sixth 
Indiana, and at its head entered the federal service. He did 
brilliant service in several campaigns, but owing to an injury 
received by the falling of his horse, was compelled to leave the 
service before the expiration of the war. Since the close of the 
war, he has continued to practice his profession, not interfer- 
ing in political affairs except to preserve the integrity of his 
inherent ideas with the vigor of his palmier days, opposing 



HifSTUliY or INDIANA. 251> 

wliatever lie conceives to be wrong in civil and political affairs. 
In personal appearance. Dr. Fitch is a remarkable specimen of 
jiliysical manhood, havinf;- a well knit frame and a courtly dig- 
nity which bespeaks the polislied gentleman. In his prime he 
appeared a knight among men, and while a member of the 
United States senate, is said to have been the finest looking 
man of that body. 

David Turpie was born in Hamilton connty, Ohio, in 1829, 
graduated at Kenyon college, studied law, and began practice 
at Logansport, Ind., in 1849. He was a member of the legis- 
lature in 1852, was a^^iointed judge of the court of common 
pleas in 1854, and of thv^ circuit court in 185(5, which post he 
resigned. He was again a member of the state house of rep- 
resentatives in 185<). and was elected to the United States sen- 
ate from Indiana, as a democrat, in place of Jesse D. Bright, 
who had been expelled, serving from .January 22, to March .3, 
180:]. Xeairly twenty-four years afterwa/rd he was again 
called on by his party to represent them in the senate, to >vhich 
body he was elected by the Indiana legislature, at the session 
of 1886-7, after a memorable struggle. His opponent was Ben- 
jamin Harrison, afterward elected president, and he was de- 
feated by the votes of one or two independents in the legisla- 
ture, who held the balance of power between the two great 
parties, which were almost equally divided in voting strength 
among the members. Mr. Turpie enjoys the reputation of be- 
ing one of the ablest constitutional lawyers in Indiana, and is 
also graded high as a man of literary attainments. 

Daniel D. Pratt was burn at Palermo, Maine, October 24, 
1813, and died at Logansport. Ind., June 17, 1877. His father 
was a physician and the son of David Pratt, a revolutionary 
scldier. of Berkshire county. Massachusetts. Mr. Pi-att's early 
years were years of excessive toil, necessitated by the circum- 
stances of his father's family. His early education was acquired 
in the district schools of Madison county, X. Y., and in 182." he 
entered the seminary at ('azenovia. that state, and two years 
later entered Hamilton college, from which he graduated in 
1831. He was a natural orator, and as a classical scholar was 
rarely excelled. Immediately after graduating he accepted 
a professorship in Madison univer.sity, and with the means thus 
earned began the study of law'. In the spring of 183i, he de- 
cided to move west. Accordingly he set out for Cincinnati, 
making a part of the jotirney on foot, and later made his way 
to Rising Sun, Ind.. where he taught a term of school. Subse- 



260 HISTORY OP INDIANA. 

quently he entered the hiw oflBce of Calvin Fletcher, at Indian- 
aptJis, and in 183(5 located in Logansport, at tiiat time a mere 
opening in the wilderness. The bright promises of his early 
youth were soon fully realized, for no sooner was he admitted 
to the bar than he rapidly roSc" in his profession, and in a few 
years the fame of the eloquent joung advocate resounded 
throughout northern Indiana. He was one who never courted 
notoriety, but he made himself a necessity in the field of ac- 
tion, and it was often a race between litigants to see who could 
reach his office first. At the time of his election to the I'nited 
States senate in 18()9, he was recognized as the ablest lawyer in 
northern Indiana, and his fame was not confined to this state 
alone, but extended throughout the western country. For 
twenty-five years he was without a rival in northern Indiana, 
before a jury. Gov. Hendricks and Secretary Thompson di 
vided the palm with him in the south and west parts of the 
state. His eminent merits were recognized, and in 1847 he 
was nominated for congress, but was defeated by ( "harles Oath 
cart. In 1848, he was one of the presidential electors, and in 
1851-53 was elected to the legislature, and soon became the 
leader in the house. In 18(i0 he was secretary of the national 
convention at Chicago, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for 
the presidency, and attracted great attention by his eloquence 
and commanding presence. During the war Mr. Pratt was a 
zealous and patriotic advocate of the Union cause. In 1803 
he received the unanimous vote of his party, then in the minor- 
ity, for United States senator, and in 18GS was elected to con- 
gress by a handsome majority. In 18fl8 the legislature with 
out solicitation on his part, pioinoled him to the United States 
senate. It was unfortunate that he entered that body so late in 
life, as he was then fifty-six years of age, and with the excep- 
tion of two terms in the state legislature was without public 
training. The artificial restraints thrown around him in the 
national capital disgusted him, and interfered with his splendid 
oratorical powers. As it was, however, he was recognized as 
one of the ablest men of that body during t\lie period of his ser- 
vice, and although he made but few sjieeches,, those he delivered 
were sound, logical and comprehensive. For six years he was 
a member of both claim and pension committees, and for two 
years was chairman of the pension committee. Millidns of 
dollars were allowed and disallowed on his recommendaiion. 
So conscientious was he that Wendell Phillips once remarked 
that "Pratt is the most absolutely honest man I ever knew."' 
T'pon the expiration of his term as senator, at the solicitation, 
of President Grant, he took charge of th.e internal revenue de- 



HISTORY OP' IXDIAjS'A. 261 

partment. In 187G, the republicans urged Mr. Pratt to become 
a candidate for governor of the state, but he declined. I'er- 
sonally Mr. I'ratt was one of the most cheerful and genial of 
men, and in his social life, and in all his associations, shed an 
influence around him which was like sunshine. Although he 
never sought literary honors, his talents could not pass unaj*- 
preciated, and in 1872 Hamilton college conferred upon hiin 
the honorary degree of LL. D. In appearance he was above 
the average height, being over six feet, and correspondingly 
portly. His presence was dignified and he moved among men 
as one born to command. In his death the nation lost one of 
its faithful public servants, the state a great man. the legal 
profession one of its ablest members and the community one 
of its best citizens. 

Joseph E. McDonald was born in Butler county. Ohio, Au- 
gust 29, 1819, the son of John McDonald, a native of Tennsyl- 
vania, and of iScotch descent. Maternally, Mr. McDonald is 
descended from French Huguenot ancestry. His mother, 
Eleanor (Piatt) McDonald, was a native of I'ennsylvania and a 
woman of superior order of intellect. Seven years after the 
death of John ^McDonald, she married -Tohn Kerr, who moved 
with his family to Montgomery county, Ind.. in the fall of lS2r>. 
Joseph McDonald was seven years of age when the family 
moved to Indiana, and until his twelfth year he lived upon tlie 
home farm. In his twelfth year he became an apprentice at 
the saddlei''s trade in Lafayette, in which ca])acity he served 
over five years, studying law in the meantime, for which he 
early manifested a decided taste. At the age of eighteen he 
entered Wabash college, began the study of the higher 
branches, supporting himself mainly by ]ilying his trade when 
it was possible for him to do so. He afterward became a stu- 
dent in the Asbury university, and in 1S42 began the systematic 
study of law at Lafayette, Ind.. in the ottice of Zebulnn Beard, 
one of the leading lawyers of the state. He was nominated 
for the oflice of prosecuting attorney before his admission to 
the bar, and was elected to that position over one of the prom- 
inent lawyers of Lafayette. He was re-elected prosecutor, and 
discharged the duties of that office for a period of four years. 
In the fall of 1S47, he moved to Crawfordsville, which place 
was his home until 1859. In 1849 he was elected from tlie old 
eighth district, to the twenty-first congress, and served onp 
term, and in 18ofi was elected attorney general of Indiana, being 
the first chosen to this office by the people. He was re-elected 
in 18.58, and served two terms. In 1801 he was nominated for 



2U2 HISTOKY OF IXDI.AiXA. 

governor of Indian;! by the democratic state convention, and 
made a joint canvass with Oliver 1'. Morton, the republican 
nominee. At the election he received 6.000 more votes for 
governor than the state ticket did in 1802, but Mr. Morton was 
elected by nearly 20,000 votes. Throughout his entire life he 
has strictly adhered to his resolution to follow the law and 
make a success of the profession, and as a lawyer he has for 
years i*anked among the most successful and profound in the 
nation. He was elected to the United States senate for six 
years, to succeed David D. Pratt, and entered upon the duties 
of that position March 5, 1875. While a member of that body 
he was chairman of the committee on public lands, a member 
of the judiciary committee, took a conspicuous part in the de- 
bates on finance, and ranked as one of the ablest lawyers in 
that body of distinguished men. He served with distinction 
until 1881, since which time he has given his attention princi- 
pally to the practice of his profession, though taking an active 
part in political affairs, being one of the recognized leaders of 
the democracy in the United States. He made the principal 
argument for the objectors in the count of the electoral vote of 
Louisiana before the electoral commission appointed to deter- 
mine the result of the presidential election in 1876. In the na- 
tional democratic convention, held in Phicago, in 1884, 'Mr. Mc- 
Donald's name was presented as a candidate for the presiden- 
tial nomination, and he had a strong following in the delega- 
tions from other states. He was always a representative demo- 
crat of the Jelfersonian school, r.nd believed that the true idea 
of democracy is to preserve unimpaired, all the rights reserved 
to the states respectively, and to the people, without infringing 
upon any of the powers delegated to the general government 
by the constitution. "He believes in the virtue of the people, 
and in their ability and purpose to maintain their institutions 
inviolate against the assaults of designing men." "As an 
orator, both at the bar and on the hustings, he is cool, logi'^al 
and forcible, and as a citizen, he has the confidence and re- 
spect of all who know him. regardless of political creeds." 
"His views are broad and comprehensive on all questions of 
public interest, and his steadfastness of purpose, his lionest de- 
sire of accomplishing what is best for the people, have gi\en 
him a home in their hearts and won for him the greatest honors 
they had to bestow." 

Daniel W. Voorhees was born in Butler county. Ohio. Sep- 
tember 26, 1827, and was bronght to Indiana by his parents 
when two months old. The family settled in Fountain county. 



HI8TO]tY OF I.XDIANA. 203 

wlii'i't' ill". Voorhees grew to manhood on a farm about ten 
iiiilcs from the town of ("ovinytou. Jiis father, Stephen Voor- 
hees. was a native of Mercer county, Ky., and a descendant of 
an old llolhtud family, many representatives of whit'h were 
eai'Iy settk-rs of tlie eastern states in the time of the cohiuies. 
His mother was Rachel (T^lliot) Voorhees, born in Maryland of 
Irish ancestry, and married Stephen Voorhees in the year 1821. 
The early farm experience of 'Mr. Voorhees proved of great 
vahie to him in after life, and served to bind him in ties of sym- 
pathy with the common people. He gi'aduated from the As- 
bury, now DePauw. university, at Greencastle, in 184!), and 
soon afterward entered the law office of Lane and Wilson,. 
Crawfordsville, and on his admission to the bar, began the 
practice of his profession at Covington, Fountain county, 
where he soon effected a co-partnership with Hon. E. A. Han- 
negan, in 1832. In June, 1853, Mr. Voorhees was appointed 
by Gov. Wright, prosecuting attorney of the circuit court, in 
which position he soon established a fine reputation as a crim- 
inal lawyer. In 1856 he was nominated by acclamation, dem- 
ocratic candidate for congress, but was defeated by 230 ma- 
jority in a district previously republican, bv 2,600. In 1857 
he removed to Terre Haute, and the following year was ap- 
pointed United States district attorney for the state of In- 
diana, by President Buchanan. He was elected to congress 
in 1860 and 1802, and in 1864 was again a successful candidate, 
but in tlie last election his majority of 0?>4 votes was contested 
by his competitor, Henry D. Washburn, who obtained the seat. 
He was again elected in 18(i8. re-elected in 1870, but in 1872" 
was defeated by Hon. Morton C. Hunter. In 1850 Mr. Voor- 
hees was retained as counsel to defend Col. Cook, who was ar- 
I'ested with John Bro\\'n, as an accomplice of the latter iji the 
celebrated Harper's Feriw raid, and his sjieech at the trial was 
one of the greatest ever delivered bfore an American jury, and 
it gained him a national reputation. It was listened to with 
rapt attention by a vast audience, and was afterward published 
all over the country, and in Europe in different languages. 
Mr. Voorhees was appointed Xovember 6, 1877, to succeed Gov. 
Morton in the United States senate, and has served by suc- 
cessive re-elections in that distinguished body until the present 
time. From his entrance into jiublic life he has occupied a 
conspicuous place in the eyes of the public, and at the bar, on 
the stump or in the halls of national legislation, he has been a 
man of mark. His powers as a parliamentary orator and a 
statesman are a portion of the history of the nation, and as a 
party leader few if any have exercised as great an influence 



2*ii HISTUKY OF INDIANA. 

uiion the people of Indiana as he. "From the sobriquet of the 
Tall Sycamore of the Wabash, so often applied to hiin, it will 
be inferred that he is of tall stature, which is the case, as he is 
over six feet in height and weighs over 200 pounds. He car- 
ries hiiusflf erect, and his commanding presence and dignified 
bearing make him a conspicuous figure in the senate chamber." 
During his term of service in the senate he has been assiduous 
in his attention to the public needs. He is always present and 
allows no measure of his political opponents to pass without 
the severest scrutiny, and with him vigilance is the price of 
liberty. 

Benjamin Harrison, one of the ablest and most successful of 
Indiana's party leaders, and the onlj' one that has succeeded in 
reaching the presidency, was born in North Bend, Ohio, August 
20, 1833. His father was John Beott, brother of President 
William Henry Harrison. The future senator and president 
was graduated at Miami university, Ohio, in 18.52, studied law, 
and in 1851 removed to Indianapolis, where he has since re- 
sided. In 1862 he entered the army as a second lieutenant of 
volunteers. After a short service he organized a company of 
the Seventieth Indiana regiment, was commissioned colonel on 
the completion of the regiment, and served through the war, 
receiving the brevet of brigadier-general of volunteers on Jan- 
uary 23, 18(i5. He then returned to Indianajiolis and resumed 
his office of supreme court reporter, to which he had been re- 
elected during his absence, in 18()-lr. In 187(5, Godlove S. Ortlie, 
the republican nominee for governor of Indiana, was compelled 
to withdraw from the race on account of his connection with 
what was known as the "Venezuela claims," and the nomina- 
tion was unanimously offered to Gen. Harrison. He accepted re- 
luctantly, made a gallant race against heavy odds, but was de- 
feated by "Blue Jeans'" Williams by a small plurality. The re- 
publicans obtaining a. majority in the legislature in 1880, Gen. 
Harrison was unanimously nominated and elected by his party 
to the I'nited States senate, in which body he served from 
March 4, 1881, until :\Iarch 1, 1887. He was defeated for re- 
election after a bitter struggle, by a majority of two votes on 
joint ballot in the legislature, and to this circumstance, was 
largely due his subsequent nomination for the presidency. At 
the national repu])lican convention held in Phicago in June, 
1888, after a protracted and exciting struggle, the great prize 
was awarded to the Indiana politician and soldier, over a host 
of distinguished competitors. At the subsequent election in 
November of that vear. Gen. Harrison was successful over his 



HIST01l:^ OF INDIANA. 205 

competitor, Grover Cleveland, and was inaugurated president 
of the United States on the 4th of Mareli, 1SS9. 

Dr. David J. Jordan. — The above named gentleman is one of 
tlu' most prominent of that coterie of scientific writers who 
have done so mucli to attract attention to the pliysical re- 
sources of Indiana. For m;mv years Prof. Jordan has been 
president of the state university. He was educated at Cornell 
nuiversity, and afterward studied biology under the famous 
Agassiz, in his celebrated summer school (m T'enikese island. 
Coming west Prof. Jordan taught his specialty in the univer- 
sity of Wisconsin. Indianapolis high school, Itutler nni\ersity 
and finally the Indiana university, of which his talents event- 
ually made him president. Prof. Jordan devott'd most of his 
attention for many years to the study of the habits and classi- 
fication of the fishes of North America. On this subject he has 
published over 200 papers, besides a large work which has lie- 
conie a standard authority on ichthyology. In enthusiastic 
pursuit of his favorite study. Dr. Jordan made a fine and ex- 
tensive collection of nearly ten thousand specimens of fishes, 
reptiles and birds, but unfortunately these were all destroyed 
hy a disastrous fire in 18S3. With characteristic energy he set 
to work to rei)air the damage, and soon had a better collection 
than ever. He has been a voluminous writer on scientific sub- 
jects; the greater part being devoted to his specialty, thr fishes 
of the western states. He has gathered around him at IJloom- 
ington, a school of students who have grown up under his can^, 
im'bibed his tastes, and greatly assisted him in his scientific 
researches. The result of their conjoint labors and writings 
has been to make the state university the center and authority 
on subjects relating to biological work. 

Prof. John Collett, the most distinguished of Indiana geolo- 
gists, is a native of this state, having bet-n born in ^'eruiillion 
county in 1828 and gradua.ted at Wabash college in 1847. He 
has taken an active part in pnliti<'s, having been state senator. 
state house commissioner, state statistician and state geologist. 
But his chief fame and his chief claim upon the gratitude of 
his state, are based upon his work as a scientist. Prof. Col- 
lett's life has been studious, useful and laborious. He has de- 
voted most of his time to the study of the geology of Indiana, 
and has done more than any other person to make known the 
natural resources of the state, especially to advertise to the 
wci'ld the value of its coal measures and stone quarries. 
Chiefiy through his efforts, the building stone of Indiana has 



liGti HISTOKV OF INDIANA. 

been introduced to commerce, and is now used extensively for 
the construction of public buildings in all parts of the I'nion. 
He i)roved its superiority by a series of tests. From 1880 to 
1884, he was state gcolosist, and for many years previously, 
had served as an ass sta it in that office, to whicli he contributed 
his most earnest labor and the riches of his well stored mind. 
In 1884, he publislied the first and best geological map of the 
state ever issued, and has written voluminously on all subjects 
relating to the geology of the state. There is not a county he 
has nut visited and studied, nor one with whose geological his- 
tory, dating far back into the dim twilight of the prehistoric 
periods, lie Ls not so familiar as to be able to trace and read 
lilve an open book. Prof, (^ollett belongs to that useful class 
of citizens which, while not obtaining the passing applause and 
glittering fame tliat is conferred upon the politician in high 
office, confer more lasting benefits upon manlcind, and are of 
more actual value to a state tlian all its politicians ])ut together. 
Indiana needs more John Colletts and fewer "statesuum" of 
the Col. Mulberry Sellers and Senator Dillworthy type. 

Maurice Thompson. — There is no more picturesque personal- 
ity in the Hoosier state than the poet, naturalist, essayist, 
story writer and publicist, whose name heads this sketch. A 
native of the soutli, he possesses all the frankness, ardor, 
geniality of disposition and fervent feelings so characteristic 
of the warm latitudes. His home, however, since the war has 
been in Indiana, with whose institutions and peo])le he has be- 
come thoroug'hly identified. Mr. Thompson's tastes are lit- 
erary, and his occupation and fame lie in that direction, but 
occasionally he takes an excursive flight into politics, more by 
way of diversion than otherwise. He has served one or two 
terms as member of the lower honse of the legislature, and one 
term also as state geologist by appointment of G-ov. Gray. He 
prefers, however, to wander over the fields and woodlands, 
watcliing the habits of birds, and studying nature in all her 
varying moods. On these subjects he writes most entertain- 
ingly in stories, in poems, and in magazine essays. He is a 
born naturalist and is never so hajipy as when studying the in- 
terestiug flora and fauna of his adopted state. He views na- 
ture with the eye of an artist, and describes her charms with 
the heart of a poet. One of his books covering tliese subjects, 
entitled "Sylvan Secrets," is as charming as an Arabian tnle. 
"Tlie Eed-head Family" is a bird sketcli of the most delightful 
description, in which the imaginings of a i>oet, and the word 
painting of an artist are mingled with, and give color to, orni- 



HISTORY OF INDI.tN'A. ~iit 

tliolojiical information of the most exact kind because gatliered 
by a student of natui-e in actual contact with what he describes. 
Bird song, nest buildinj;-, bird anatomy, the loves, hates, trials 
and habits of the songsters of the grove, are themes which this 
poet-naturalist has enriched with the appreciation of a Tho- 
reau, and the descriptive powers of a (ioldsmith. One of his 
articles, a gem of its kind, describes the habits of the mock- 
ing-bird in his native southern haunts. Mr. Thompson says, 
what is not generally known, that llie mocker sometimes sings 
as it flies, after the manner of the skylark, and he dwells at 
length, on one of these "descending songs,"' which tlie mocker 
poured forth as he fluttered on ecstatic wing from branch to 
branch, and finally by slow degrees, to the earth where he fell 
exhausted with the efforts to produce his own exquisite melody. 
Mr. Thompson is a voluminous magazine writer and covers a 
wide variety of topics with unflagging ability. He is a con- 
spicuous member of that galaxy of literary stars who have shed 
such lustre upon Indiana since the war period, and contributed 
so much to give her high rank in the world of letters. 

James Whitcomb Riley. — Some fifteen or twenty years ago, 
there commenced to appear in various pajiers of Indiana, po^ms 
in dialect, relating to homely phases of human life and ii.uch- 
ing 0:1 those domestic topics that are common to every fireside. 
At first they only attracted the attention of a few, but by de 
grees, their fame spread as they were more and more appre- 
ciated, an8 people began to en(iuire tlie author of such pieces 
as "The Old Bwimmin' Hole," "TMien the Frost is on the Pun- 
kin and the Fodder's in the Shock," "The Flying Islands" and 
other gems, the characteristics of which were a gentle humor, 
always accompanied by a rich vein of tenderest pathos. 
I'sually tliese poems purported to be written by "Mr. Johnson, 
of Boone,'' or some other bucolic individual unknown to fame. 
Most of them were publi.shed in the various newspapers edited 
by the late G-eorge C. Harding, himself a universal genius of 
the first water, and always in sympathy with rising literary 
talent which he did more than any other newspaper proprietor 
of the state, to foster and dmelop. By degrees it leaked out 
that the authoi' of the ]>opular dialect pnenis was none other 
than James TMiitcomb Riley, a young man of Hancock county, 
who from the nide life of a fanner boy, found himself drifting 
irresistibly into rh;^^ne. like the noted Mr. Wegg. In the course 
of time, ]Mr. Riley's fugitive pieces were collected and pub- 
lished in a volume, which was succeeded at intei'vals, by others 
of a similar tenor, all of which were warmly welcomed and 



268 HlSTUliY OF INDIANA. 

generally read by lovers of that kind of verse which deals with 
lowly human nature, and as it comes from the heart of the 
writei-, goes directly to the hearts of the readers. Soon Mr. 
Kiley had a state reputation, and was welcomed everywhere 
with affection as the typical "Hoosier Poet." It was not until 
the national meeting of authors in New York, in the winter 
of lS8(i-'S7, that Riley's fame spread across the state lines and 
extended to boundaries that are touched by the two great 
oceans. The select critics of literature in the east fell easy 
victims to his genial personal address and platform ability, and 
when the meeting adjonrned, Mr. Riley was by general con- 
sent, placed high up on the temple of fame, alongside of the 
most popular ^Vmerican poets. After that, he figured couspic- 
uonsly on the lecture platform, as a reciter of his poems, and 
has been much songiht after for concert and lyceuni work. Mr. 
Riley is a distinctive Hoosier product and his poems are rich 
with the flavor of the soil from which their author sprang. He 
has done much to give Indiana high rank in the literary world, 
and for this, as well as for the intrinsic merits of his com- 
positions, enjoys a. warm place in the hearts of his fellow citi- 
zens of the Hoosier state. 

Lewis Wallace. — Though a soldier of distinction in two wars, 
it is not as a military man that Gen. Wallace has achieved his 
principal fame. It has been rather with the pen than the sword 
he has conquered, and no Indianian has carved his name so high 
on the literai'y temple as the distinguished snbject of this 
sketch. A son of Gov. David Wallace, he was born in Brook- 
ville, Ind., April 10, 1S27. He received a common school educa- 
tion and was studying law when the Mexican war roused him 
from hi-i reveries. He served in that war with credit as a first 
lieutenant, and at its close resumed his profes.sion in the 
cities of Covington and Crawfords\il]e, Ind. He served a term 
of four years in the state sim.-ite, but never took kindly to iwl- 
itics. At the breaking out of the civil war. he was appointed 
adjutant general of Indiana, soon after becoming colonel of 
the Eleventh Indiana volunteers, with which he served in West 
Virginia, participating in the capture of Eomney and the ejec- 
tion of the enemy from Harper's Ferry. He became a briga- 
dier-general of volunteers, in the fall of ISOl, led a division at 
the capture of Fort Donelson, and displayed such ability as to 
receive a major-general's commission in the following spring. 
He participated conspicuously in the fated field of Shiloh. In 
180-4 he was assigned to the command of the middle depart- 
ment, with headquarters at Baltimore, Md., with 3,800 men. 



HlS'l'DKY OP INDIANA. 269' 

He marched to the banks of the Monociicy. and there offered 
battle to the overwhelmiug forces of Gen. Jubal A. Early, who, 
with 28,000 men, was marching triumphantly upon the na- 
tional capital. On the afternoon of the 9th of July, hard by 
the railroad bridge that spans the Monocacy near Frederick, 
Md., was fought one of the bloodiest engagements of the war. 
in proportion to the number engaged. Gen. Wallace was en- 
trenched behind stone fences that stretched along the heights 
near the bridge and at right angles with the river. McCaus- 
land's cavalry, which led the vanguard of Early's army, crossed 
the stream and made a vigorous assault upon Wallace's lines, 
but after a spirited and bloody engagement, they were forced 
to retreat, but took up and held a position in the rear. Soon 
thereafter a long line of infantry was seen fording the Mo- 
nocacj", and filing right under cover of hills and trees, to a po- 
sition in front of Gen. Wallaces center. These troops were 
the famous "Stonewall brigade,'' formerly made immortal by 
Jackson, but now consolidated ■\\ ith other seasoned veterans, 
into a division commanded by Major General John C. Breckin 
ridge. They deployed and were ordered to advance directly 
to the assault of Gen. Wallace's main position. The onset 
was furious and the fatalities on both sides, many hundreds in 
a few minutes. The Union troops resisted stubbornly, but 
were finally forced to give way, and the hundreds of dead 
bodies observable on the field after tlie fight, showed how 
bravely they had endeavored to stem the tide of invasion. 
Though defeated. Gen. Wallace and his troops had accom- 
plished the important duty of delaying Early until reinforce- 
ments could reach Wai-hington. Gen. Wallace was second 
member of the court that tried the assassins of Lincoln and 
president of that which convicted Wirz of the Andersonville 
prison horrors. In 1878 Gen. Wallace was governor of Utah 
and served from 1881 to '85 as minister to Turkey. He has 
lectured extensively and is one of the most popular of the plat- 
form speakers of the day. His chief fame, however, rests upon 
Ids authorship of the religio-historical novel, "Ben Hur: a Tale 
of the Christ," of which over 290,000 have been sold without di- 
minution in the demand. It ha.s already become an American 
classic, and takes fi-ont rank among the imaginative works of 
the world. Other popular works by Gen. Wallace are, "The 
Fair God." a story of the conquest of Mexico, '1i\fe of Benja- 
min Harrison" and "The Boyhood of Christ." No other In- 
dianian has done so much to give his state high rank in the 
field of polite literature. 



270 HISTORY OF INDIANA, 

Scliujler Colfax, statt^sman, and vice piesident of the United 
States, was born in the city of New York, March 23, 1S23. His 
grandfather, Cren. Wiliiaiii Colfax, was a native of Connecticut, 
and served with distinction in the war of American independ- 
ence. His father died before liis son's birth, as did also a sister, 
tind thus he became the only child of his widowed mother. The 
early years of Mr. Colfax were spent in his native city, where 
he attended the public schools and afterward became clerk in 
a store. In 1830 he came to Indiana, and located at Xew Car- 
lisle. St. Joseph county, where he again entered a store as 
-clerk, and in 1841, he became a resident of South Bend, in 
«hich city he subsequently received the appointment of deputy 
auditor. In 1842 he was active in organizing a temperance so- 
ciety at South Bend, and continued a total abstainer through- 
out his lif&. At this time he reported the proceedings of the 
state senate for the IndiaiiapoHn Jniinial, and in 1844 en- 
tered the political arena as a public speaker for Henry Clay. 
In 1845 he became editor and proprietor of the »S'f. Joseph 
\'(iU( ji Rcf/istcr, of which he was also founder, and he contin- 
iii'd its publication for a period of eighteen years. He was 
secretary of the Chicago harbor and river convention in 1847, 
and in 1848 was elected secretary of the national whig conven- 
tion, at Baltimore, which nominated Cen. Zachary Taylor for 
the presidency. He was a member of the Indiana constitu- 
tional convention of 1850, and in 1851 received the whig nomi- 
nation for congress. His opponent was Hon. Graham N. Fitch, 
an able politician and a fine speaker, with whom he engaged in 
a joint canvass, during which the two men traveled over a 
thousand miles and held over 70 discussions. The district was 
strongly democratic, yet Mr. Colfax was defeated by only 200 
Totes. In 1852 he was a delegate to the national convention 
which nominated Gen. Scott for the presidency, and in 1854, 
was elected to the Thirty-fourth congress, by the memorable 
majority of 1,770 votes, although the same district in previous 
years gave a democratic majority of 1.200. In 1858 he was 
again triumphantly elected to congress, and served as a mem- 
ber of that body by successive elections until 1860. He was 
elected speaker of the house in December, 1863, and on April 
8th of the following year, he descended from the chair to move 
the expulsion of ^Ir. Long, of Ohio, who had made a speech 
favoring the recognition of the southern confederacy. The 
resolution was afterward changed to one of censure, and Mr. 
Colfax's action was generally sustained by Union men. On 
the convening of the Thirty-ninth congress, ilr. Colfax was 
again elected speaker by 139 votes, his opponent, Mr. Brooks, 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 271 ' 

of New York, receiviug but thirty-six. March. 4, 1867, he was 
for the third time chosen speaker, and his skill as a presiding 
officer, often shown under very trying circumstances, gained 
the applause of both friends and political opponents. In ^lay, 
186S, the republican national convention at Chicago, nomi- 
nated him on the Jlrst ballot for vice president, Gen. Grant be- 
ing the presidential nominee, and the ticket ha\ing been .uic- 
cessful, he took his seat as pr^rsident of the senate, March i. 
1869. In August, 1871, the president olfered hiui the position 
of secretary of state, for the remainder of his term, but he de- 
clined. In 1872 he was prominently meutioned as a presiden- 
tial candidate, and the same year he refused the editorship of 
the Xew York Tribune. "In 1873. Mr. Colfax was implicated 
in the charges of corruption brought against members of con- 
gress who had received shares in the credit mobilier of Amer- 
ica. Tiie house committee reported that there was no ground 
for his impeachment, as the alleged offense, if committed at all, 
was committed before he became vice president." "He denied 
llie tiutli of the charges and his friends have always regarded 
hi' character as irreproachable." His latter years were spent 
mostly in retirement at his home in South Bend, and in deliv- 
ering public lectures, which he fretpiently did before large 
audiences. The most popular of his lectures was that on "Lin- 
coln and Garfield." He died at Mankato, Minn., January 13, 
1885. 

Bobert Dale Owen was the son of Robert J. Owen, a cele- 
brated English reformer, who was born in 1771 and died in 
1858. He was born near Glasgow, Scotland, Xovember 7, 1801, 
and after receiving a liberal education in his native country, 
came to tlie United States in 1823, and settled at Xew Har- 
mony, Posey county, Ind. In ISi's, in jiartuership with ^frs. 
Frances Wright, he began the publication of a paper called 
the Free Enquirer, which made its psu-iodical visits about three 
years. He afterward moved to Xew Harmony, Ind., where \\v 
was three times elected to the Indiana legislature, and in 1843 
was elected to congress, in which body he served until 1847, 
having been re-elected in 184.5. "Wlien in congress he took a 
prominent part in the settlement of tlie northwest boundary 
dispute, and also was largely instrumental in establishing the 
Smithsonian institute at Washington, of which he becauu^ one 
rtf the regents, and served on the building committee. He 
was a delegate to the constitutional convention in 1850, and no 
one bore a more pnuuinent part in the deliberations of that 
body fliao he. In 1853 he was appointed charge iT affaircfi at 



272 IIISTOKY OK INDIANA. 

Naples, and in 1855 was minister at Naples, holding the posi- 
tion until 1858. During tlie civil war he was a firm supporter 
of the I'nion, and one of the first to advocate the emancipa- 
tion of the slaves. Mr. Owen was a firm believer in the doc- 
trines of spii-itualism, and was fearless in his advocacy of the 
same. He inherited the communistic notions of his father, 
who had failed in numerous attempts to carry the system into 
practical operation, and he also signally failed in his attempts 
to accoui])lisli a similar purpose. His scholastic attainments 
were of the highest order, and he possessed a mind well stored 
with genei'al knowledge. He was indeed a man of trallsc^■ud- 
ent ability and may justly be regarded as one of the greatest, 
as well as one of the best men Indiana has ever claimed. He 
contributed largely to the literature of his day, and the follow- 
ing is a partial list of his best known works: "Moral Physi- 
ology," "Disciission with Original P.aclielor on the Personal- 
ity of God, and the Authenticity of the Bible," "Hints on Pub- 
lic Architecture," "Footfalls on the Boundaries of Another 
World," "The Wrong of Slavery and the Right of Emancipa- 
tion." "Beyond the Breakers," a novel, "The Debatabh^ I-and 
Between this World and the Next," "Treading My Way." an 
autobiography. Mr. Owen departed this life at Lake George, 
N. Y., January 24, 1877, aged seventy-six years. 

Richard W. Thompson, ex-secretary of the navy, is a native 
of Virginia, born in Culpepper county, June 0, 1809. In the fall 
of 1831 he emigrated to Indiana, and taught school in the town 
of BeJfoi'd, afterward establishing the Lawrence county sem- 
inary, which he conducted about one year. Abandoning school 
work he embarked in the mercantile business in Lawrence 
county, and while thus engaged began the study of law. He 
was admitted to the bar in 1S.'U. and the same year he was 
elected a member of the Indiana legislature, in which body he 
not only displayed gi-eat ability and foresight, but was also in- 
strumental in shaping mucli imi>oftant legislation. In ls:'>8, he 
was returned to the house, and the following year was cliosen 
state senator, of which he was president pro trnipnre on the oc- 
casion of the resignation of Lieut. Gov. Wallace. In 1841 he 
was elected to the United States congress over Hon. John W. 
Davis, but declined a renomination to the same position, and in 
1843 removed to Terre Haute, in which city he has since re- 
sided. He was a presidential elector on the Hari'ison ticket in 
1840, zealously suppoivting Gen. Harrison in public speeches, 
and by his pen, and was a defeated candidate for elector on the 
Clay ticket in 1844. In 1847 he was again elected to congress 



mSTOKY Ol'^ INDIANA 



273 



by tlie whig- party, and becaim- prominc^nt in national legisla- 
tion dui'iug tliis term, but at its expiration retired from pnblic 
life. In 1849 he was appointed United States minister to Aus- 
tria, by Gen. Taylor, but declined to accept the honor, and was 
also tendered several otlier appointments by the general gov- 
erament, all of which he saw fit to refuse. During the war for 
tlie Fnion he was active and rendered valuable service to his 
country, was commandant of Camp Dick Thompson, near Terre 
Haute, and also strvtd as provost marshal of the district. He 
was again a presidential elector on the republican ticket in 
lSfi-4, and a delegate to the national conventions of that party 
in 1S7S, and 187G, in the latter of which he nominated Oliver 
r. Jlorton for the presidency. In 18G7-0 he was judge of the 
eigliteenth cii'cuit of tlie state, and on March 12, 1877, he en- 
tered President Hayes's cabinet as secretary of the navy. He 
seiwed nearly through the administration, but resigned the po- 
sition in 1881. to become chairman of the .\inericiin committee 
of the Panama Canal Company, ilr. Thompson has written 
many political platfiivms. and obtained a reputation for his 
ability in foi-mulating party principles. He is an eloquent and 
effective speaker, and a man of benevolence and unassuming 
manners. 

Col. Francis Vigo, whose name is prominently identified with 
the early history of Indiana, was born in tiie kingdom of Sar- 
dinia in 1740, and died at Vincennes. Ind., in 1830. Until 1778 
he was a resident of the Spanish port of St. Louis, where, as an 
Indian trader, he acquired the title of the "Spanish Merchant.'' 
He removed to Vincennes a shoit time previous to its capture 
by Gen. George Bogers Clark, whom he was instrumental in 
assisting, foi- which he was afterward arrested by the British 
as a spy. In the Illinois campaigns of 1778 and 1779, Col. Vigo 
rendered valuable service to the amiy of Clark, by advancing 
large sums of money for food and clothing. Through his pa- 
ti'iotism and self-sacrifice, he served the army and gave victory 
to the cause of the colonies in the west. He was made com- 
mandant of the militi.a of Vincennes in 1790, and in 1810 was 
one of Gen. Harrison's confidential missengers to the Indians. 
His name will ever be associated with the early history of the 
AVabash valley. 

John W. Davis, one of Indiana's most noted public men. wa.s 

born in Cumberland county. Penn., July 17. 1799, and died in 

18.^0. He was well educated and gradnated in medicine at 

Baltimore in 1821, shortlv afterward removing to Carlisle, Ind. 

18 



274 IllSTriRY OF INDIANA. 

He was soon embarked on a political career and graduated 
for the purpose in that universal and 2:)opular school, the 
state legislature. He served several years in that body, 
and was chosen sjieaker of the house in 1832. In 1834 he 
was appointed a commissioner to negotiate a treaty with 
the Indians. He was elected to congress by the demo- 
crats, and served from December 7, 1835, until March 3, 
1837, was re elected, and again served from 1839 until 1841, 
and from 1843 till 1847. During his last term he was 
speaker of the house of i-ejiresentatives, having been 
elected on December 1, 1845. He was United States com- 
missioner to China in 1848-'50, and governor of Oregon in 
1853-4. He presided over the convention held at Balti- 
more in 1852, that nominated Franklin Pierce for the presi- 
dency. Mr. Davis was a strong man and a party leader of 
long continued popularity and well recognized ability. He 
was also a decided feature of the list of self-made Indiana 
publicists. 

The present governor of Indiana scarcely needs an in- 
troduction to the people of his state. His political career 
is already familiar to them, so this will only be touched 
on, space being given to the facts of his earlier life. 

Fifty years ago in Bath county, Kentucky, Claude 
Matthews was born. His mother, Eliza A. Fletcher, came of 
an old and highly respected family, her father being Gen. 
Thomas Jefferson Fletcher, a Virginian, who served in the 
war of 1812. About the same time that Capt. Matthews 
went to Kentucky Gen. Fletcher left Virginia for the blue 
grass state, where he soon became one of her most promi- 
nent citizens. Thomas Matthews, Claude's father, was a 
union man during the war of the rebellion, though the 
greater part of his interests were in the south; but with 
the Scotch-Irish tenacity characteristic of his family re- 
mained true to his principles. 

During his earlier student days at Center college, Claude 
Matthews thought to adopt the law as his profession, but 
when he graduated, which was at twenty years of age, he 
decided to lead an agriculturist's life. While at Center 
college he renewed the acquaintance of Miss Martha Whit- 
comb, whom he had met some three years previous when 
taking some of his father's fine horses to Ohio for safety 
at the time of Morgan's raid, and this friendship finally 
culminated in marriage. James Whitcomb, father of Miss 
Martha, was governor of Indiana from 1843 to 1849 and 
was subsequently United States senator. 

Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Matthews 
settled on what is known as Hazel Bluff farm, one of the 
finest estates in Vermillion county, about fifteen miles north 
of Terre Haute. Here for ten years life passed smoothly 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 275 

and hapi^ily with the young couple and Mr Matthews be- 
came in every sense of the term a practical farmer. He 
was largely interested in live stock, more especially short 
horn and Jersey cattle, and was the moving spirit in sev- 
eral successful organizations both in the United States and 
Canada for the improvement of cattle. 

In the meantime children were growing up around him. 
Mary, the elder, is the wife of ex-State Senator E wing, and 
Helen, now a young lady, is at her home in Indianapolis. 
Seymour, the only son, died at the recent Atlanta expo- 
sition. 

It was not until 1876 that Claude Matthews took any part 
in politics. Then when absent from home, he was nomin- 
ated to represent his county in the general assembly. Ver- 
million county is strongly republican, and Mr. Matthews 
has always been a dyed-inthe-wool democrat, but so great 
was his personal popularity and the respect which he had 
won from all classes of citizens that" he carried the election 
by a large majority. At the end of the term Mr. Matthews 
returned home and expressed his intention of never again 
entering into politics. And so ten j'ears passed by in quiet 
life. But in 1890 the democrats of the state, desiring an 
able and strong man to head the state ticket as a candidate 
for secretary of state, sought farmer Claude Matthews and 
practically without any effort on his part nominated him 
for that high office. So well did he satisfy the require- 
ments of the office that two years later the democratic party 
of the state again looked to him and demanded that he 
accept the nomination for governor. This he did, and car- 
ried the state by the largest majority ever given to a can- 
didate for governor. 

In the administration of the public affairs with which he 
has been intrusted, Governor Matthews has shown at all 
times the broadest liberality consistent with the public good 
and the highest type of moral courage. He is a man of 
broad views and could not from any standpoint be called 
a one-idea man. He believes in the fullest discussion of 
all questions affecting his party and his country, and is 
ready at all times to give audience to these, whether the 
views ex]oressed agree with his or not. But in no sense is 
he a trimmer. He believes the best service any public 
official can render his party is to honestly, fearlessly and 
intelligently discharge the duties of the position to which 
his countrymen have elevated him. And this he has done 
so well in his administration that many of his friends urged 
his nonaination for the presidency at the recent Chicago 
convention, in which he received the enthusiastic support 
of his state. 

Claude Matthews is essentially a man of the people. His 



276 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

democracy is of the warp-and-woof of his character. His 
knowledge of men comes from close jaersonal contact with 
them. He is naturally sympathetic in a large degree, and 
this has drawn many to him and made them fast friends. 
He is a man of fine address, and his manners are dignified 
and engaging. 



PART III. 



FULTON COUNTY, 



iii-i 



INDEX TO PERSONAL SKETCHES. 



Agnew, Daniel 20 

Alexander, I. H 21 

Anderson, Robert 22 

Ault, Joseph F 22 

Aydelott, John 23 

Bailey, Lewis 24 

Bailey, S. P 24 

Bailey, William J 25 

Baker, M. A 26 

Barcus, George P 27 

Barger, Samuel J 27 

Barkdoll, Samuel A 28 

Barnett, Moses 29 

Barnhart, Henry A 30 

Barr, David O 31 

Baugher, W. H 31 

Bearss, Hon. George Russell ... 32 

Berry, Frank L 33 

Beyer, J. E 34 

Biddinger, Peter 35 

Bitters, Franklin Pierce 36 

Bitters, Major 36 

Black, John W 37 

Blacketor, Joshua 38 

Bowers, Abel F 39 

Brackett, Charles William 39 

Brackett, Lvman M .39 

Bright, David 42 

Brown, Dr. Angus 42 

Brown, William 43 

Bruce, Abraham 44 

Bruce, Benjamin 44 

Brugh, George W 45 

Brugh, James B 46 

Brumbaugh, Noah 46 

Brundige, George K 47 

Buchanan, Elmer Julian 47 

Buchanan, Peter Macklin 48 

Burch. Samuel 48 

Busenburg, Isaac 49 

Busenburg, Peter ,50 

Butler, William T 51 

Camerer, Jacob 52 

Campbell, Christopher 52 

Clayton, George W 53 

Clymer, Newton J., M. D 54 

Conner. Judge Isaiah 55 

Cook, E. B 56 

Cook, G. W 56 

Cook, Isaac H 57 

Cook, Oliver E 58 

Copien, M. V 59 

Costello, James 59 

Costello, John W GO 

Davidson, Hon. William H 61 

Deniston, William Henry 61 

Deweese, Asa W 62 



Downs, William 63 

Drake, H. S 63 

Dudgeon, Nathaniel 64 

Ely, Lewis 65 

Ellis, John H 67 

Ernsperger, F. M 67 

Essick, Hon. Michael L 68 

Fish. George Rinaldo 69 

Fry, John C 70 

Fuller, Judson M 70 

Fuller, Major 71 

Geier, George E 71 

Gibson, J. E., & Co 72 

Good, Isaac 73 

Goss, Emanuel 74 

Goss, William 75 

Gould, Vernon, M. D 76 

Gregson. George W 77 

Grelle, P. H 77 

Guise, Henry 78 

Hagan, John 79 

Haimbaugh, A. J 79 

Harter, Dr. C. F 80 

Heeter, William 81 

Henderson Bros. & Co 81 

Hendrickson, Jacob 82 

Hendrickson, Chrineyance 83 

Hendrickson, Isaac 83 

Hendrickson, Edwin R 84 

Hendrickson, Matthias 84 

Hill, Isaac C 85 

Hill, John G 85 

Holeman, Allen W 86 

Hosman, Dr. W. E 87 

Hutton, J. T 88 

Jackson, Charles 89 

Jones, Daniel 90 

Julian, Samuel W 90 

Katherman, Isaiah 92 

Keely, Samuel 93 

Kelly, Patrick 94 

Kesler, John 94 

Kessler, Isaac A 95 

Kilmer, Charles A 96 

King, John 97 

Kline, Francis M 98 

Kumler, John J 98 

Leavell, F. M 99 

Lidecker, N.J 100 

Long, Capt. H. C 100 

Loomis, William Mackey 101 

Lord, Rev. N. L 102 

Loring, Hon. Charles J., M. D.. 102 

Lough, Lewis M 104 

Lovatt, Thomas F 104 

Lowman, Silas 105 

Lowry, Robert S 106 



McMahan, John B 106 

Mackey, Horace C 107 

Mickey, Daniel 108 

Moore, Enoch M 109 

Moore, George 109 

Moore, William D 110 

Morris, Dr. J. M Ill 

Mow, Henry F 112 

Myers, Enoch 112 

Mvers, Jonas 113 

Nellans, Thomas 114 

Norris, Noah A. W 114 

Norris, W. V. S 115 

Overraeyer. B. F., M. D 116 

Pendleton, Arthur E 116 

Perschbacher, George 117 

Policy, Oliver C 118 

Rader, Philip 118 

Rannells, Alonzo L 119 

Rannells, William W 120 

Reid, Frank M 121 

Rentschler, George 121 

Ried, William P 122 

Robbins, Cyrus H 122 

Ruh, Alexander 123 

Russell, John P 123 

Sargent, Austin B 121 

Severns, J. R 125 

Shafer, Winfleld S., M. D 126 

Shelton. James Randolph 127 

Shetterly, John 128 

Shields, William Jay 129 

Sibel-t, D. W 130 



Slick, Bvron E 130 

Smith, Hon. Milo R 130 

Smith, Silas 131 

Stinson, Archibald 132 

Strackman, Daniel 133 

Studebaker, Jacob 1,33 

Surguy, Dr. A. B 134 

Taylor, John S 135 

Terry, Samuel P., M. D 135 

Tippy, E. B 136 

Tipton, Holmes L 137 

Toner, A. D 1.38 

Toner, John Henderson 139 

Townsend, Joel R 139 

Troutman, John E 140 

Urbin, Emanuel Joseph 140 

Vankirk, John W 141 

Wagner, Jackson 141 

Wagner, Noah 142 

Walsh, Kyran 142 

Ward, William A 143 

Washburn. E. P., M. D 144 

Wentzel, Edward 145 

West, Benjamin Oden 145 

Whittenberger, Daniel 146 

Whittenberger, Rev. Jacob 147 

Wilder, James S 148 

Wilson, James H 149 

Wohlgemuth, Louis 149 

Wright, James 150 

Zimmerman, Hon. Valentine . . . 151 

Zook, Edward 152 



INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Beyer, J. E between . 34 & 35 

Brackett, Lyman M... " . . . . 39 & 40 

Conner, Hon. Isaiah..". . . . 55 & 56 

Davidson, Hon.Wm. H". ... 01 & 62 

Dudgeon, Nathaniel..".... 64 & 65 

Dudgeon, Mrs. Nathaniel... 64 & 65 

Hill, John G between . 85 & 86 

Hutton, J. T ",... 88&89 



Lovatt, Thomas P.between 104 & 105 



Perschbacher, George' 

Rader, Philip ' 

Rader, Mr.s. Philip. . .' 
Robbins, Cyrus H . . . . ' 
Whittenberger, Daniel' 
Zimmerman, Valentine' 



117 & 118 

118 & 119 
118 & 119 
122 & 123 
146 & 147 
151 & 152 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 




,RIOR to the incoming of the white men the region now 
marked by the limits of Fulton county was inhabited by 
the Pottawatomies, who relinquished their rights to the 
territory by treaties with the general government. The 
first of these treaties was made in 1826: the second in 
1832: the third and last in 1837. In 1839 nearly all red men had 
removed from the region. 

Aubbeenaubbee was perhaps the most noted chief of the Pot- 
tawatomies. He continued at the head of his tribe until his death, 
which he met in 1837, at the hands of his son, in a drunken row. 

Bv the above named treaty of 1832 he was granted a reservation, 
since known by his name, in Marshall and Fulton counties, em- 
bracing an area about equal to a congressional township, the portion 
in Fulton comprising considerable proportion of what is now Aub- 
beenaubbee and Richland townships. The principal village of this 
eccentric chief was in the northern part of F"ulton county, and here 
he met his violent death. He occupied a conspicuous position in 
the making of treaties between his people and the government, and 
was a brave and determined leader. 

In the treaty of 1826, above named, provision was made for the 
opening of a road, 100 feet wide, extending from Lake Michigan to 
the Ohio river, and a section of land for every mile of the road was 
granted for the construction of the thoroughfare. 

The original survey for this road was made in 1828, and this is 
the earliest history we have of the white man invading the wild pre- 
cincts of the Pottawatomies, who wigwammed on the banks of 
lake Manitou and the Tippecanoe river. 

According to an act of the general assembh' of Indiana, approved 
Feb. 4, 183 1, William Polke. of Knox county, was appointed sole 
commissioner to complete the selecting, surveying, marking and 
numbering of the lands granted for the construction of the above 
named thoroughfare, since known as the Michigan road. 

For greater convenience in managing the affairs of the road, Mr. 
Polke settled in what is now Fulton county, locating on the south 
liank of the Tippecanoe river, where the road crosses it. Here he 
erected a log cabin, into which he moved in the fall of 1831, with his 
family, then consisting of himself, three daughters and two sons. 



4 HISTORY (IF FT"l>TOX CDUNTY. 

Tlic settlement of Mr. I'olke marked the (knvii nf civilization in 
P'ulton count)-. 

About the same time other settlers located in the vicinity of 
Rochester. Among them were James Elliott and \\'illiam J. 
Shields, who came together from Jennings county. Along with 
them came the venerable Jesse Shields, then a lad. Of him mention 
IS made elsewhere in this volume. 

Among the names of some of the very first settlers of Fulton 
count v the following occur: 

William Polke, Widow Shepherd, 

James Elliott, Robert Wilev, 

William J. Shields. William A. Hail, 

Alexander Chamberlain, Michael Shore, 
George Caldwell, H. Cowen, 

Thomas Martin, .\lfred Meton, 

M. H. \'enard, William Whittenberger, 

John Wood, Henry Hoover, 

George Bozarth, John Troutman. 

Stephen Cherney, 11. C. Wilson, and others. 

Between the years 1830 and 1835 settlers came into the count)- 
very rapidly. They gave such evidence of hardihood that the or- 
ganization of the region under independent jurisdiction as a county 
appeared advisable earh- in the vear 1835. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY: A petiti(jn was pre- 
pared, circulated, numerously signed by the settlers, and presented 
to the legislature, asking the enactment of a charter authorizing the 
inhabitants of the territory described to assume and exercise the 
rights common to the people of other counties in the state. Feb. 7, 
1835, an act was approved, prescribing and defining territorial boun- 
daries; and at the session of the general assembly of 1835-36, there 
was passed an act "to organize the county of Fulton." The act re- 
ceived the approval of the governor Jan. 23, 1836. The first section 
of the act named the first of April, 1836, as the date after which 
the county of Fulton should enjoy all rights and jurisdictions which 
to separate and individual counties do or may properly belong. 

On the second Monday in June, 1836, upon the meeting of the 
commissioners, appointed by the legislature to examine the pro- 
posed eligible sites for the seat of justice of Fulton county, .said 
commissioners agreed arid fixed the seat at Rochester, and reported 
their conclusions to the board of county cormnissioners, then in 
special session, and their report was dulv recorded Tulv 22, 1836. 
PRINCIPAL TOWNS: Rochester, Kewanna aiid Akron are the 
principal towns of Fulton county. Rochester is located 100 miles 
east of Chicago and 100 miles north of Indianapolis, at the inter- 
section of the Chicago & Erie and Lake Erie &: Western railroads. 
One-half mile southeast lies Manitou lake, and two miles north the 
l)cautiful Tippecanoe river traces its winding course. 



HISTORY i)F FULTON COrNTY. O 

The original plat of the town was surveyed in 1835, and in 1836 
Rochester was made the county seat of Fulton. The town was incor- 
porated in 1853, and has since steadily grown until at the present 
lime it has a population of over 4,000. 

The city has a gently rolling surface and broad streets, abundantly 
shaded with forest maples. It is provided with water-works and 
electric light plants; three hotels, three banks, two grain elevators, 
two express agencies, two pipe lines (direct from the oil fields of 
Ohio, running through the corporation), one opera house, eight 
organized churches, sixteen lodges, two fine public school buildings, 
and a splendid college known as the Rochester Xormal university, 
recently established entirely liy local enterprise. 

The following are the industries of the town : Three wagon and 
carriage factories; four produce packing houses; three cigar fac- 
tories; two planing-mills; Rochester Bridge company; steam 
laundry; one foundry and machine shop; one shoe factory; one flour 
mill; one novelty works: handle factory and brick kiln. In these 
several industries are employed about 350 laborers. 

Rochester has two weekly newspapers and one daily paper, 
namely, the Weekly Sentinel, Weekl\- Republican, and Daily Re- 
publican. 

The town of Kewanna was laid out in June. 1845, ^^Y Eli A. and 
John Troutman. The town was platted under the name of "Pleas- 
ant Grove," while the postoffice was known as Kewanna. 

Shortly after the town was laid out William Spencer opened a 
small stock of groceries, but the first stock of general merchandise 
was opened by Aldrich & Tygart, of Logansport. Mr. Tygart man- 
aging the store in person. 

Kewanna is a beautiful town, and has had a stead\- growth, and 
now ranks as the second town in the county. It has a population of 
nearly 1,000. It is located on the \'andalia railroatl, about twenty 
miles north of Logansport, and is surrounded by a fine agricultural 
district. It is a good business town, having several large and well 
stocked stores. There are three banks; one elevator and flour-mill; 
one planing-mill; one produce packing house, one pickle and salting 
house; one newspaper, the Herald; three organized churches; one 
fine school building; one good hotel. 

In 1838, Dr. Joseph Sippy and Hiram Welton laid out a town in 
section 24, Henry township, and gave it the name of Xewark. A 
postoffice was established at the residence of A. T. Welton, about a 
mile west of the village. Subsequently the postofifice was moved into 
the village. The name Akron, which was the name of the original 
postofiice, was substituted for Xewark. The place has continued 
to prosper and is now a thriving, busy town of about 800 people. 
One newspaper, the Xews, is published there: there is one bank, two 
hotels, one flour-mill, two elevators, and one saw-mill. The town is 
situated on the Chicago & Erie railroad, and draws its trade from a 



6 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

fertile agricultural section. Church and education have not been 
neglected, and the town forms a pleasant place in which to live. 
WAR HISTORY. — The people of Fulton county from pioneer 
days to the present have been law-abiding citizens. Aside 
from the experiences common to pioneer life, guarding themselves 
and their families from the depredations of their Indian neighbors 
at a time when the situation of affairs among the natives made armed 
vigilance a virtue — a duty — the peace-loving citizens of the county 
have seldom had cause to take up arms for the common defense. 

The Black Hawk war of 1832 came at a time when few settlers 
were domiciled here, and they had little to arouse military spirit. 

When war against Mexico was declared, representatives of the 
then sparsely populated county enrolled themselves and went forth 
to do battle against a foreign foe. The names of those who thus en- 
rolled and did service have not been preserved, and therefore their 
names and records cannot be given, however worthy the persons or 
honorable their record. 

The war of the rebellion fully aroused the military spirit of the 
county, and to the call for volunteers to enlist in the army of the 
Union, Fulton county quickly responded, and her sons went forth 
to aid the nation in the hour of its peril, nobly discharging the duty 
imposed by their obligations to their common country, and the pur- 
pose to maintain the supremacy of the laws. 

The first enlistments made in this county were in July and the 
early part of August, 1861, the volunteers thus enrolling themselves 
being subsequently mustered into service as Company A, of the 
Twenty-sixth Regiment. This company, upon being organized, 
was placed under the command of Capt. Milton L. Minor, subordi- 
nate officers, nearly all from this county. 

The following is the roster of Company A, as it appears in the re- 
port of the adjutant general; Captain — Milton L. Minor; Percival G. 
Kelsey, David Rader, Archibald H. McDonald. First lieutenant — 
Percival G. Kelsey, David Rader, Alex. H. McDonald, Henrv H. 
Carter, Joseph H. Weit. 

Second Lieutenant — David Rader, Archibald H. McDonald, 
Henry H. Carter, Joseph L. Atkinson. 

First Sergeant — Archibald H. McDonald. 

Sergeants — Lemuel Coplen, Philip P'enters. 

Corporals- -George Grififin, J. L. Atkinson, William J. Cannon, 
John A. Barnett, Marion Clemens, Granville G. Long. 

Musician — Henry Hazen. 

Privates — Michael Barnett, William Baker, James Burnes, Isaac 
H. Barrett, Henry Binnaman, James Bibler, Greenup T. Cannon, 
Charles Carter, Tortellus Collins, David Craft, Lorenzo M. Carver. 
Andrew J. Daugherty, Andrew J. Dixon, Wesley Fowler. Thomas 
J. Hurst, John Keel, Jonathan Nichols, Amos Osman, Hazard 
Ralstin, Thomas R. Riley, Henry B. Scott, Franklin Sell. John F. 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. / 

Sherman, Joseph Shck, John Snialley, David Stayton, Spencer 
Strong, WilHam 11. Strong, Carson Swisher, Darius Troutman, 
Orlando Troutman, Joseph W'ikel, Jonathan Wheatley, Charles 
C. Wheeldon, George W. Wilcox, Thomas Woods, Jacob Young, 
John Zartman, David Zartman. 

Recruits — Cyrus Anderson. John Ankerman, Calvin Ball, John 
H. Ball, David L. Barrett, William T. Barrett, Abraham Blauser, 
David Bryant, George A. Burkhardt, John W. Burkhardt, Isaac 
Berlien, Alfred B. Carter, James A. Carter, James M. Carter, Joseph 
Carter, Alarion Clemens, John W. Coon, David Daugherty, George 
\V, Ernst, Philip B. Fcnters, George S. Hazen, Harrison H. Heater, 
Stephen A. Hurst, Royal Kniss, Andrew J. McClannahan, William 
Murphy, John Rouch, Silas Rouch, Franklin D. Scott, David Secor, 
Ebenezer Sutton, Hiram Troutman. 

The regiment was organized and mustered into service at Indi- 
anapolis, Aug. 31, 1861, with William M. Wheatley as colonel, and 
was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Sept. 18, 1865. The 
regiment went into active service in Missouri : participated in the 
memorable campaign of Gen. Fremont; later, participated in the 
battles of Newtonia, Mo., Prairie Grove and \'an Buren, Ark.; and 
June I, 1863, joined the army under Gen. Grant, in the rear of Vicks- 
burg, remaining there until the surrender of that place, on the 4th of 
July following. The regiment was engaged in the battle of Camp 
Sterling, near Morganza, Sept. 29, and suffered a defeat, losing 
nearly one-half of its officers and men, mostly by capture. The 
prisoners were taken to Tyler, Tex., and held for several months; 
and January I, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted, then enjoyed a 
veteran furlough of one month at home, returning to the field in 
Louisiana, June i. In the spring of 1865 it participated in the cam- 
paign against Mobile, and herewith ended its service. 

The next company raised in Fulton county was Company D, of 
the Twenty-ninth Regiment, and was composed almost entirely of 
volunteers, mustered into active service, in August and September, 
1861. The officers and privates of this company belonging to Ful- 
ton county, were the following: 

Captain — Joseph P. Collins, Jethro New, McCaslin Moore, Jon- 
athan F. Sanford. 

First Lieutenant — Fredus Ryland, Jethro New, Alpheus Dunlap, 
Jonathan F. Sanford, George W. Burch. 

Second Lieutenant — Jethro New, McCaslin Moore, Jonathan 
F. Sanford, George W. Burch. 

First Sergeant — McCaslin Moore. 

Sergeants — Andrew C. Shepherd, John H. Geller, Alpheus 
Dunlap. 

Corporals — Ellison A. Smith, Byron W. Worden, William T. 
Baker, James H. Dunlap, Oliver S. Carpenter, Alexander Young. 

Musician — Darius Ault. 



8 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

Privates— James Abbott, James Baker, William S. Bidwell, John 
O. Burton, Park H. Collins, James S. Collins, Benjamin Fairchilds, 
I'Vanklin C. Hamlet, Thomas M. Hamlet, Joseph Herrin. William 
H. Herrill, Jabez Izzard, Job W. Johnson, John J. Kaler, Sylvester 
Kennedy, Love Smith, John H. Mackey, John McConnehey, John 
McMillen, Isham R. New, John Oakman, Jeremiah L. Ormsby, 
Thomas Pyne, David W. Rhodes, Jacob Robbins, George W. Sher- 
wood, Jasper H. Shore, Jeremiah Smith, Jesse R. Smith, John 
Smith, Charles Worden. 

Recruits — Francis Bell. 

The Twenty-ninth Regiment was organized at La Porte, with 
John F. Miller, colonel, and its first assignment to duty was with 
the command of Gen. Rousseau, at Camp Nevin, Ky., whence it 
moved to the vicinity of Munfordsville, where it remained until the 
movement on Bowling Green, in February, 1862. Tlie regiment 
participated in the battle of Shiloh, where it lost severely in killed 
and wounded : aided in the evacuation of Corinth : moved with Bu- 
ell's army through Northern Alabama and Tennessee into Ken- 
tucky; followed in pursuit of Bragg through the latter state; returned 
to Nashville ; with Gen. Rosecrans' army marched toward Murfrees- 
boro; took part in battle of Stone river; followed the fortunes of 
Gen. Rosecrans' army during 1863; participated in battle of Chicka- 
mauga: afterward stationed at Bridgeport, Ala., where the regiment 
was re-enlisted and veteranized Jan. i. 1864. and given a veteran 
furlough of one month. The regiment returning then to the field, 
was stationed at Chattanooga till Decemljer, 1864; afterward skir- 
mished at Decatur, Ala., and Dalton, Ga., and during the remaining" 
service was on post duty in the vicinity of Marietta, Ga. 

In the summer of 1862 the recruiting service was quite active in 
Fulton county, and as a result of that activity, enlistments amounting 
in the aggregate to the major part of three companies, which, upon 
)5eing fully organized, officered and mustered in, were severally des- 
ignated as Companies D. E and F. of the Eighty-seventh Regiment, 
which was organized at South Bend, Aug. 28, 1862, and mustered 
into service at Indianapolis three days later for a term of three years, 
with Kline G. Shryock as colonel. 

The officers and privates of this regiment, credited to Fulton 
county, were the following: 

Regimental Officers — Kline G. Shryock, colonel; Fredus Ry- 
land, adjutant; Robert N. Rannells and Jerome Carpenter, quarter- 
master; \'ernon Gould, assistant surgeon. 

Company D officers were: Captain — William H. Wood, Lewis 
Flughes, John W. Elam: first lieutenant, Lewis Hughes; second 
lieutenant, Mark C. McAfee, John W. Elam, Lewis M. Spotts ; first 
sergeant, John W. Elam; sergeants, Benj. F. Brown, John J. Oliver, 
Lewis M. Spotts, John L. Newby: corporals, Alex. M. K. Huling, 
Luther Stradley, I'hilip (junkle, William Frazier, James Graham, 



HISTORY OF FUT/rON COUNTV. 9 

Henry Spolin, Andrew T. liitters, William SheaftVr; musicians. Al- 
fred Horack, Lafayette Smith; wagoner, Joseph A. Collins. 

Company D privates were: Isaiah Adamson, Aaron M. Bell, 
George W. Ball, John W. IHggs, Jasper W. Bozarth, William Bro- 
caw, John W. Brock, Lorenzo I'urch, Robert E. Chestnut. John D. 
Clarke, Harvey Clemens, Daniel S. Cole. William Cole, Anderson 
Carr, Dennis Cuberly. Israel Daggett. William Daugherty, Joseph 
Dav, Israel Dwiggins. William Ewer, John \\'. Gallion, Elan Gal- 
try, James Gould, Christopher Gould, Noah Goudy, Milton Hall, 
Chichester Holder, Robert C. Holder. Andrew Hatter, George Kib- 
ler. John Kelley. Absalom Macy, Horace Markey, Benj. Miller. 
Henry H. Moore. David Moore. David Monshour. Thomas J. New. 
William Oliver. David C. Oliver. John Oren. James Oren. James 
B. Osborne. Abel (3'Blennis, William B. Packard. Charles M. Pear- 
son. William H. Polke. George H. Pownell. Benj. E. Porter, James 
Oitiggs, George W. Raestin, Christian Rice. John Reschke, John 
Roney, John Robbins, Charles M. Ross. Frederick Rowe, Levi 
Sherow, David C. Shelton, William H. H. Sliields. Rufus A. Shores. 
Oracle Shores. F. M. Smith. J. M. Smith. Abraham Steffy, Eli 
Strong. John Stull. Jacob \'antrump. John F. Whittenberger. 
George Whittenberger. Cline S. Wilson, John B. Wright, George 
W. Wright, Jacob \\'right, William H. W^right. Henry York; and 
Lewis Bootz was a recruit. 

Officers of Company E were: Captain, Alfred T. Jackson. Peter 
S. Trcutmaii: first lieutenant. Peter .S. Troutman. Hamilton Mc- 
Afee; second lieutenant. Hamilton McAfee. Joseph Slick. Franklin 
H. Bennett. Henry W. Hoover; musician. \\'illiam Halsteacl; wag- 
oner. James H. Troutman. 

Privates of Company E were: Philip Anderson. William S. 
Barnett, Judson Bennett, John R. Blasser, Edwin R. Boyer, Daniel 
Bruce, John N. Carter, John W. Carter, Isaac H. Cannon, Joel H. 
Davis, W^illiam R. Davis, Jacob Dipert, Samuel Dipert, \\'illiani 
Dixon, Andrew Dukes, Simon Fall, John W. Ferrall. Henry C. 
Green. Aioses Heckert, John Heckert, Daniel Her- 
ald, Alfred Hizer, Robert" HoUiday, EHas V. Hudkins, 
Henry L. Hudkins, John Hysong, Bailey N. Jeffries. 
Zephaniah Jones. George W^. Kaler. George H. Kip- 
linger. Henry Lebo, William H. Miller, William H. Mohler. Alex. 
E. JMohler, \\'illiam flyers, John Myers, Philip Obermayer. lonas 
Powell, Emanuel M. Rans, William Rans, Hiram Rairick. Henry 
Rairick, Daniel M. Rogers. Henry S. Ross, George Rouch. Allen 
N. Rush. John W. Rush. George W. Singer. Carrington G. Slight, 
(Jrlen Smith. Robert Smith, Aaron Smith, Austin B. Smith. John 
R. Smith. Gaten Smith. George P. Smith, Jacob Snyder. Walter F. 
Soper, Adam Spotts, \\'illiam H. Spotts, James W. Thomas, Robert 
Tribett, James T. Troutman. John II. \'andever. Ephraim Warrick. 



10 HISTORY OF FUI/rON COUNTY. 

John E. Williams, Randolph Williams, Ransom T. Williams, Peter 
Witmer. 

Recruits were: Alber G. Aitken, John Anderson, William J. 
liall, Theodore Baker, Nathan Bibler, Alexander Cooper, Joseph 
Cannon, Daniel Cannon, Allen Collins, Eli M. Detrick, William 
D. Dukes, James E. Harvey, James Hurst, Abraham Hoover, James 
M. Kilmer, George W. Kaler, Hiram McCumber, John G. Minton, 
fared Pugfh, Francis M. Smith, Jordan R. Smith, Philip Ware, 
Thomas Wilson. 

Officers of Company F were: Captain — Asa K. Plank, George 
W. Truslow, Horace C. Long. 

First Lieutenant — George W. Truslow, David Mow, Horace C. 
Long, Jacob H. Leiter. 

Second Lieutenant — David Mow, Horace C. Long, Jacob PI. 
Leiter, Jonas Myers. 

First Sergeant — Horace C. Long. 

Sergeants — Jacob H. Leiter, Joseph W. Beeber, Albert G. Pugh. 

Corporals — Benj. P.. Patton, Silas C. Jewell, Jasper W. Squires, 
jewcU Califif, James H. League, Banner Lawhead, William H. 
.Storm. 

Musicians — James S. Ellis, Isaac S. Townsend. 

Wagoner — James N. Wilson. 

Privates of Company F were: William H. Alleman, Peter 
B. Apt, William Apt. James J. Babcock, Daniel Barn- 
hart, Thomas Barnhart, James Barrett, Asa E. Batchelor, 
Samuel A. Berrier, Stanford Beverly, Samuel P. Berry, 
George C. Capp, John E. Gates, Hamlin Carpenter, Edward B. 
Chinn, Johnathan Clay, Clement W. Clay, John Grain, John N. 
Dunlap, Franklin Drake, William R. Farry, Simeon J. Frear, James 
T. Geainer, Alfred L. Goodrick, Peter Gripp, Frederick Gylam, 
Henry Hatfield. L. H. Heikman, C. .S. Heikman, Peter Hoffman, 
John House, William Hunter, Levi Jenkins, George W. Kessler, 
Simeon Kessler, George Kessler, John Kessler, Jacob Leise, Joseph 

A. Love, George Loomis, Jessie L. Martindale, Shannon Mackey, 
Robert McAlexander, James L. McMahan, Austin W. McFall, 
llenj, McKelfresh, Lewis D, Middleton, Hiram Mickey, John O. 
Mou, James E. Mou, Jonas Myers, Henry Paschall, William Pence, 
William Pentz, Henry Piatt, John Realstin, John M. Reid, Otho N. 
Rhodes, John Roth, Jonathan H. Robbins, Harper Rodgers, An- 
drew J. Rugh, Adam Rinienschneider, Edward Short, Joseph J. 
Smith, James W.Scjuires, Benj. F. Smith, Madison Stoops, Dennis R. 
Smith, Harrison Stotler, Jacob M. Stahl, William H. Swartz, Joseph 

B. Taylor, George Toothman, Jasper True, Harrison Walker, Isaiah 
D. Webb, Samuel M. White, Elias Zolman. 

The recruits of Company F were Frederick Apt, John B. Ander- 
son, Alfred S. Baker, L. E. Berry, .A.ugustns Braneller. James W. 
Braman, John Gripe, Thomas Carter, Joseph S. Collins, Palmer 



HISTORY OF FUI^TON COUNTY. 11 

Collins, William D. Corey, James R. Deweese, Lewis Davis, Rat- 
cliff B. Evans, Benj. F. Evans, Michael Henry, William Irvin, 
George O. Miller, William McCarter, Theodore Moore, James 
Richardson, John S. Rhodes, Benj. F. Ross, Asa Robinson, Robert 
D. Sheepman, Willard Stringham, Russell Toothman, John Walts, 
Andrew E. Wallace, John F. Walters, Henr_\- Walters, Seymour 
Wertz, Daniel Young. William C. Prince and Amos M. Prince 
\vere privates of Company G. 

The Eighty-seventh Regiment did gallant and effective service. 
At first it was assigned to Gen. Burbridge's brigade, but one month 
later it was transferred to the Third brigade. Third division of the 
Fourth Army corps, and took part in Gen. Buell's campaign through 
Kentucky. 

In 1863 it engaged with the Army of the Cumberland, in the 
campaign against Tullahoma; and in the campaign against Chatta- 
nooga, bearing conspicuous part in the battle of Chattanooga. Upon 
che re-organization of the Army of the Cumberland, it formed a part 
of the Second brigade, Third division of the Fourteenth Army 
corps. The regiment participated in the storming of Mission Ridge, 
Nov. 25, 1863; also in the Atlanta campaign. Moving with the 
corps from Atlanta it participated in a series of campaigns through 
Georgia and Alabama. Reaching Louisville, Nov. 28, rested there 
until the 1st of December and then it moved toward Jacksonboro, 
afterward participating in the siege of Savannah, and upon the evac- 
uation of the place, occupied the city until Jan. 30, 1865. Thence 
marching through the Carolinas, captured Smithfield, and nipved 
forward toward Washington city, to take part in the grand review 
of Sherman's army. Finally it was mustered out of service June 
ID, 1865. 

On the evening of July 8, 1863, news was received at Indianapolis 
that a rebel force under Gen. John H. Morgan, estimated at 6,000 
cavalry, had crossed the Ohio river and was then on a raiding expe- 
dition through Indiana. Gov. Morton immediately issued a call, and 
within forty-eight hours afterward 65,000 men had tendered their 
services. Of this force, thirteen regiments and one l)attalion were 
formed to meet the emergency. These regiments were numbered 
from 102 to 114, inclvisive, and the battalion assigned to duty with 
the One Hundred and Seventh Regiment. Of the One Hundred 
and Fifth Regiment of this force, Kline G. Shryock, of Rochester, 
was iDlaced in command as colonel. These several regiments re- 
mained on duty as "minute men" until after the escape of Morgan 
into Ohio. The One Hundred and Fifth was mustered out on the 
1 8th of July, at Indianapolis. 

L'nder the call of Dec. 20, 1864, for eleven regiments to serve for 
one year, the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment, composed 
of companies recruited in the Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Con- 
gressional districts, was organized at Indianapolis on the i8th of 



]2 HISTORY OK FCI/roN COrNTV. 

.Xpril, 1863. with lolin Al. Wilson, of Peru, as colonel. Of this regi- 
ment, l-'ulton county furnished Company A, and a portion of 
Company G. The roster of these companies is as follows: 
Regimental Officer — Emanuel Pegann, surgeon. 

COMPANY A. 

Captain — Robert M. Shields. 

First Lieutenant — John A. Barrett 

Second Lieutenant — Samuel A. Barkdol. 

Privates — Cliarles Adams, Archiijald Anderson, William S. Al- 
exander, Robert N. Beries, Jacob W. A. Bender, John A. 
Marnott, Michael I. Barnett, Benjamin F. Bear, Jacob Heck. A. 
Barkdell, Francis M. Bundy, Abraham B. Blasser, Jei¥erson Baily, 
lacob Barrett, Thomas S. Brown, John \'. Brown, John Baker, Thos. 
A. Bell, James J. Braman, Lafayette M. Byram, James M. Calvert, 
George Craig, Benjamin F. Craig, Jacob Collindern, Albert Case. 
Onesimus Case, Gustavus Collins, Jesse H. Coon, Chancy Copeland, 
James H. Clayton, David N. Dague, James Dimitt, Marion Finley, 
Xathan Finley, Charles S. Fifield, Gardner Fifield, Benjamin Green, 
[ames Gandy, William Hoover, William H. Hoffly, Samuel D. 
Halsted, Hiram Henderson, John Hissing, Frederick Muffman, 
Augustus Hulburt, James H. Hill, Henry C. Herald. Archibald 
I-Judkins, Jonathan A. Horn. James M. Horn. William Ice, Nathan 
Julian, Zephaniah Jones, John Kulp, Jared A. Keen, David Kamp, 
Joseph KnofHouch, Joseph Kets, William L. Kessler, Lazarus S. 
Lurcy, John S. Miller, Gabriel ]Miller, Silas \'. Miller, William \'. 
Mcore, Reuben V. Minton, Joseph C. Mow, John Millings. Orlando 
McNobb. James A. McClung. Henry McMillen, Samuel L. Mc- 
Cartee, George N. McLaughlin, Samuel L. Norris, Samuel Nicklow, 
George D. Overly, Jonah Powell, John Phillips, Jasper Porter, 
Adolphus Parker, Joseph Rhodes, Benjamin H. Rush, James Rob- 
l)ins. William Robinson. William Schively. George W. Shawley. 
lienjamin Snider. Hiram Sefifes. Jacob M. Stahl, John Sanns. Samuel 
C. Smally. Waher S. Sinks. Silas M. Stroup'. Albert D. Stub)), 
Ci'rh'nd)- T. Teglantro'rt. John Walmer. Henry Walmcr, Henry 
C. Ward. John W. Weaver, Henry Wyrick, John A. Waddel. 

COMPANY G. 

(^aj^tain — George P. Anderson. 

First Lieutenant — George P. Anderson. Josepli Slick. 

Second Lieutenant — Joseph Slick. 

Privates — George P. Anderson, George W. Bozarth. Thomas W. 
Batson, John H. Brokaw, Charles W. Brokaw, Lucius Bealls. 
William Baker. Francis J. I'ruillette, James V. Collins. Joseph A. 
Carter, Charles \\. Cherry. James W. Dufif, Thomas Davis, Francis 
M. Ernsperger, Henry Hatfield. Daniel Hann. John Henderson, 



HISTORY OF FII,ToN COIXTV. lo 

James Hogai), Samuel H. Hootl, Ahiaiii Kessler, William L. Koon, 
Jesse B. Middleton, Thomas Norman, Ebenczer C. Olden, Edward 
Sanders, Joseph Slick, Levi P. Starr, Frederick Sturken. William 
AVindbegler, Cornelius ^^'clsh, Samuel D. Wood. Jonathan P. Wil- 
lard, Amos Zolman. 

'"On the 26th of April the regiment left for ^^'ashington, and 
upon its arrival there it was sent to Alexandria and assigned to the 
provisional brigade of the Third division of the Ninth Army corps. 
On the 3d of May, it was transferred to Dover, Del., at which place 
companies were detached and sent to Centerville, and Wilmington, 
Del., and Salisbury, Md. On tlie return to the regiment of two of 
these companies, a railroad accident occurred by which a number 
were severely injured. The regiment being brought together was. 
on the 4th of August, 1865. mustered out at Dover. Del. Arriving 
at Indianapolis on the loth, with thirt\--two officers and 800 men. 
for final discharge, it was publicly welcomed home at a reception 
meeting held in the State House grove, at which addresses were 
made b\' Lieut. Gov. Baker, Gen. Benjamin Harrison and others." 
BENCH AND BAR. — L'pon the organization of Fulton county, 
it was made a part of the Eighth Judicial curcuit of the state, of 
which Hon. Samuel C. Sample was president judge. 

The first session of the Fulton county circuit court, as prescribed 
in the act of organization, was convened at the residence of Ebenezer 
Ward, in Rochester, on the 27th day of October, 1836. The court, 
however, immediately adjourned from the residence of said Ward, 
by proclamation to convene instanter at the house of Robert Martin, 
in Rochester. At this session Hon. Samuel C. Sample was presi- 
dent judge, and John Robbins and Anthony Martin, Esqs., were the 
associate judges. Lot N. Bozarth was clerk and John Davidson 
sheriff. 

On motion, Gustavus A. Evarts and Joseph L. Jernegan. Esqs.. 
were admitted to practice as attorneys and councellors at law at the 
bar of the court, and were sworn in accordingly. 

A scrawl seal was devised and adopted for the court unfil a 
proper seal should be obtained. On the second dav of the term, 
Joseph L. Jernegan, circuit prosecutor, failed to appear, and Gus- 
tavus A. Evarts was appointed prosecutor, pro tern., to act as such 
during the balance of the term, and was sworn in as such. William 
Polke was appointed, by the court, county surve\or for Fulton 
county, for a term of three years thereafter. 

The second term of P\dton county circuit court was convened 
March 6. 1837, ^t the residence of Robert Martin, with the same 
officers. The attorneys present and having business were Isaac 
Naylor, John W. Wright. George W. Blakemore. John B. Niles, 
and William Z. Stuart. 

At a term of the court in session on the 5th day of September. 
1837, the court devised and adopted a seal, on which were the words; 



14 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

"Indiana, Fulton County Circuit Court," and in the center of the 
seal, a female figure, standing, holding in one hand a sword, and 
suspending, in the other, the scales of justice. 

Hon. John W. Wright, of Logansport, succeeded Judge Sample, 
and sen-ed as president judge of the circuit court from the April 
term. 1842, to the September term, 1846. He was succeeded by 
Hon. Horace P. Biddle, of Logansport, who held the position seven 
years, from Jan. 9, 1847, by commission, but in consequence of his 
resignation before the end of that period, he ser\'ed only until 1852. 
Hon. H. Milroy. of Delphi, served until the May term, 1853, and was 
succeeded by Hon. Thomas S. Stanfield, at the August temi of the 
same year. 

Prior to the change in the state constitution, in 1853, there were 
two associate judges, for each county, who occupied the bench of 
the circuit court, with the president judge, and in his absence di- 
rected the business of the court. The following are the names of 
those who served as associate judges in Fulton county: John Rob- 
bins, Anthony Martin, Jonathan Beeber, James McColm, Ebenezer 
Ward, James ^Nloore, Frederick Ault, John Ball and James Burrows. 

At the time of the change in the state constitution, Hon. Thomas 
.S. Stanfield was president judge of the circuit court. He served 
until 1858. Since then the judges of this court have been as follows: 
Andrew L. Osborne. 1858-71; Thomas S. Stanfield, 1871-73; Elisha 
V. Long, 1873-75: Horace Corbin, 1875-76; Sidnev Keith, 1876-82: 
Jacob S. Slick, 1882-83: William B. Hess, 1883-84: Isaiah Conner, 
1881.-90: A. C. Capron, 1894-96. 

The first session of the probate court of Fulton county was con- 
vened at the residence of Robert Martin, in Rochester, May 8, 1837, 
with Hon. Joseph Robbins as judge. The probate court was con- 
tinued in existence until 1853, when, by act of the legislature, its 
jurisdiction was transferred to a court of commons pleas. The 
judges, who, from time to time, occupied the bench of the probate 
court, during its existence, were Joseph Robbins, 1837-44: John J. 
Shryock, 1844-47: Anthonv F. Smith, 1847-49; and James Bahcock. 
1849-53- 

The first session of the court of common pleas of Fulton county 
was convened at the court house, April 4. 1853, with Hon. Hugh 
Miller as judge, and Anthony F. Smith clerk. During the existence 
of this court the following judges occupied the bench: Hugh Mil- 
ler, 1853-57; Carter D. Hathaway, 1857-61 ; Kline G. Shryock, 1861- 
65; Thomas C. Whiteside, 1865-69; James H. Carpenter,' 1869-73. 

This court was abrogated in 1873. and its jurisdiction transferred 
to the circuit court. 

Although the number of attorneys who have resided in Fulton 
county and practiced before its courts, has not been large, neverthe- 
less, some of the ablest advocates in the state have been members 
of the bar of this county. 



HISTORY OF FULTOX COUNTY. 15 

The complete list of those attorneys who have resided in the 
county cannot be ascertained. Those practicing law in the county 
at this date are as follows; 

M. L. Essick, Milo R. Smith. Sidney Keith. Isaiah Conner, 
Enoch Myers, Julius Rowley, George W. Holman, Rome C. Steph- 
enson. Harrv Bernetha, M. A. Baker, John W. Smith, Henrv Bibler, 
O. F. Montgomery, P. M. Buchanan," W. W. McMahan, C K. Bit- 
ters, Frank H. Terrv, A. D. Toner, Jr., F. L. Wagoner. 
MEDICAL HISTORY.— The first physician to locate in Fulton 
county was John J. Shryock, a worthy and successful practitioner, 
who came here shortly after the first settlements were made, and 
continued in the county till his death in 1855. 

The resident physicians in the county, in the early forties were 
Dr. Shryock, Henry W. Mann, Lyman Brackett, James W. Brack- 
ett, Thomas H. Howes, and at a later period A. H. Robbins. J. T. 
Goucher. A. Sutton, J. C. Spohn, .A.ngus Brown and others. 

Since then many others have practiced in the county, among 
whom have been the following: A. B. Surguv, A. M. Shields, A. C. 
Orr, W. Hill, \'. Gould, C. Hector. W. S. Shafer, N. J. Clymer. C. J. 
Loring. E. P. Washburn, B. F. Overmyer, C. F. Harter, W. E. 
Hosman, J. M. Morris, and others. 

There have been many able practitioners of medicine, who have 
from time to time resided in the county: and at this time the countv 
is supplied with a competent corps of physicians. Unfortunately, 
there has never been maintained in the county, except for brief dur- 
ations, a medical society of the practitioners, and for this reason 
no extended historv of the profession can be here recorded. 
ELECTION AND REGISTER OF OFFICERS.~To give- 
tabulated returns of all elections held in Fulton countv since 
the date of its organization, would be only to consume much 
space, and would be of no practical value, except to show which 
political jiarty has from time to time controlled the balance of power; 
and as the county has long been recognized as democratic, with 
occasional variations, and as a list of the various officers, who have 
served the people of the county, is of particular interest, a register of 
officers, in the county, is given below: 

Those who have represented the county in the state senate are as 
follows : 

George W. Ewing, 1836-40: Williamson Wright, 1840-42: John 
D. Defrees, 1842-44: William G. Pomeroy, 1845-47: Norman Eddv. 
1848-52: August P. Richardson, 1853-57: Hugh Miller, 1857-59: 
Rufus Brown, 1859-60: Daniel R. Bearss. 1861-63; Samuel S. Terrv. 
1865-67: Charles E. Lasselle, 1869-71; Milo R. Smith. 1873-75: 
Charles H. Reeves, 1875-80; William H. Davidson, 1881-84: V. 
Zimmerman, 1885-88: Perry O. Jones, 1889-92; Samuel Parker, 
1803-96. 



16 III.STOIIY OF Ft'I/rOX ((KNTY. 

]"\iltoii couiUv has liecii represented in the h<nise of representa- 
tives by the following' gentlemen, who are named in the order of their 
elections, beginning with the year 1836: William N. Hood (served 
three terms), Alex. Wilson, William M. Reyburn, William Ran- 
nells, Amzi L. Wheeler, Joseph Robbins, William G. Pomeroy, 
Anthonv F. Smith, James O. Parks, John J. Shryock, Enos S. Tat- 
tle. Hugh Miller, William M. Patterson, (served two terms), D. 
Shoemaker (served two terms), Kline G. Shryock, A. H. Robbins, 
N. G. Shafifer, Stephen Davidson, Jesse Shields, Stephen Davidson 
(a second term). Edward Calkins, Peter S. Troutman, George W. 
Bearss, John F. Fromm, Dr. Samuel S. Terry, Simon Wheeler, 
Arthur C. Copeland, A. D. Toner, W. I. Howard, Sidney R. Moon 
(two terms), William W. McMahan, Charles J. Loring. 

From the date of the organization of the county to the present 
time, the following have been elected to the ofifice of clerk: 

Lot N. P)Ozarth, Anthony F. Smith, Lot N. Bozarth, Joseph J. 
Davis, Robert Aitkin, x\nthony F. Smith (appointed), Vernon Gould. 
Samuel Keely, William Newcomb, Isaiali Walker, E. T. Reed, M. 
O. Rees, James R. Shelton. 

The following are those who have served as recorders of Fulton 
county: 

Lot N. Bozarth, Anthony F. Smith. Sidney Keith. Alvin L. Rob- 
bins, Milo R. Smith. Chester Chamberlain. John L. Blanchard, F. 
C. Wilson. Holmes L. Tipton, and George K. Brundige. 

Lot N. Bozarth, who served as first auditor of the coimty, was 
succeeded by Ebenezer Ward, and then Mr. Bozarth was elected to 
a second term. Since then the following have been elected to this 
ofificc : 

W. K. Logan. John Douglass. D. R. Pershing. Andrew T. 
Holmes. Daniel Agnew. Charles W. Caffyn. John C. Phillips. John 
A. Barnett, William FL Deniston. and John Kessler. 

The treasurers of the coimty have been John Davidson. John B. 
Ward. Robert Martin, Eli ClifTert, Kline G. Shrvock, Isaiah Hoover, 
Alvin L. Robbins, H. W. Mann, William Sturgeon. William P. 
Ball. A. V. House, John E. Gates, Absalom Nellans, William Potter, 
James Ware. F. H. Ditmire, Benjamin Bruce, John R. Barr. and 
John J. Kumler. 

Benjamin C. Wilson was appointed the first sherifif of Fulton 
county, and since then the following have held that office in the order 
named: John Davidson. Anthony F. Smith. James P. Gregory. 
John Davidson, Gilbert Bozarth. Benj. C. Wilson, Hiram M. Porter, 
Abel Simmons, William Spencer. William Osgood, Isaac Good, 
John W. Davis, L. M. Montgomery. Sidnev R. Moon, William A. 
Ward, William T. Butler. Robert C. Wallace. A. A. Gast, John 
King, F. A. Dillon. 

The county surveyors have been as follows: William Polke, 
Henry Hoover, James S. Chapin, Hugh Miller, Jeremiah Gould. 



/., 







■<— *"!■ ► "7 'I -T 



n 

n 



;r 






FULTON COUNTY COURT HOUSE, JULY 14, 1896. 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 17 

Hugh Bowman, L. L. Loveland, Hugh Bowman, Vernon Gould, 
Isaiah Walker, Silas Miller, Theodore B. Ferry, H. A. Barnhart, 
l'"rank K. Stinson, Peter J. Stingley, Lucius Gould. 

Below are given the names of those who have served as county 
commissioners: Martin H. Venard, Samuel G. Sperry, Michael 
Sliorc, Andrew Oliver, Robert Holliday, Leander Chamberlain, 
Moses McEIhcny. Job IN'Ieredith, William Moore, John Robbins, 
John Shoup, Jacob Smith, William Spencer, Richard Coplin, Will- 
iam P. Ball, V. C. Conn, John McConnahey, William McMahan, 
B. A. Eidson. James Keeley, R. T. Beattie, Thomas Meredith, Isaac 
Puntious, Frederick Peterson, Peter C. Dumbauld, James Martin, 
Cyrus S. Graham, Thomas W. Barnett, John W. Black, George 
VV. Carter, \^^illiam McMahan, Martin .Sturgeon, William Brvant, 
Edward McLochlin. C. Campbell, J. C. Hudkins, M. V. Coplin. J. R. 
New, Cyrus Bybee, Asa W. Deweese, C. H. Robbins, Nathaniel 
Dudgeon. Moses Barnett, Thomas F. Lovatt. 

The following examiners and county superintendents of the pub- 
lic schools have served in the county since this office has been held 
by one incumbent : Hugh Miller, George W. Shilling, Rev. A. V. 
House, W. H. Green, Enoch Myers. William J. Williams, F. D. 
Haimbaugh, A. J. Dillon, David D. Ginther, George R. Fish. 
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCES.— But few 
counties in Indiana have better public buildings and other 
improvements than has Fulton county. The county has not 
only fine roads, substantial bridges and imposing public buildings, 
but also many fine homes and w-ell improved farms. 

Within one year from the time when the county government 
went into successful operation, the necessity for a building for 
judicial purposes became apparent. The first court house was com- 
])leted in the fall of 1837, at a cost of $750. It was a frame structure. 
20x24 feet, and two stories high. 

This primitive court house was used for court purposes for about 
ten years. It became inadequate for conducting the county's busi- 
ness, and in March, 1846, plans were accepted for a new court house, 
to be built of brick, and 44x60 feet in size. The contract for its 
erection was awarded to Henry Kent, at his bid of $6,000, to be com- 
pleted in two years. It was a substantial two-story brick, the finest 
court house in this section of the state when completed, and served 
the county for nearly a half centur}', but became too small and 
ancient for a progressive county and the board of county commis- 
siontrs issued an order for a new one at the December term, 1894. 
The plans of A. W. Rush and son, of Grand Rapids, were adopted 
at the February term of court, and the contract for constructing the 
building as awarded J. E. Gibson & Co., of Logansport, who com- 
menced work in June, 1895. The building is of Buff Bedford stone, 
100XI12 feet extreme floor dimensions, two stories and basement, 
and fire-proof throughout. The cost complete, including furniture, 
in-2 



18 HISTORY OF Fn.TON corxTV. 

yard grading, walks, etc., aggregated $125,000, and it is one of tlie 
best, liandsoniest and most convenient court houses now in the 
state. 

The first steps toward the erection of a jail building in Fulton 
county were taken at the session of the board of county commis- 
sioners, convened in November, 1836. The building was completed 
and first used in September of 1837. It was a two-story frame 
structure, and served the public until 1851, when the brick jail, 
which stood in the rear of the public square until torn down in 1894, 
supplanted it at a cost of $5,000. The brick structure was used for 
nenrlv a half century, when, in 1893, Comrrvissioners Dudgeon, De- 
weese and Robbins built an elegant new structure, on a lot separate 
from the public scjuare, at a cost, complete, of about $25,000 

"Among the first provisions made by law for the alleviation of 
the wants of the poor and indigent, was directing the appointment 
of overseers of the poor, whose duty it was to hear and examine into 
the nature of all complaints in behalf of the poor, in each civil town- 
ship of the county, and see that their wants were sufificiently provided 
for: that such should not sufYer for the common necessaries of life, 
nor be ill-treated." 

For a number of years after the organization of the county, as 
was the rule generally adopted througout, the state, the "farming 
out" .system prevailed. A few years later an advance was made, and 
the comity became possessed of a tract of land, since known as the 
"Poor Farm." The tract of land was purchased by the coinit\- 
board of commissioners in 1871, and in the same year a "poor house" 
was erected on the farm. It was a frame structure. 16x28 feet in 
dimensions, and one-story high. In 1S76. it was 'supplanted h\ the 
present brick structure, which cost, complete, $8,003.58. 

The farm has other good improvements and has always been 
under good management. 

While Fulton county has not had anv phenomenal advances in 
growth and development, still it has made steady progress. It has 
convenient shipping facilities, having direct railroad communica- 
tions with Chicago, Indianapolis and the great lakes on the north ; 
and there are nearly twenty-five miles of free pikes in the county. 
The district and town schools and school buildings in the county 
are to the credit of any intelligent and enterprising people. 

According to the report of the county treasurer, rendered Inly 
21, 1836, the total amount of receipts, as per that first financial re- 
port made in this county, was $73.83; while the total anioimt of 
disbursements reported at the same time was $24.00. 

The present assessed value of real and personal propert\' in the 
county is about $10,000,000. 

The total receipts from the various sources in the count\- for the 
year ending May 31. 1896, were $203,829.22. The amount on hand 
Jiine I, 1895, was $73,746.04, which, together with the total receipts. 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 19 

gave an aggregate fund of $277,575.26 for the year ending- May 31, 
1896. For that same )ear orders were drawn to the amount of 
$243,877.31, to which were added orders that were outstanding- 
June I, 1895, increasing the sum to $245,127.97. The orders paid 
for the year ending May 31, 1896, amounted to $244,060.92, and the 
orders outstanding June i, 1896, amounted to $1,067.05, while the 
balance in the treasury June i, 1896, was $33,514.34. The amount 
of orders outstanding June i, 1896, being deducted from the balance 
in the treasury at that date would show a total balance on hand, 
above outstanding orders, of $32,447.29. The bonded indebtedness 
of the county at that time amounted to $144,500.00, of which 
$35,000.00 were in the 6 per cent, ten-year bonds of Sept. 12, 1893; 
.%5,ooo,ooo in the 5 per cent, twenty-year bonds of May i, 1895; 
$25,000.00 in the 5 per cent, twenty-year bonds of May i, 1896, and 
$19,500.00 in a 6 per cent, temporary loan of Dec. 12, 1895. 

The foregoing figures show the county's financial condition at 
the liegim-iing of the present fiscal year not to have been very bad 
for a county of such progress and resources as Fulton county. 

Since then considerable expense has been incurred by the build- 
ing- of a new court house, and the bonded indebtedness has been in- 
creased, but after taking all into consideration the condition of 
finances in Fulton county is far from being deplorable. The county 
now lias an imposing, substantial and beautiful court house, which 
together with other good public improvements signifies that the 
count)- is progressive. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



DANIEL AGNEW.— In Ripley county, Ind., Nov. 27, 1836, 
occurred the birth of Daniel Agnevv, a son of Joseph B. Agnew, a 
native of Hamilton county, Ohio, born Oct. 22, 181 5. The earlier 
years of the father's life were devoted to farming and carpentering. 
At twelve years of age, he went to Ripley county, Ind., where he 
remained until 1847, when he enlisted in the war with Me.xico. In 
the battle of Buena Vista he lost a leg and returned home in 1848, 
and in 1850 removed to Winamac, Ind., where his death occurred 
Dec. 23, 1895. As a citizen of Pulaski county, he held the position 
of land commissioner, clerk, recorder and treasurer. He was united 
in marriage Feb. 25, 1835, to Miss Louisa M. Boldrey, who was 
Ijorn Jan. 25, 1818, in Ripley county, Ind., and now resides at Win- 
amac, Ind. Joseph B. Agnew was familiarly known as "Uncle Joe." 
and so clear was his record and his character was so illumined with 
good deeds and uprightness, that when the end came his long line 
of acquaintances in Pulaski county seemed to say, "Let the good and 
true man rest." Of twelve children born to Joseph B. and Louisa 
M. Agnew, Daniel is the eldest. He obtained a conmion school 
education. Lentil he gained his majority he remained upon the farm. 
From 1857 until i860 he was employed as civil engineer in railway 
construction and swamp land work. He served as surveyor of 
Pulaski county for one term, and then for one year worked in a tele- 
graph office, and in 1864 he came to Rochester and accepted 
employment in the auditor's office as deputy auditor. In 1866 he 
was elected auditor of Fulton county, and re-elected to the same 
position in 1870. As auditor and deputy auditor he served the 
people twelve years. The marriage of Mr. Agnew to Miss Emilv L. 
Miller was solemnized Feb. 25, 1862. She was born in Fulton 
county, Ind. Mrs. Agnejv is a daughter of Hon. Hugh Miller, who 
was born at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 4, 1806, and his death took place 
March 11, 1867. In boyhood he removed with his parents to But- 
ler county, Ohio, where, Oct. 21, 1830, he married Miss Phebe 
Caff\'n and soon after removed to Decatur county, Ind., and later 
removed to Delphi, Ind., where for three years he had charge of a 
seminary. From his early manhood he was a teacher by profession. 
He came to Fulton county in 1837, when there were but a few log 
cabins in Rochester and many Indians in the county. He resided 
m Rochester a few years and then removed to his farm about three 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 21 

miles south of the town, where his death ensued. He was a member 
of the convention that formed our present state constitution, and 
served several terms in the Indiana general assembh', both as rep- 
resentative and senator. He was judge of the court of common 
pleas the four first years after the organization of that court. He 
was always a devoted friend of education and for many years was 
the county examiner of teachers, and had a state reputation as an 
educator and leader in atTairs. He was liberal and kind-hearted, 
and the especial friend of the poor. His death unto this day has 
left a vacancy hard to be filled. In politics, the subject of this re- 
view has been identified with the interests of the democratic party, 
and he and Mrs. Agnew (nee Miller) are among the prominent 
people of Northern Indiana. 

I. H. ALEXANDER, of Rochester, was born in Cass county, 
Ind., Sept. 2, 1836. He was reared to the duties of the farm in that 
and Fulton county. Henry Alexander, his father, was born at Stone 
River, Tenn., Nov. lo, 1806. He went to Kentucky when a boy 
and on to Ohio and was married in that state in Medina county to 
Mary Hall, whose father, Amos Hall was born in North Carolina, 
and died in Ohio. Henry Alexander was a son of Amos Alexander, 
a New Light preacher, who was born in Virginia, emigrated to 
Tennessee, thence to Kentucky and died in this state in 1846, aged 
sixty years. Henry Alexander left Cass county, Ind., early in the 
4o"s and went to Cedar county, Mo., expecting to make that state 
his future home, but it was too new, Indians were too numerous and 
sickness and other ills combined drove him back to Indiana again 
in six years. He came into Rochester just as the old court house 
was being finished. May i8, 1856, the subject of this sketch mar- 
ried in Fulton county Daniel Carr's daughter, Rebecca, from Jay 
county, Ind., but originally from Coshocton county, Ohio. Mr. 
and Mrs. Alexander's children are Mrs. Ida Southard, Susan B., 
married A. Thallman; Hilda, deceased, married David Smith, and 
left one child, Gladys. In 1864 Mr. Alexander enlisted in Company 
1), One Hundred and I'orty-second Indiana volunteers. Capt. Jim 
Thompson was his captain. He was mustered into service at Indi- 
anapolis and was sent to Nashville and caught Hood there. His 
regiment remained in that post till the surrender of Lee, when it was 
mustered out and was discharged at Indianapolis July 14, 1865. 
Mr. Alexander returned to this county and farmed three years. He 
then went to Tyner City and was engaged in the hotel business for 
seven years. Twenty-one years ago he engaged in the retail li(|Uor 
business in Rochester. He has prospered and has invested some 
of his surplus in Fulton county real estate. He owns a farm of 117 
acres, a comfortable home in Rochester, and a brick business block 
on the south side of the square in Rochester. He is a republican in 
politics. 



22 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

ROBERT ANDERSON, of Newcastle township, is one of the 
leading farmers of the county and was born in Wayne county, Ohio, 
Feb. 8, 1834. He came to Indiana in 1841. with his father, William 
Anderson, who made his settlement in the unbroken forests of Kos- 
ciusko county. In that neighborhood young Robert was reared 
and trained in the habits of industry. The country subscription 
school gave him his education and the pure, open air his robust 
physique. His father died about 1856 and he undertook, in a 
measure, the care of his widowed mother. He married at the age 
of twenty-two years, wedding Elphina, daughter of Jesse Hird, who 
was born in North Carolina, first settled in Wayne 
county, Ind., and some years later in Kosciusko 
county. Mrs. Anderson died in 1878, leaving a son, (ieorge An- 
derson, who resides on his father's farm, and has a family. His first 
wife was Mar\' A. Miller. At her death she left one child, Hulda. 
George's present wife was Mary Giek, whose three children are: 
Burl, Nora and Robert. Robert Anderson reared one other child, 
viz., Delpha, wife of Ale.x H. Scritchfield, of Marshall county. She 
was the daughter of William Anderson. Our subject's father was 
born in Trumbull county, Ohio, was married in Wayne county, Ind., 
to Mary Wood, who died in 1875, being the mother of the following 
children: Rachel, Robinson, deceased; Andrew, living in Texas; 
William, deceased; Francis, residing in Mentone; Robert, Abner, in 
Marshall county: Mary Roop, deceased; Ira, deceased, and Eliza- 
beth, deceased, married to N. A. W. Norris. Robert Anderson 
came to Fulton county in 1866 with but $600. He bought eighty 
acres, which were partly but poorly opened up, made a small pay- 
ment on it and went several hundred dollars in debt for the balance. 
He has paid out on this indebtedness, bought another eighty acres, 
drained, cleared and otherwise improved the whole, out of the 
products of the farm. Mr. Anderson is a democrat. 

JOSEPH F. AULT. — The industrial interests of Rochester are 
well represented by this gentleman, a well known architect and 
mechanic, who has been prominently connected with building in 
this city, evidences of his work being seen in many of the sub- 
stantial structures of Rochester. Mr. Ault is of Hoosier nativit\-, 
his birth having occurred in Huntington county, March 31, 1858. 
The Ault family had its origin in Saxony, and the original American 
ancestor probably landed at New York and settled near that city, 
for Philip Ault, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born at 
Manhattan. Removing to Pennsylvania, he located at Vallev 
Forge, where he was living during the memorable winter that the 
American army under Gen. Wasliington sufifered untold hardships 
there. His son, I'rederick Ault, was born at Valley Forge in 1800. 
and in 1812 the family emigrated to Belmont county, Ohio, where 
Frederick learned the trades of milling and distilling, and also fol- 
lowed the occupation of farming. The father of our subject, Henry 



lUsroRV OF iri.TON COINTY. 23 

Ault, who for a nuiiibcr of years has been a resident of Rochester, 
was born in Behiiont county, ( )hio, in 1826, and learned the trades 
of carpenter and millwright, in 1854 he removed to Huntington 
county, Ind., and enlisted at Indianapolis, with the boys in blue of 
Company H, Forty-seventh Indiana infantry, which regiment was 
attached to the army of the Potomac. After thirteen months of 
active service he was discharged from field duty on account of dis- 
ability, and transferred to the hospital service, acting as hospital 
steward at Camp Wycklifife, Ky. By order of the division surgeon 
he was given charge of hospital No. 2, at Louisville, Ky., and later 
was placed in charge of the convalescent corps, returning home 
with some of "the boys." Henry Ault was married in 1849, to Su- 
sanna Freck, a native of P'airfiekl county, Ohio, and a daughter of 
Joseph Freck, a farmer of German descent. Their children are 
Eva, wife of Wm. J. Bailey, of Leiters Ford, Fulton county; Mary 
H., wife of George H. Adams, of Rochester; Joseph F., and Lilla, 
wife of G. F. Barcus, of Rochester. After leaving the public schools 
of Rochester, Joseph F. Ault attended the State Normal at Terre 
Haute, and subsequently engaged in teaching for a few years. On 
abandoning that profession, he learned the business of wood work- 
mg with his father in the latter's shop and mill. For six months our 
subject was an employee in the shops of the Wabash railroad com- 
pany at Peru, Ind., and later was superintendent of the construction 
of depots on the Erie road from Monterey to West Point. He has 
also erected at different points some stations for the Standard ( )il 
company, and for some years he was acknowledged as one of the 
leading contractors of Rochester, erecting buildings for J. B. Fieser, 
O. P. Dillon, Cary Rapp, J. M. Kern and others. He is now devot- 
ing his time to shop work and architecture, superintending the 
operation of a planing mill, which he erected in 1881. He is a 
ijroad-gauged, practical business man, whose straightforward deal- 
ings have gained him the confidence of all with whom he has come in 
contact and won him a liberal share of the public patronage. ^Ir. 
Ault gives his political support to the republican party. For two 
>'ears he acceptably served as town clerk, and is now serving his 
third year as a member of the Rochester school board. During his 
incumbency, the board has erected a $20,000 school building, and 
liberal apportionment has been made, largely through his efforts, 
tor furnishings and apparatus. He is deeply interested ixi the cause 
of public education and all measures calculated to advance the 
schools of Rochester receive his support. Mr. Ault is a man of do- 
mestic tastes, whose interests center in his family. He was married 
March 25, 1884, in Huntington, Ind., to Joanna M. Flora, and they 
now have four interesting children — Fred H., a lad of ten years; 
Edith M,, seven years; Joseph O., aged four; and an infant, Willie. 

JOHN AYDELOIT, Liberty township, was born in Hamilton 
county, Ohio, Oct. .23, 1816. His father, John Aydelott, was born 



24 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

in Delaware. His early life was spent in the coasting trade on the 
Atlantic ocean, winding up his twenty-two years' service as a ship 
captain. In 1807 he settled in Hamilton county, Ghio, and died in 
his last home, IMontgomery county, 1831, at sixty years of age. 
Our subject's paternal grandfather, John Aydelott, was born in 
France. He settled in Delaware on coming to America. The 
mother of our subject was Mary, a daughter of William Lockwood. 
Her children were Nancy, Lavina, Benjamin, Jacob and Thomas, 
all deceased; Sarah, widow of William Chambers; Elizabeth, de- 
ceased; Rebecca, deceased; and John. The last mentioned was sent 
to school only a few months during his boyhood. He began life as 
n teamster in Montgomery county, Ohio, and made his first money 
in that way. He was married Jan. 9, 1840, to Sarah, a daughter of 
Morris Harris, from New Jersey. This venerable couple have 
reared two orphan children, viz. : Eva Shafer, now Mrs. Jacob W. 
Warner, of Miami county, and William H. Bryant, who married 
Sarah M. Aydelott and lives in Kansas. "Uncle John" Aydelott 
came to Fulton county in October, 1848, and settled in the dense 
wood on his present farm. He has it cleared up and beautified, and 
although eighty years of age, can turn his hand to any kind of 
heavy work. He was found May 5. 1896, digging a drain through 
the side of his farm. He has been a strong, healthy man, and few 
have been the days that he has not attended to the usual duties of 
the farmer. 

LEWIS BAILEY, the son of William and Mahala Bailey, and 
the brother of William J., elsewhere mentioned, was born in Aub- 
beenaubbee township, Fulton county, on the farm now owned bv 
his father. He remained with his father until he was past twenty- 
two years of age. He was married Oct. 31, 1877, to Amanda Tracy, 
tiie daughter of S. S. and Caroline Tracy. To this marriage were 
born three children, viz.: Estella, Pink V. and Clark. Mr. Baile\ 
practically began life with nothing, but by hard labor has been quite 
successful and now owns a comfortable home and 100 acres of land. 
He has always been a staunch democrat. He and his wife are both 
members of the M. E. church. In 1893 he was appointed to serve 
the unexpired term of John Marbaugh, township trustee, and faith- 
fully performed his duties for three years thereafter. Mr. Bailey 
has always been industrious and persevering. He has made a suc- 
cess in farming by reason of being a hard worker and by being frugal 
and strictly honest in all his afifairs of business. He enjoys the con- 
fidence of a wide circle of acquaintances and is one of the county's 
representative citizens. 

S. P. BAILEY, of Rochester, devotes his entire attention to 
cabinet and planing mill business and is one of the self-made hustlers 
of the young crowd. He has been associated with Jonas iMyers in 
the management of their mill for years past and is enumerated 
among the reliable men in his calling. He was born in Hardin 



HISTORY OF FlI/rON COUNTY. 25 

county, Ohio, Feb. 2, 1858. He liad the advantages of a village 
school training prior to the graded schools of Rochester, to which 
town 'he was broug^ht in 1873 by his father, L. S. Bailey. Stella 
Bailey began business after he became of age, in the employ of his 
present associate. He was drawn into this line of work naturally, 
his father having been a lumber man at some time in his career. He 
is a democrat in politics, and was made the candidate of his party for 
town marshal, and although the town was reptiblican he was elected 
by 112 majority. He is a K. of P., a Red Man, and a K. O. T. M., 
a member of the lire company and of the Citizens' band. Mr. 
Bailey's father was born in Hardin county, Ohio, sixty-two years 
ago. He was recently marshal of Rochester and was a soldier in the 
Union army during the civil war, and has followed farming during a 
portion of his residence in Fulton county. S. P. Bailey married in 
Rochester, March 24, 1S88, wedding Essie, daughter of Jonas 
Myers, a prominent and esteemed citizen of Fulton county. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey the following children have been born: Martha, 
Margaret Movcah and an infant daughter. 

WILLIAM J. BAILEY, the son of William Bailey, was born in 
Aubbeenaubbee township, I'"ulton county, Dec. 8, 1852. His father 
was born in Kentucky, October 8, 1816, and lived there until he was 
sixteen years of age, at which age his parents and self moved to Put- 
nam coimty, Ind. After having lived there for some time they 
moved to Delphi, in Carrol county, Ind. From here he started 
out in life for himself and after roaming ground for some time finally 
came to Fulton county, Ind., and lived with his parents, they having 
moved thither. However his parents stayed here but a short time 
until they returned to Delphi, where they took up their permanent 
abode. The son remaining in Fulton county. He was married 
Oct. 19, 1840, to Mahala Knight. This union was blessed with 
seven children, viz.: Mary Jane, deceased; Asa, deceased; Amelia, 
Emiline, deceased; Elizabeth, William J. and Lewis. The mother 
died Sept. 4, 1882. The father still lives on the old homestead. 
He was married a second time to Emaline Kirkendall July 20, 1885. 
To this union were born two children — Anna and Charles. The 
father has helped all his children and still owns forty acres of land. 
William J. remained with his parents until he was twenty-four year.-; 
of age. He was married Dec. 29, 1875, to Eve Ault. He had just 
$40 and his wife $60 at the time they were married. With this they 
purchased a team of horses, vi'hich died before the summer was over. 
Not becoming discouraged with this, they commenced again, the 
wife to teaching school and the husband began working on his 
father's farm. The wife has always had bad health. They have 
raised their brother's children, having none of their own. Through 
all these misfortimes they have been very prosperous, and now own 
a beautiful home and one hundred acres of valuable land. He has 
alwavs been a staunch democrat, tie and his wife are members of 



26 HIST(JliY OF FUI/rOK COUNTY. 

the M. E. cliurch. In 1880 he was elected township assessor and 
served his term of lour years as a successful officer. 

M. A. BAKER, county attorney, and for the past decade a con- 
spicuous figure at the bar of Fulton county, was born near the city of 
Albany, N. Y., at the town of West Berne, Feb. 28, 1856. His edu- 
cation was acquired in the Nassau grammar school and Starkey 
seminary and lastly at Hobart college at Geneva, N. Y., completing 
a course at each of these institutions. He engaged in the profession 
of teaching at fifteen, as a means of securing the funds necessary 
to carry him through college. He was nineteen years old when he 
graduated from Hobart college. He chose the profession of law 
for his life work, and began reading on the subject with his brother, 
Albert Baker, at Sharon Springs, N. Y. He was well prepared for 
his license at the end of his three years' reading, and was admitted to 
practice before the general term of the Xew York supreme court. 
He practiced for a brief period with his old tutor before removing 
to Cobleskill. There he was elected police judge on the democratic 
ticket and served from 1877 to 1883. He was also clerk of the 
board of supervisors for six years in the same county. In 1884 Mr. 
JJaker cast his fortunes with the people of Rochester. He formed 
a partnership with Julius Rowley, and was so associated for nine 
years. Mr. Baker's ability and popularity brought him face to face 
with the democratic nomination for district attorney in 1894, which 
he accepted, but the tide was so strong against his party at the fail 
election that even the office of district attorney, which was thought 
to go surely to the democrats, slipped away from them and Mr. 
Baker accepted defeat quietly, bowing always to the people's will. 
He has just been appointed by the republican board of county com- 
missioners, county attorney for 1896, a compliment to his wisdom 
as an advisor and counselor. Mr. Baker's father was 
David Baker, who married Elizabeth Durfee. The former was 
born near Albany, N. Y., in 1812. He was a farmer and stock 
buyer and prominent local democrat. His death occurretl in 1866. 
His father and the grandsire of our subject was Benjamin Baker, 
who came from England. He was a Federal colonel, during the 
war of 1812, and died at Sag Harbor. He married a Miss Crosby, 
of English descent, and reared nine children, Benjamin Baker, df 
Westview, Ohio, being the only surviving one. Our suljject's 
maternal grandfather was David Durfee, a farmer, who came from 
Ireland and located at Quaker Street, Schenectady county, N. Y. 
His wife was Mary White. Four of their ten children are still living. 
Stephen Durfee. Quaker Street, N. Y. ; Maria, Cambridge, N. Y.; 
Abram, Cambridge, N. Y.; and David, Jr., Esperence, N. Y. (")ur 
subject married at Cobleskill, X. Y., March 29, 1884, to Miss Marie, 
daughter of Hon. William H. Young, deceased, a prominent lawyer 
and ex-member of congress elect, and eight years district attorney 
for the district in which Cobleskill is situated. His wife was Amelia 



HISTORY OF FriiTOX COUNTY. 27 

Angle, who died in Kocliester. Mr. Baker belongs to tlu- eneanip- 
ment in Odd Fellowship, is a K. of P., and a Knight of the Macca- 
bees. 

GEORGE P. BARCUS. of the firm of Barcus & Elliott, of Roch- 
ester, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, Oct. 8, 1859. His 
father is Henry A. P>arcus, a retired resident of Rochester. He was 
born in the municipality of Hanover, Germany, seventy-five years 
ago, or on Sept. 14, 1821. He left the fatherland when young, 
and came to Indiana. Pie married in Marshall county, this state, 

Mary Quigg, whose father, Quigg, was born in , 

and went from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and later located in Alarshal! 
county. Henry A. Barcus came to Rochester, in 1863, and engaged 
in farming in this (Rochester) township. His children are: Retta, 
wife of Henry Neiswanger, of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; John, Rochester; J. 
Q., Indianapolis; George F., W. C., Chicago; Rosie B., wife of (i. W 
Wagner, of Fulton county; Arthur J., Rochester; Ira O., Chicago. 
George F. Barcus secured his education in the district scliools. 
He found it necessary at a very early age to begin earning a subsist- 
ence for himself. He began learning the plasterers' trade in his teens, 
with A. F. Bowers. He began a successful career as a mechanic 
when he had mastered his trade. He became a contractor and did 
some of the best work that Rochester boasts of. The residences of 
C. C. Wolf and "Doc" Collins being samples of his work with the 
trowel. He engaged in contracting for thirteen years, and has ac- 
quired a comfortable home besides otlier property as a result of hi'^ 
labor and management. Pie is possessed of the spirit of progress 
and takes an interest in the welfare of Rochester. He is trustee for 
the First ward, elected on the republican ticket. He is a promoter 
of good street and sidewalk facilities, and of the extension of the 
water supply. Mr. Barcus married in Rochester, Oct. 30, 1889, 
Lillie, a sister of Joseph ¥. Ault, of Rochester. Mr. Barcus is a K. 
of P. and a K. O. T. M. 

SAMLfEL J. BARGER, a representative farmer and citizen of 
Union township, Fulton county, Ind., was born in Seneca count}*, 
Ohio, Aug. 2y, 1848. He is a son of Andrew and Mary (Horner) 
Barger. The father was born in Columbia county. Pa., Jan. 26, 
1816. He died in Fulton county, Ind., Jan. 25, 1878. The Bargers 
descend from Pennsylvania Dutch. Andrew Barger's parents set- 
tled in Seneca county, ( )hio, and in that county Andrew married 
Mary Horner, who was born in Brush \'allev, Pa., Sept. 14, 1828. 
She is a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Cousor) Horner, of Penn- 
sylvania Dutch descent. After the marriage of Andrew and Mary 
Barger, they lived for six years in Seneca county, Ohio, and then in 
1854 came to Indiana, and settled in Aubbeenaubbee township. Ful- 
ton county. Here the father's death occurred. The mother is now 
living, making her home with her children that live in the county. 
The children born unto the marriage of Andrew and Mary Barger 



28 HISTORY OF FUI/rON COUNTY. 

are: Samuel 1., Elizabeth, two children that died in childhood, 
John W. Barger, George F. and Alary. The father was a plain, 
humble and hardworking farmer. The subject of this sketcli was 
reared on a farm and remained there till twenty-one years. He 
attended the district schools. At the age of twenty-one he went 
to Rochester, where he attended school for one year. Then he 
spent one year in school at Valparaiso. Then began teaching and 
taught district schools for twelve winters thereafter, farming in the 
summer. Fie served as trustee of Aubbeenaubbee township for 
three years and resigned the ofifice when he moved onto his present 
farm in L'nion township in 1879. He was married April 26, 1877, 
to Miss Emma F., daughter of William and Electa Cook. She was 
born and reared in Union township. She bore him four children, 
viz.: Stella May, Earl Guy, Eletta Glen and William A. The 
mother of these children clied Oct. 31, 1887. March 13, 1895, Mr. 
Barger married a second wife, Mrs. Adella Hordin, nee Loyd. She 
was born in Union township. Mr. Barger owns i6d acres where he 
lives and also ten acres of timbered land elsewhere. He is a demo- 
crat in politics and has served as trustee of Union townshi]) one 
term. He and family are members of the M. E. church. He is a 
member of the F O. O. F., and is a representative citizen. 

SAMUEL A. BARKDOLL is a semi-pioneer to Fulton counry, 
and has performed well his part in the upbuilding of Rochester and 
patriotically fulfills his whole duty as a citizen. He is a Keystoner 
by nativity, coming mto existence in Adams county. Pa., Nov. 18. 
1834. His parents were Samuel Barkdoll and Margaret Harboe. 
The former died at thirty-five in 1837, and the latter in 1884 at sev- 
enty-six. The living children are Nancy, wife of David Stephey, 
of Fulton county; Samuel A., Margaret, wife of Christ Hoover, of 
Rochester. Mr. Barkdoll's mother moved to Franklin county. Pa., 
soon after her husband's death, and it was in the common schools 
of that countv that young Sanniel obtained his meager education. 
He lived with his guardian from twelve to sixteen, at which age he 
grew weary of his treatment and ran away. He found work on a brick- 
yard wheeling mud at twenty-five cents a day. Got out at 4 
o'clock in the morning and worked correspondingly late at night. 
At eighteen he engaged himself to an old German named Widmyer. 
He finished his trade of cabinet maker with him in three years, and 
was in a mood to go west, but had not the funds. So he worked in 
the harvest field twenty-six days to secure the necessary cash and 
soon after set out for Indiana. He landed in Rochester the fall of 
1856, and worked with, his brother-in-law several years, increasing 
his original capital from seven dollars to a comfortable surplus above 
a good subsistence. In 1863 he enlisted in the government service 
as bridge carpenter, and the year following joined Companv A, One 
Hundred and Fifty-fifth Indiana volunteers, Capt. Shields, Col. Wil- 
son. He afterward recruited enough men to entitle him to a sec- 



HISTOKY OF FULTOX COt'XTV. 29 

Olid lieutenant's commission. The company was mustered in at 
Laporte, was ordered to Washington, tlience to Virginia, back to 
Salisbury, Md., and there did guard duty to the end of the war. Mr. 
Barkdoll was mustered out at Dover, Del., and returned home in 
August, 1865. Dec. 28, 1858, Mr. Barkdoll married Aletha Smith, 
who died in 1867, leaving two living children — Schuyler C., married 
Alice Fle\nian. and Margaret. In October, 1868, Mr. Barkdoll 
married Susan J. Stradley, daughter of James Stradley. deceased, 
from Dover, Del. Their children are: Nora, died 1895; Jobn, 
died at Colorado Springs in 1893; Elsie, George,' Bessie and James. 
I\Irs. Barkdoll died in September, 1892. Mr. Barkdoll is an L O. O. 
F., a K. of H., and belongs to McClung post. G. A. R. He is now 
operating the giant planing mill which he built in 1872. He is a 
republican in politics, is a genial, sociable gentleman ancl an es- 
teemed townsman. 

MOSES BARNETT, county commissioner, was born in Cass 
county, Ind., March 18. 1833. Mr. Barnett is a son of Harrison 
and Sarah (Lamar) Barnett. His father was a native of Kentucky, 
and a son of Robert and Nancy Barnett, who were also natives of 
Kentucky. Robert Barnett was a pioneer settler in Cass county, 
and the father of ten sons and two daughters. The Barnetts arc 
mainly of German origin. Harrison Barnett was a voung man 
when he came to Cass county with his parents. In that county he 
married Sarah Lamar, who was a daughter of John Lamar, of 
IVench origin. He was an early settler in Cass 
county. His daughter was born in Ohio. L'^nto Harrison 
I'larnett and wife three sons and five daughters were 
born. He died when thirty-five years of age. His widow lived 
many years afterward and died some eight years ago, aged seventy- 
two years. Moses Barnett was reared on the farm, and his 
educational advantages were poor. He was fourteen years of age 
at the time of his father's death, and at that early age Mr. Barnett 
began the battle of life for himself. He learned plastering and fol- 
lowed the trade many years. He was married in 1857 to Bessie E. 
i'lsh, a native of Cortland county, N. Y. After his marriage Mr. 
Barnett went to housekeeping in Logansport and lived there until 
he took up farming. He first farmed in Cass county. In 1880 he 
])urchased a farm in Wayne township, Fulton county, and since that 
(late he has resided on this farm. Beside farming Mr. Barnett his 
dealt largely in stock. He has been a successful business man, and 
has gained the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, who hon- 
ored him by an election to the office of county conmiissioner in 1894 
He has always been a staunch republican in [lolitics He and wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto them have been 
born five children, viz.: Harry, Nina D., Lizzie E., Daw D., de- 
ceased, and Minnie, deceased. 



30 HISTCJRY OF FULTON COUXTY. 

HENRY A. BARNHART, editor and proprietor of the Roch- 
ester Sentinel, was born in Cass county, hid, Sept. 1 1. 1858. His par- 
ents were Jacob and Mary (Fisher) Barnhart, natives of Franklin 
County, \'a. The father was a son of Abram Barnhart, a native of 
Pennsylvania, whose paternal parent was a native of (jermany. In 
an early day he settled in Pennsylvania. Mr. Barnhart's maternal 
ancestors were also of German origin. The marriage of Jacob 
Barnhart and Mary Fisher was solemnized in Miami county. Tnd.. 
and soon after marriage they settled in Cass county. Such toil, as 
pioneers of those days ex])erienced, fell to the lot of Jacob Barnhart 
and his wife. Farming was his vocation throughout his long and 
exemplary life. He was a devout Christian. He and his wife were 
members of the German Baptist church, and for the last thirty years 
of his life he was a minister of the gospel, and during the latter half 
of that period he was presiding elder of the Eel river district of his 
church. He was of strong brain power, a wise counselor and recog- 
nized leader. He died in the year 1894, at the age of seventy-three 
years. His widow now (1896) resides on the old homestead in 
Cass county. Unto Jacob and Mary Barnhart were born ten chil- 
dren, six of whom are living. Henry A., the subject of this sketch, 
was reared amidst the scenes of farm life. His richest heritage was 
that of excellent parentage. His early scholastic training was re- 
ceived in the country schools. At Ambov college he took a 
preparatory course. He taught several terms of school, and then 
took up the study of law. But six months' work on Blackstone and 
Kent revealed to him the \'ast amoimt of labor and research neces- 
sary to become a lawyer, and necessit}' compelled him to turn to a 
vocation promising earlier financial returns. Fate and force of cir- 
cumstances often direct men's lives into strange channels, and such 
is true of Mr. Barnhart. Tn 1881 he came to Fulton county and 
again tried farming. Subsequently he was elected county surveyor, 
and in 1885 moved to Rochester, where he has since resided. Soon 
after coming to Rochester. Mr. Barnhart purchased the Sentinel, 
and finding its management the most satisfactory vocation of his 
experience, the years of dreamy ambitions to acquire fame and for- 
tune at the bar, or wealth and independence on the farm, were sup- 
planted by the attractiveness of newspaper work, in which he has 
been very successful. The Sentinel he has made a first-clas^ 
county paper, and his rank as an editor is suggested by the fact that 
he has held the honorary position of chairman of the Democratic 
State Editorial association. He has also served as a member of the 
democratic state central committee, and is now a member of the 
executive stafT of that committee. He has also held the responsible 
position of director of the Northern Indiana prison, and while serv- 
ing as such was president of the board. Tn every sense of the tenn. 
Mr. Barnhart is a man of progress. He was secretary- and director 
of the construction company for the Rochester water works plant ; 



HISTORY (iF Fll/roX COUNTY. 81 

is now president of the Rochester telephone company; president 
of the auditing committee of the (/Irand Camp of the Knights of the 
Maccabees of Indiana, and is also a member of the order of Knights 
of Pythias. Mr. Barnhart marrierl Louretta, the daughter of Arthur 
and Nancy Leffcl. and unto the marriage two sons have been born, 
namely. Dean and Hugh. They also have a foster daughter — (lien 
Howell-Barnhart. 

DA\'ID O. BARR, a successful and progressive farmer of New- 
castle township, and familiarly known as "Oliver"' Barr, was born 
in Richland county. Ohio, March 9, 1857. His father left the 
lUickeye state in 1858 and cast his fortunes with the people of 
Franklin township, Kosciusko county, Ind. The industrious, pros- 
]:)erous farmer was born in Pennsylvania in 1826. His father, 
Samuel Barr, emigrated to Richland County, Ohio, and died there. 
He was a Jeflferson democrat, and his son was a follower of the same 
political faith. George, the father of Oliver Barr, married Susan 
a daughter of David Smith, formerly from Bedford county. Pa. 
Mr. Barr died in 1878. outliving his wife six years. They left three 
sons — Oliver, Samuel O.. and John R., ex-county treasurer of Ful- 
ton county. Oliver Barr was educated in the common schools. 
He began life as a farmer on his father's farm at nineteen. He was 
married about this time April 16, 1875, to Martha L. Clingenpeel, 
and settled on his present farm, consisting then of less area than 
now" and being unimproved with the exception of a log house and 
same kind of a stable. Mr. and Mrs. Barr laid up a little each year 
and began beautifving their premises as they felt able. Tlie forest 
has receded almost to the farm lines, a pretty substantial brie'-: resi- 
dence has taken the place of the log cabin and the log stable has been 
superceded by a large modern barn. Mrs. Barr's father was Jacob 
Clingenpeel, who came to Kosciusko county from Virginia verv 
early. Mr. and Mrs. Barr have one child. Maud, born April 2. 1877. 

W. H. BAUGHER. justice of the peace of New Castle township, 
who stands in the front rank among the public-sp'Hted and enter- 
prising citizens of Fulton countv. manifested his loyalty ti;) the nation 
by an honorable service in defense of the I^nion during the late war. 
He was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. July 13, 1846. Just ten 
years previous his father. Henry Baugher, a native of Bavaria. Ger- 
many, came to America, a vigorous and ambitious young man of 
twenty years, seeking a home in the new world. He began work 
at the wagon-makers' trade in .Strausberg, and there met and mar- 
ried Mary E. Kline, also a native of Bavaria. For some years they 
resided in that place, and then emigrated farther westward, to take 
their part in the development of a newer state. Tn 1863 they lo- 
cated in Bourbon, ]\Tarshall county, Tnd.; where they are still living, 
in the enjoyment of good health, and the father may still be found at 
his trade, as he was half a century ago. Their eldest child, Marv E.. 
became the wife of Daniel Martin, and died in Marshall county, leav- 



32 HISTOEY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

ing eight children. The second, John, is in Golcoiula. Ills. Julia is 
the wife of lohn Silvius, of Marshall county. Philip is in Bourbon, 
and George in \'alparaiso, Ind. Matilda is the wife of R. Cecil, of 
Plymouth, Ind.. and Theodore is in Ellwood, this state. Our sub- 
ject was the third of the family, and during his earliest childhood he 
spent the greater part of his time in his father's shop, so that when 
only ten vears of age, he could hew out spokes, handle the auger, 
and do many primary things to be learned in a wagon shop. He 
had mastered the business when the bugle sounded the call for loyal 
men to take up arms and defend the flag of our nation. He enlisted 
February 12, 1862, at Canal Dover. Ohio, in Company C, Eightieth 
Ohio infantry, and with his command went to Cairo, Ills., to Padu- 
cah, Ky., and on to Corinth, Miss. After participating in the siege 
of that place, he took part in the battle of luka, and aided in driving 
the rebels from the fortifications at Corinth. This was followed by 
the engagements of Holly Springs. Oxford. Grand Junction, Mem- 
phis and Helena, Ark., and after the Yazoo Pass expedition the regi- 
ment returned to Helena, and went down the Mississippi river to 
Young's Point, participating in all the battles around \^icksburg. 
Returning to Memphis, they then went to East Tennessee, and took 
part in the battle of Missionary Ridge, where Mr. Raugher was 
struck by a ball that necessitated the removal of a part of his skull. 
Later he went with his regiment to Huntsville, Ala., and in the 
spring was ready for the Atlanta campaign. He saw that city cap- 
tured, and went with Sherman's invincible armv to the sea. then 
north to Fayetteville. N. C, when he was honorably discharged, his 
time having expired. Returning to Indiana. Mr. Pjaugher spent a 
year in school in order to prepare himself for business life, and then 
worked at the wagon-makers' trade in Bourbon for four years, when 
he came to his present home in New Castle township. His farm of 
fifty-five acres is the best improved in the township, and indicates the 
enterprise and progressiveness so characteristic of the owner. In 
politics he is a democrat, and is now serving his second term as jus- 
tice of the peace. Sociallv, he is a Mason, and belongs to McClung 
post, G. A. R. I\Ir. Baugher was married July 4, i86y, to Amanda, 
daughter of Alba and Delilah (Greer) Baylor. Her father was a 
native of Pennsylvania, and in his familv were the following children: 
George, of Plymouth; W. P., of Texas: Rachel, wife of James lor- 
dan: IMary, wife of John Devers: David, of Purdy, Mo., and Celeste, 
wife of W. H. Goodnight. Mr. and Mrs. Baug'her had 
three children, but Howard died at the age of four years: and 
George W. at the age of eig-hteen months. Mary M., the second 
child, aged twenty-two. is an accomplished musician, and is the joy 
of the parents' home. 

HON. GEORGE RUSSELL BEARSS.— One of the most pro- 
gressive farmers and stock raisers of Indiana, is the gentleman 
whose name introduces this biography. In 1834 Mr. Bearss was 



HISTOKY OF FrLTt)N C()l"NTY. 33 

born at the old village of Alianiiasport, where the city of Peru now 
stands, and is a son of Hon. Daniel R. Bearss, who during his life 
was one of the distinguished men of Indiana. He was born in New 
York state in 1808, and died at Peru, Inch, in 1885. ^^ boyhood he 
came to Indiana and for some time was a clerk in a store at Logans- 
port and then went to Fort Wa}ne and later to Goshen, and in the 
fall of 1834 settled in Miami county. For twenty years he was a 
leading merchant in Peru, and then invested in town property in that 
city and farm lands in Miami and adjoining counties. He was a 
man of aggressive spirit and in many ways contributed to the best 
interests of his adopted city and county. In politics he was a life- 
long republican, and for about twenty years represented his partv in 
the Indiana general assembly, either in the house or senate. He was 
in fact one of the leaders of the republican party of Indiana. The 
honest poor man found in him a friend, and the cases are numerous 
in which he helped the less fortunate to attain success in life. The 
mother of George R. Bearss — Enmia A. (Cole) Bearss — was born in 
Zanesville, Ohio, in 181 5, and now resides upon the old homestead 
in Peru. The subject of this review is the eldest of eight children, 
of whom five are living. He first attended the public schools, and at 
twelve years of age he was sent to Kenyon college at Gambier, Ohio, 
where he continued for six years. The school davs over, Mr. Bearss 
spent two years in California, and th.en returned to Peru, where he 
remained until 1864, when he came to Rochester and for four years 
was engaged in the walnut lumber business in partnership with 
Edwin E. Cowgill, under the firm name of Cowgill & Bearss. Mr. 
Bearss then bought 120 acres of land in Rochester township, where 
the house of Thomas Lovatt now stands. A short time later he 
bought 1,040 acres more. About thirteen years ago he removed to 
his present place of residence, an easy distance southwest of Roch- 
ester. He now has about 700 acres of fine land. He has spent 
about $30,000 in the improvement of his farm, which is considered 
one of the best farms in Northern Indiana. He has always given 
much attention to stock interests and has upon his farm some of the 
best blooded stock in Fulton county. The re])ublican party has the 
earnest support of Mr. Bearss. His first presidential vote was cast 
for John C. Fremont at the convention held in Musical Fund hall in 
Philadelphia, which nominated him for the presidency. In 1874, 
Mr. Bearss was elected to represent Fulton county in the Indiana 
legislature. He was united in marriage in i860 to Miss Mary 
Troost, who died in 1884, leaving one son. Daniel R. Mr. Bearss 
was married again in 1885, to ]\Iiss Jessie McBride, who was born 
in the same neighborhood where she now resides. To this marriage 
three children have been born, of whom only one is now living, 
Albert Gresham. Mr. Bearss is one of Fulton county's leading 
citizens. 

FRANK L. IjERRY, farmer and teacher, was born in Pulaslci 
111-3 



34 HISTORY OF FUI.TOX fOrXTY. 

countv, Intl., March 22, 1858. His parents are Aaron and Caroline 
Berry. His father was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, March 24, 
1830! In that county he married and in the year 1857 moved to 
Pulaski county, Ind. In t86i he came to Fulton county, and set- 
tled in Rochester township, where he resides at present. His wife's 
parents were natives of Mrginia, but she was born in Ohio. Unto 
Aaron and Caroline Berry were born six children, viz., Mary, de- 
ceased; Charles, Ellen, Frank L., James C, and Alpharetta. Frank 
L. was reared on a farm and was given an opportunity to attend the 
district schools in winter seasons, and at the age of seventeen years 
began teaching and for six years thereafter both taught and farmed. 
During the six years following lie did not teach, but he resumed 
teaching and for the last eight years he has both taught and farmed. 
He was married Dec. 25, 1880, to Miss Jennie, a daughter of Harvey 
and Martha Conner. The marriage has given issue in the birth of 
two children, viz.. Earl C. and Otto. Both Mr. and Mrs. Berry are 
members of the IMethodist Episcopal church. He is a member of 
the fraternal and nnitual benefit order known as the Knights of th.e 
Maccabees, and in politics he is of the democratic party. Both as a 
teacher and farmer. Mr. Berry bears an excellent reputation. His 
efTorts at both have been attended with very satisfactoiy restilts. 
Mtich of that which he has accomplished in the way of success has 
been due to individual effort. 

J. E. BEYER, of Rochester, was born in Hessen Castle, Prussia, 
March 6, 1838. He attended the schools of his native land and at 
the age of fourteen emigrated to America, locating at Goshen, Ind., 
where he secured employment. Realizing the necessity of further 
educating himself in English, he attended school in Goshen three 
winters, defraying the expense of the schooling w^th earnings from 
his summer emplovment. Tn T874 he secured emplovment with 
George Freesc, a produce dealer of Goshen, in whose emplov he re- 
mained until 1877, at which time Mr. Beyer and his brothers. J. F. 
and C. C. Beyer, embarked in the produce business at Warsaw. Ind., 
doing business imder the firm name of Bever Bros. Success fol- 
lowed the business adventure, and the firm has now been in business 
nineteen years, and has gained a wide and favorable reputation. 
They now have business houses at Warsaw, the home of T- F. Bever. 
at Kendallville, the home of C. C. Bever: at Rochester. Goshen. Lo- 
gansport, IMonticello, >Jorth Manchester, Huntington, Kewanna, 
Monon. Brookston, Delphi and other points in Indiana. Michican. 
Illinois and Ohio. Thev do an annual business of about one and 
three-quarters of a million dolllars, and rank among the largest pro- 
duce firms in this countn-. Some vears ago the firm of Bever 
Bros, purchased property at Eagle Lake, Ind.. their purpose being 
to make the place a summer resort. Thev beautified the srrounds. 
erected costly buildings, employed a landscape gardener and pro- 
vided such means of entertainment as rendered Eagle I,ake a 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 35 

popular suninier resort. The Chautauqua people held a few of 
their meetings there and were much pleased with the place. In 1895 
the grounds and improvements were purchased by the Presbyterian 
National Chautauqua assembly, now known as the Winona assem- 
bly and Summer School Association, of which Mr. J. E. Beyer is a 
director and advisor. Mr. Beyer's business career has been one of 
phenomenal success. His active business course has placed him in 
acquaintance with a wide circle of people, and in all his business 
dealings his sagacity, wisdom and integrity have won for him the 
esteem of many friends. He holds several responsible business po- 
sitions, among which may be named the presidency of the Rochester 
Electric Light company and the position of director, both in the 
Farmers" Building and Loan association and the Citizens' liank of 
Rochester. He stands as a representative citizen, a man of progress, 
an example of what gratifying success may be accomplished by 
worthy ambition, by energy and integrity, even though one may 
begin the struggle for wealth and station in life under adverse cir- 
cumstances, as was the case with Mr. Beyer. Mr. Beyer was 
fortunate in securing in marriage the hand of Irena B. Oldfather. 
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Beyer has been blessed by the birtli of one 
child, a son named Earl E. Mr. Beyer is a member of the order of 
Knights of Pythias, and in social circles both he and wife sustain 
pleasant relations. 

PETER BIDDINGER, a well-known real estate dealer of 
Rochester, was born south of X^^abash, Ind., on the Mississiniwa 
river Aug. 16, 1844. He came to Fulton county in 1861. with his 
parents, who located near Leiters Ford. Peter was reared to hard 
work, and was but sparingly educated. He was hired out bv his 
father from nineteen to twenty-one and his wages were appropriated 
to the use of the parental treasury. He earned the money that 
bought his first overcoat after he became of age. He engaged in 
independent farming as soon as his circumstances enabled him to 
equip himself for it and continued it with vary- 
ing degrees of success and witli rare interruptions 
until 1891, when he removed from Richland township 
to Rochester, and the next year engaged in the real estate 
business. He owns farms in both Rochester and Richland town- 
ships, beside valuable residence property in Rochester. Mr. 
Biddinger married in this county Nov. 23. 1865, Samantha Jane 
Fribbett, daughter of the late William Fribbett. The children of 
this union were: Orpha Belle, who died 1892, aged twenty-three 
and William PL Mr. and Mrs. Biddinger have an adopted daughter, 
Blanche Young. Peter Biddinger is a son of Mathias Biddinger, 
born in Pennsylvania. He moved to Ohio with his father 
and was married there to Sarah, a daughter of John Enfield. He 
came to Indiana in 1843. He was killed by an Erie train at Leiters 
Ford in 1890. His living children are Jonas, William. Elizabeth, 



36 HISTORY OF FULTON" COUNTY. 

who married Rev. janics Walls, Peter and Jesse. The iiiddingers 
are staunch republicans and are among Fulton county's best citizens. 

FRANKLIN PIERCE DITTERS, M. D., was born at Blooms- 
burg, Pa., Oct. 25, 1852. His parents were William and Elizabeth 
C. (Kuhn) Bitters. The father was born in Pennsylvania, the 
mother in Fulton county, Ind. William Bitters was a l)rick mason 
by trade, and in 1856 he came to Peru, Ind., and there worked at his 
trade for awhile. Subsequently he came to Fulton county, where he 
met and married Elizabeth C. Kuhn, with whom he settled in Roch- 
ester in 1858. Their son was given a common school education. 
He learned the brick mason's trade under his father, but at the age 
of seventeen he began teaching school. In June, 1876, he gradu- 
ated from Northern Indiana Normal school, at A'alparaiso, complet- 
ing a scientific course. Immediately he went to Louisville, Kv., 
where he entered the Kentucky school of medicine, whence he grad- 
uated in June. 1879. He began the practice of his i)rofession at 
Claypool, Ind., but remained there only a short time. Januan-, 1880, 
he located at Rensselaer. Ind.. where he successfully practiced for 
eleven years. At West Lafayette, Ind., in 1883, he married Anna 
May Stockton, a lady of intellectual and moral culture, and of strong 
force of character. She bore him three children, but, alas, death 
called the wife and mother and her children away, in the years 1890- 
91. Having been sadly bereft of his family Dr. Bitters felt the loss 
so keenly that he became discontented with living in Rensselaer, the 
scene of his loss, and in 1891 he became a resident of Rochester, 
where he has continued to practice his profession. 

MAJOR BITTERS.— During the month of roses, in 1820. John 
Bitters, the son of a German soldier, who chose death rather than 
subserviance to George TV., was united in marriage at Martin's 
Creek, Northampton county. Pa., with Miss .Sarah Ann Major, a 
young lady of Scotch parentage, to whom were born eleven children, 
Maj. Bitters, the subject of this sketch, being the eighth child and 
fourth son, born Sept. 21, 1835. When but eleven vears of age Major 
Bitters went forth to earn an independent livelihood, and until 1854, 
when he took an apprenticeship at the Gazette office, in Berwick, 
Pa., he paid his parents over three hundred dollars out of his very 
meager earnings. In less than one year's time he was advanced to 
the foremanship of the office and at the commencement of the Buch- 
anan presidential campaign, in 1856, published a campaign paper at 
Bloomsburg, Pa., with Frank Snyder as financial partner. Before 
election day the "Campaigner" suspended for want of patronage and 
the material was moved to (~)rangeville. Pa., where the publication of 
the Orangeville Democrat was established by the same firm, but the 
revenue was not sufficient to prevent a treasury deficit, and Major 
resolved to accept the advice just offered liy Horace ("ireeley — to go 
west and grow up with the country. As foreman of the Democrat 
(which was a republican paper) at IDanville, Pa., he earned sufficient 



HISTORY or Fri.TON COUNTY. 37 

means to carry him to Indianapolis, hid., where he served a few 
weeks on the Journal, and thence to Peru, about Christmas time in 
1856, where he resided until the 6th of Uctober, 1873. During his 
residence in Peru, on the 4th day of March, 1858, he was united in 
marriage to Miss Maria Rose, to whom were born three sons and 
one daughter Two sons died in childhood. Albert and Maggie 
are yet living, both married and residents of Rochester. Major en- 
listed as a private soldier in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty- 
fifth Indiana volunteers, which was mustered in at Indianapolis in 
February, 1865, and mustered out at Dover, Del., in August of the 
same year. But most of his time in the army was given as second 
leader of a regimental brass band. L'nder his skillful services the 
Peru Republican developed from an insignificant country paper, 
printed on a hand press, to its present proud proportions. The pur- 
chase of the Rochester I'nion Spy was a venture that no one with 
a less degree of adhesiveness would have undertaken, but the debt 
incurred was paid in due time and the office and the paper very much 
improved. Three years later he sold the Spy office and purchased 
the Union office at Rensselaer and changed the name to Rensselaer 
Republican. In July, 1880. he sold out and returned to Rochester, 
engaging in the real estate business with A. C. Elliott. In 1882 he 
established the Rochester Tribune, which he sold to W. I. Howard 
& Son a year later. In November, 1884, he repurchased the Spy 
office, which under the management of \\'. H. Mattingly & Bro. 
had been rechristened the Rochester Republican. On the 5th day of 
February, 1886, he added the publication of the Rochester Daily 
Republican, now in its eleventh volume, of which, together with the 
Weekly Republican. M. Bitters & Son are the sole proprietors. In 
1892 tliev purchased the Rochester Tribune and consolidated it with 
the Republican. Major Bitters is a successful editor and publisher, 
but the principal qualification he possesses is adhesiveness. Early 
and late he is engaged in looking after the welfare of his paper, and 
largely through his progressive ideas Rochester has developed from 
the usual old-time conditions of a country village to an admirable 
little city, well ordered and beautified with elegant residences, com- 
modious churches, school houses and other metropolitan advantages 
of which the people are justly proud. Politically Major Bitters was 
born and raised a democrat, and remained such until the democratic 
attempt at the extension of slavery, which aroused him to the support 
of John C. Fremont and soon after he identified himself with the 
republican party. Religiously he was born and raised a Presby- 
terian, but at maturity he united with the Methodist church and was 
an active worker for twenty-five years. In 1880 he commenced the 
study of evolution as presented by Darwin, Huxley, Spencer and 
others, and this knowledge is steadfastly maintained. 

JOHN W. BLACK, an ex-commissioner of Fulton county, and 
for fifteen years superintendent of the county poor farm, is a native 



38 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

of Fairfield county, Ohio, born March lo, 1838; son of John and 
Elizabeth (Mechling) Black. The father of Mr. Black was born in 
Germany and died in Ohio, and his mother was born in Westmore- 
land county. Pa., and at seventy-six years of age died in Henry 
county, Ohio. Mr. Black, the subject of this review, attended the 
public schools in Ohio, and there he also learned the carpenter's 
trade. In 1857, Mr. Black came to Fulton county, Ind., and Jan. 
26 of that year he located in New Castle township, where he worked 
at his trade during the summer season, and taught school during 
the winter, for five years. The major part of the life of Mr. Black 
has been devoted to agricultural interests, and in December, 1877, 
he was appointed superintendent of the poor farm of Fulton county, 
and in this capacity he continued until March, 1893. All through 
his long term of service he gave the utmost satisfaction, and the time 
which he held office is itself positive proof of his undoubted abilit\- to 
properly care for the poor unfortunates and manage the farm to 
obtain the best results. In politics Mr. Black is a democrat and, as 
such, he served the county faithfully and well as a commissioner for 
five years. During his term as commisisoner the county poor house 
was built, at a cost of $10,000, and also the first iron bridge in the 
county was erected over the Tippecanoe river. While a resident 
of New Castle township he served for seven years as trustee. In 1894 
he was the nominee of his party for county auditor, but went down 
with the entire county ticket, in the "land slide" at the election of 
that year. Mr. Black is now residing on his farm of seventy acres, 
two miles south of Rochester. He was united in marriage Sept. 30. 
i860, to Miss Mary Taylor, who was born in Ohio. To them were 
l)orn these two children: George and Nora, now Mrs. Bruce Low. 
Mr. Black has been a Mason since 1865, and an I. O. O. F. since 
1872. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church. He is a 
man of pleasing manner and one whose honesty and integrity have 
never been questioned, and who to-day is one of the most popular 
men in Fulton county. 

JOSHUA BLACKETOR, a resident of Fulton county since 
1837, was born in Decatur county, Ind., in 1827, and is a son of Nor- 
man and Patsey (Hoobery) Blacketor. The father of Mr. Blacketor 
was born in Kentucky and died in Fulton county, Ind., about .forty- 
one years ago, and the mother, a native of the same state, died in 
this county some forty-four years ago. Mr. Blacketor is the tenth 
in a family of twelve children, only three of whom are living at this 
time. Mr. Blacketor was reared upon the farm and farming has 
been ihis life occupation. He now owns a good farm of ninety-two 
acres about four miles southeast of Rochester. This land was en- 
tered by his father from the government, and the first deed for it is 
now in the possession of Mr. Joshua Blacketor. Mr. Blacketor 
was united in marriage in 1850 to Susan J. Babcock, a native of Indi- 
ana. To this marriage relation there are four living children, viz. : 



HISTORY OF FUI/rON COUNTY. 39 

Thomas B., Sarah Ann, Eh'zabeth M., and James B. The political 
support of Mr. Blacketor lias always been given to the democratic 
party. All through his residence of fifty-nine years in this county 
Mr. Blacketor has been known as a man of sterling worth and his 
friends are legion. 

ABEL F. BOWERS, a contractor and Iniilder, was born in 
Allen county. Ohio, Jan. 28, 1852, and is a son of William P. 
Bowers, whose death occurred in January, 1892. On account of 
the death of the mother Mr. Bowers was raised by Solomon Slusser, 
who for the last twelve years lias resided with Mr. Bowers. After 
attending the public schools in Ohio for some time he came to Ful- 
ton county in June, 1868, and during the winter of 1868-69 ^^ ^^^s 
a student at a country school. In the spring of 1869 he came to 
Rochester and began learning the mason trade in the employ of C. 
r. Hinman. During the winter of 1869-70 he attended the Roch- 
ester schools and prepared himself for teaching. Thereafter for 
twelve winters he taught school in this county and worked at his 
trade during the other seasons of the year. For thirteen years past 
he has been engaged in the contracting and building business; all 
work done with cement being his specialty. Specimens of his work 
can be seen in Northern Indiana towns and in Chicago. His mar- 
riage took place in February, 1875, to Miss Pauline McQuern, born 
Oct. 5, 1856, in Fulton county, Ind., and a daughter of James and 
Martha McQuern, of whom the former was born in Virginia and the 
latter in Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowers are these two children, 
viz.: L. G., born July 22, 1876, and Bessie, born Oct. 14, 1883. In 
politics Mr. Bowers has been a life-long republican, and in 1892 was 
chairman of the republican central committee of this county. He 
has held the offices of assessor and justice of the peace. He is a pro- 
nounced believer in protection. Mr. Bowers is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity and Fredonia lodge. No. 122, K. of P. He 
deserves the success he has earned. 

CHARLES WILLIAM BRACKETT.— The gentleman whose 
name introduces this mention, is a native of Fulton county, Ind., 
born in the city of Rochester in 1862, and is a son of Dr. Charles ami 
Margaret Brackett, now Mrs. Gould. He first attended the public 
schools and later graduated from the Rochester high school and 
then spent one year at Earlham coljege, at Richmond, Ind., after 
which he spent two years at the university of Michigan. He re- 
turned to Rochester and in 1884 engaged in the lumber business, 
which he continued until 1896, and then began the livery business. 
Mr. Brackett was married in 1885 to Miss Ella Mercer, of this 
county. They have three children, viz.: Mary, Bernice and Ruth. 
In politics he is a republican and is a member of Fredonia lodge. No. 
122, K. of P. He is a man popular with his fellows and possesses 
good business ability. 

LYMAN M. BRACKETT, president of the Citizens' State bank 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 41 

November he returned home on account of sickness. While at 
home he received a commission from (">ov. Yates, of Illinois, as sur- 
geon of the Ninth Illinois cavalr\- regiment, which was organized by 
his brother, Col. A. G. Brackett. He joined the regiment at Camp 
Douglas, and from there went into Missouri and Arkansas, and con- 
tinued in the service until the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 
20, 1863, at Helena, Ark. A detail was granted to convey his bo(l\- 
home to Rochester. Of the above named Ninth Illinois regiment 
his brother, Albert G. Brackett, was colonel; his brother, Joseph 
Brackett, was commissary; his brother, James Brackett, was as- 
sistant surgeon, while he, as stated above, was surgeon. Dr. Charles 
Brackett's father was James Brackett, who was born at Lee, N. H., 
March 31, 1782, and whose father, Joseph Brackett, a native of New 
Hampshire, was a first lieutenant of cavalry in the Revolutionary war. 
Dr. Brackett's father was graduated from Dartmouth college in the 
class of 1805. He became a lawyer and located at Cherry X'alley. 
N. Y., in 1808. One year later lie married Eliza Maria (Bennett) 
Ely, at Philadelphia, and for forty-one years thereafter he practiced 
law at Cherry Valley, where his family of seven sons and one daugh- 
ter were reared. Dr. Charles Brackett was married in 1851 to 
Margaret Wilson, who was born at Rome. X'. Y. Her father, 
William Wilson, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. At a very 
early date he removed from New York to Fulton county, and settled 
near Kewanna. Cnto Dr. Charles Brackett and wife were born the 
following children: Louisa, Lyman M., Rosanna, Mary and 
Charles W. In 1869, the widowed mother of these five children 
became the wife of the late E. E. Cowgill, who in his day was one 
of the best and most useful citizens of Fulton county. Unto his mar- 
riage to Mrs. Dr. Charles Pirackett were born two children; the 
first, a son, died at the age of five years; the second, a daughter, 
Edith, survives as his only descendant. His widow became the wife 
of Dr. \^ernon Gould, of Rochester, and is still living. Mr. Cowgill 
was born near Wilmington, Clinton county, C)hio, April 21, 1830. 
He was a son of Asa and Margaret Cowgill. His parents and grand- 
parents were Virginians, of English lineage. Mr. Cowgill became 
an orphan at a very early age, and was reared by his father's brother. 
He made his first business adventure at Peru, Ind., where he met 
with but indifferent success. At Peru he married, in 1862, Miss 
Nellie Ravburn, who lived but a year after the event, and bore him 
no children. Shortly after the war Mr. Cowgill located in Roch- 
ester, and engaged in the lumber trade, in which he continued to the 
time of his death, which occurred Aug. i, 1882. He was very suc- 
cessful in business, and at the time of his death had accumulated 
large wealth. He was beloved by all who knew him. In him the 
subject of this sketch, together with his brother and sisters, found a 
generous friend and kind father, when he became the husband of 
their widowed mother. To his example, counsel and assistance 



42 HISTORY OF FUI/rON COUNTY. 

they ascribe a large share of the advantages they have enjoyed, and 
in return they cherish his memory as a rich heritage. 

DAVID BRIGHT is a native son of Fulton county and one of 
its most progressive and popular citizens. He was born Julv 17, 
1846, and belongs to one of the pioneer families of this locality. His 
grandparents, David and Fannie Bright, were natives of Kentucky 
and of English lineage. In 1833 they removed to Wayne county, 
Ind. Their second son, William Bright, who was born in Kentucky 
Oct. 12, 1821, accompanied them to the Hoosier state, and on 
March 18, 1841, married Mahala Lane, daughter of Isaiah Lane, a 
native of \'irginia. In 1844 they came to Fulton county, and their 
home was brightened by the presence of six children — Milo, John, 
David, Fannie, Adeline and William H. Adeline is the widow of 
Irvin Black. David Bright was reared in the parental home and re- 
ceived only such educational privileges as were afforded in the 
primitive log school house of the frontier. He was married Feb. 
16, 1871, to Frederica, daughter of Andrew Gast. a native of Bavaria, 
and a shoemaker by trade. Her father was married in New York- 
city, and after some years' residence in Fremont, Ohio, came in 1853 
to Akron, Ind., where he died Sept. 14. 1876. His wife passed 
away a month later. Mr. and Mrs. Bright have four children — 
Homer A., aged twenty-three, and Daisy E., aged nineteen, both en- 
gaged in teaching; Maud, fourteen year oi age; and Ernest, a lad of 
twelve. At the time of his marriage Dsvid Bright began farming 
on his own account. He built a little cabin in the woods, and began 
the arduous task of hewing out a farm in the midst of the forest. He 
had not even a team, but borrowed a horse as he had need for it. The 
next season his father gave him one, but it died just at the time when 
he had most use for it. By work at the carpenter's trade he secured 
the money necessary to improve his farm. Where once stood the 
dense forest arc now seen waving fields of grain, and the little log 
cabin has been replaced by a comfortable and pleasant residence, 
while substantial barns and other outbuildings have been erected, 
adding materially to the value of this fine farm. Mr. Bright has 
been called to serve the public in the capacity of township trustee, 
having been elected as a democratic candidate in 1890, although the 
district is strongly republican, a fact which indicates his personal 
])opularity. He is a progressive man, and has caused to be erected 
new bridges and school houses, including the fine school building in 
Akron, which will stand as a monument to his foresight for many 
1, cars to come. 

DR. ANGUS BROWN, of Rochester, comes directly from the 
Gaelic through his father, Hugh Brown, born in the Highlands of 
Scotland. Hugh Brown emigrated from his native land 
in 1832, and joined his thousands of countrymen in 
the queen's dominion on this side of the Atlantic. 

He brought with him his devoted wife, nee Christina McEachren, 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 43 

and domiciled in (Ilengary county. Lower Canaila. He 
re-eng-aged in farming, the pursuit of liis Ijoyhood. and provided 
comfortably for and educated jjlainly his large family. Of his six- 
teen children the following are living: Catherine, wife of Robert 
Thacker, North Dakota; Hugh, Morgan Park, 111.; Niel. Buffalo, 
N. Y.; Margaret, wife of a Mr. Coleman, London, Canada, and John, 
Strathroy, Canada. The father died in 1867, aged eighty-eight. Dr. 
Angus Brown was the twelfth child. His birth occurred in Glen- 
gary county, Feb. 14, 1832. He chose medicine as his profession 
and about i860 became a student in the homeopathic medical college 
at Cleveland, Ohio. He engaged in practice in 1863 in London, 
Canada, where he remained till coming to Rochester in 1869, being 
the first permanent physician of his school in the county. The doc- 
tor is a member of the state medical society. He has served a 
number of years as a member of the school board in Rochester, and 
manifested a deep concern for the cause of public education. Dr. 
Brown's first wife was Jane McArthur, whom he married in Canada. 
Their children are: Mary C, a teacher in Trinidad, Col., who en- 
gaged in the work when she was sixteen; Hugh, manager in Chicago 
for a Boston school-book concern, is a graduate of the university of 
Michigan and was for two years assistant state superintendent of 
public instruction of that state. Dougald, a merchant in Pontiac, 
Mich. ; Catherine, wife of a Mr, Floyd, of Trinidad, Col. ; Jane, wife of 
William Seller, Kokomo, Ind. Mrs. Brown died in 1867. The doc- 
tor's second marriage was in 1871 to Mrs. Lucy A. Shafer, a 
daughter of Chichester Chinn, a pioneer farmer in Fulton, and who 
died some forty years ago. This union resulted in fotir children: 
William M., married Nettie Owen; John B., Pontiac, Mich.; Archie 
and Edna. Dr. Brown has been a member of the Christian 
church since eighteen years of age. 

WILLIAM BROWN, a leading farmer of Liberty township, 
is also one of Fulton county's pioneers. He was born in Pleasants 
county, W. Va., Oct. 20, 1847. He came to Fulton county ten 
years later and grew to manhood on a part of the farm he owns. 
His education was of the district sort of the days before the war. 
He started out for himself at twenty years of age on a twenty-acre 
tract of his own and aided in the cultivation of his father's farm. In 
a few years he bought the partly improved place of Samuel Stibbs, 
containing 120 acres. He has erected a commodious residence and 
other buildings, reduced much of the land to a producing state and 
purchased enough additional to make him 280 acres. Mr. Brown 
was married first April 9, 1868, to Mary Catherine, daughter of John 
Syes, who came to Indiana from Preble county, Ohio. Mrs. Brown 
died in May, 1869, leaving one child, John D., who is married to 
Annie Buckley and resides on the farm. Jan. 9, 1876, Mr. Brown 
married Margaret Ann Gregory. The children of this union are; 
William E., Walter A., Mary Hester, Arthur Lee, Charles E. and 



44 HISTORY OF FULTOX COUNTY. 

Otto Glen. Our subject's father was John Brown. He was born 
in Pleasants county, \\'. \'a., 1823, and died in Fulton county in 
1877, leaving a fair estate. He was a democrat and a plain, worthy 
citizen. He married Elizabeth Bills, who is yet residing on the old 
homestead, and is seventy-two years of age. Her children are: 
Susana, wife of William Young, William, Martha J., married to 
\\illiam Floyd, and Elizabeth. Our subject's paternal grandfather 
was Josiah Brown. William Brown belongs to the democratic 
party and has served as supervisor. 

ABRAHAM BRUCE, a young and enterprising farmer, resid- 
ing in Union township, was born on the farm he owns and cultivates. 
The date of ihis birth was April 2, 1858. Mr. Bruce is a son of one 
of the pioneer settlers of Fulton county. He is a son of Abraham 
and Sarah A. Bruce. His father died in the year 1874, at the age of 
sixtv-three years, and was buried in Bruce's Lake cemetery. Mr. 
Bruce's mother is still living and resides with him on the old home- 
stead. Her maiden name was Sarah A. Hoch, daughter of Samuel 
and Helena Hoch. She was born in L'nion county. Pa.. July 31, 
1819. Her husband was born also in Pennsylvania, May 16, 181 1. 
He and she were married in their native state in 1835, and emigrated 
to this county in the fall of 1837, and settled near Bruce's lake. In 
the spring of 1838 they located on the old homestead now owned 
bv the subject of this mention. He entered eighty acres at first, 
then later entered other lands, and finally owned 1,160 acres at the 
time of his death. He was a blacksmith by trade, and together with 
farming followed his trade throughout life. He came to this county 
with the limited capital of $50, but he practiced industry, enterprise 
and frugality and by these means grew prosperous. Politically he 
was a republican. From an early date he and wife were members 
of the Evangelical church. Unto these hardy pioneers and respect- 
able citizens the following children were born: Daniel, Isabella, 
Harriet, deceased: Sarah, deceased: Robert, deceased; Julia, de- 
ceased: Abraham, Stephen and Ella M. Abraham, like others of his 
brothers and sisters, was reared on the farm. He has always lived 
on the old home place and followed farming. In 1878 he married 
Mary E., daughter of George and Catherine Dellenger, of Pulaski 
county. Mrs. Bruce was born in Ohio, but when young was 
brought to Pulaski county by her parents. The home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Bruce has been blessed by the birth of two children, viz.. 
Arthur C. and another that died in infancy. Politically Mr. Bruce 
is a republican and both he and his wife are members of the Evan- 
gelical church. 

BENJAMIN BRl'CE. an ex-treasurer of Fulton county, was 
l^orn in this county Oct. 12, 1845. In Sept. 8, 1798. Jacob Bruce 
was born in the state of Pennsylvania. His death occurred in Ful- 
ton county Jan. 13, 1872. Jacob was a son of John Bruce, born in 
Scotland. John Bruce, after coming to America, settled at Philadel- 



HISTORY OF FfLTON fOI'NTY. 45 

phia, where he phed his trade, that of a tinner, grew prosperous and 
hved many years. He had several sons and daughters, of whom 
the following came to Fulton county, and here died. The first to 
come was Stephen Bruce, who came in 1837, and settled at the 
southeast corner of what is now called Bruce lake, in Union town- 
ship. The lake received its name in his honor, hut was called 
Kewanna by the Indians, in honor of one of their chiefs. In 1840 
the above named Jacob Bruce came to the county and settled in 
the southwest corner of Aubbeenaubbee township. His sister and 
her husband, George L'ltz, came to the county still later. In Penn- 
sylvania Jacob Bruce married Hettie, a daughter of Christophal 
Wentzel, the father of Edward \\'entzel, of whom mention is made 
elsewhere in this volume. Hettie Bruce, nee Wentzel, was born in 
Pennsylvania, Sept. 9, 1809. She died in this county, Sept. 11, 1871. 
She bore her husband the following ofifspring: Louisa, deceased; 
Edward, deceased; Mar\', deceased; Benjamin, the subject of this 
mention; Elizabeth, Caroline, deceased: and Elizabeth. The father 
of these children became an extensi\e farmer and was for many 
years one of the substantial and leading citizens of the county. On 
his old homestead the subject of this sketch now resides. He and 
his good wife were life-long members of the Evangelical church, 
and brought their family up in that church. Benjamin Bruce has 
always resided in Aubbeenaubbee township, and devoted his life to 
successful farming. In politics he has adhered to the principles 
of the democratic party. In 1890 he was elected treasurer of the 
county, an office he acceptably filled for one term, refusing to make 
a second race for the ofifice. Oct. i. 1868, Mr. Bruce married Mary 
I., daughter of William and Malinda (Lee) Moon, pioneer settlers 
in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have had four children, viz,: 
Jacob, who lived to the age of nineteen }ears; Willie, who died one 
year old; Nellie, the one surviving child, and Hettie, who died aged 
nine vears. Mr. Bruce has lived an industrious, moral and honest life, 
and has won the esteem of many friends. 

GEORGE W. BRUGH was born in Aubbeenaubbee township 
May 19, 1856. His father, Joseph Brugh, was born in Seneca 
county, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1822. He removed from Ohio 
to Steuben county, then to Fulton county, in which he 
settled on a farm adjoining the present farm of 
George W. Here his death occurred March 29. 1874. When he 
came to this county he came by wagon, and owned a span of horses, 
a wagon, and possessed but $2.50. He grew prosperous, and at the 
time of his death owned a good farm of 160 acres. His widow now 
resides with her son. James B. Brugh, whose personal sketch is given 
elsewhere in this work. Joseph Brugh became the father of ten 
children, viz.: George W.. James B., Arabella, Albert M., Edward, 
Lillie, Elmer, Nannie, deceased; Lucy, deceased, and Laura. All 
the living children are residents of Fulton county. George W., the 



46 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

iniinediate subject ijf this personal sketch, remained at the parental 
home until lie reached the age of twenty-three years. Oct. 30, 1879, 
he married Francis E. Hunter, daughter of Lane and Julia Hunter. 
This marriage has been blessed by the birth of three children, viz.: 
Virle, deceased; Harry O., and Oscar R., deceased. Mr. Brugh 
and his wife are members of the Methodist church, and in politics 
he has adhered to democracy. Though he began life as a poor man, 
Mr. Brugh has been very successful as a tiller of the soil and stock- 
raiser. 

JAMES B. BRUGH, a son of Joseph Brugh and a brother of 
George W. Brugh, who is mentioned above, was born in Aubbeen- 
aubbee township, Fulton county, on April 24, 1857. He remained 
under the parental roof until he was twenty years of age, and worked 
on the farm with his father and brothers. He began life for himself 
at the above age, as a partner with his brother, George VV., at farm- 
ing. Subsequently the partnership was dissolved and since Mr. 
Brugh has farmed alone. He has prospered and now owns an 
excellent farm of 160 acres. His aged mother resides with him, as 
has been noted in the sketch of George, his brother. ]\Ir. Brugh has 
always been a staunch democrat, politically. Fie is a member of the 
fraternal order known as the Knights of Maccabees. He is a rep- 
resentative citizen, industrious and persevering, and has won the 
reputation of being such in the estimation of all who know him. 

NOAH BRUMBAUGH, a representative farmer and citizen of 
Fulton county, is a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and was born 
March 16, 1834. His parents were Isaac and Catherine (Zerkle") 
Brumbaugh. The father was born in West Virginia in 1803. and 
died at the home of the subject of this sketch, in this county, in 1884. 
He was a son of David Brumbaugh, who was of German parentage. 
Mr. Bnunbaugh's mother was born in old Virginia. She bore her 
husband twelve children, of whom five are now living. The home 
of the family was in Fairfield county, Ohio. The father was a 
farmer by occupation and was a highly respected citizen. Noah 
Brumbaugh's youth was spent on the farm and farming has been 
his main pursuit. In youtli his educational advantages were very 
poor, but through the avenues of books and papers he has become 
well informed on many subjects of general interest, and no man 
stands a warmer friend of education than does Mr. Brumbaugh. 
He remained under the parental roof until lie was nineteen years old. 
Learning the carriage-makers' trade, he followed the same for about 
eight years, with the exception of the time he has been a tiller of the 
soil. At farming he has been verv successful. He came to Fulton 
county in 1864, and located on his present farm near Kewanna. 
Mr. Brumbaugh and Maria Apt were united in marriage in 1862. 
in Fairfield county, Ohio, where she was born. Unto the union the 
following children have been born : Cora, once a teacher, now wife 
of William Mason, of Kewanna ; Prof. Jesse P., graduate of DePauw 



HISTORY OF FfLTOX rOUiVTY. 47 

university, now principal of I'rown's \'alley, Minn, schools; Orpha 
May, graduate of Depauw university, now teaching; Nevada, 
teacher: David, and Gertrude. Mr. and Mrs. Brumbaugh are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and enjoy the esteem of a 
wide circle of friends. 

GEORGE K. BRIJNDIGE, county recorder, was born in Wa- 
bash county, Ind., Aug. 17, 1859, a son of Uriah Brundige, born in 
Ohio in 1813, and died in 1879. His life work was devoted to agri- 
culture and was passed largely in Wabash county. He was 
successful and accumulated a snug competenc)- while yet in health. 
He was educated poorly, but possessed an active mind and kept him- 
self well informed through current literature. John Brundige was 
his father, and a Scotch ancestry is directly referred to with much 
pride. Uriah Brundige married Elizabeth McGovern, whose chil- 
dren were: John Brundige, Missouri Valley. Iowa: William, died 
at twenty-two; Martha, married T. Porter, New Orleans, La.; 
Phoebe, died young: George K., Morton, Missouri Valley, Iowa: 
Byron, died yoimg, and Novilla. Besides the ungraded schools 
George K. Brundige spent one year at Terre Haute, in order to 
better equip himself to battle with the world. He spent two years 
on a farm upon leaving school. He was then employed as a clerk 
in a hardware store, later worked for Patterson Bros, of .\kron, this 
county, in the same capacity. In 1886 took the contract for getting 
out ties and other railroad stuff in this county for Powell & Lord, of 
Chicago. He engaged next in the insurance and real estate busi- 
ness, with a commission as notary public. In November. 1894, was 
elected to his present ofifice by a majority of T05, and took his office 
a year later, for a term of four years. Aug. i". 1886, Mr. Brundige 
married at Akron, Ind., Ina. a daughter of Jacob Whittenberger, of 
Pennsylvania German birth, whose wife was Mary McCloud. Mr. and 
Mrs. Brundige are the parents of one child, Harry I., born June 10, 
1887, and died April 19. 1894. Mr. Brundige is making a record as 
a careful and efficient official, and renders satisfactory service as 
Fulton countv's recorder. 

ELMER JULIAN BUCHANAN, proprietor of the Grass Creek 
elevator, first saw the light of day in Fairfield countv, Ohio, on 
April 3, 1862. Mr. Buchanan's parents were James H. and Anna 
W. (Macklin) Buchanan, of whom mention is made elsewhere in 
this volume in the biography of P. M. Buchanan. When Mr. 
Buchanan was but two years old, his parents settled in Wayne 
township, this county, and six years later the family returned to 
Ohio, and, after a stay of about four years in that state, returned to 
Wayne township. After attending the common schools, Mr. Buch- 
anan attended the high school of Rochester, and then the Northern 
Indiana Normal for three terms. For eleven years he taught school, 
beginning at the age of eighteen. In June, 1891, he and D. F. Rans 
entered into a partnership in the grain and tile business at Grass 



48 HISTORY OF FUI.TON COU.VTY. 

Creek. At the end of one year Mr. Buchanan purchased tlie interest 
of Mr. Rans, since which time he has conducted the business success- 
fully, dealing in grain, flour, tile and salt. Aug. 30, 1892, Mr. 
Buchanan married Miss Florence \'., daughter of John H. and Sarah 
Weyand, of Cass county. Politically he has been a staunch demo- 
crat, and in 1894-95 served as conimitteman for the west precinct 
of Wavne township. 

PETER MACKLIN BUCHANAN, attorney at law, Rochester, 
Ind., was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1856. He is a son 
of James H. and Ann M. (Macklin) Buchanan. His father was bom 
in Virginia in 1830. He died in Fulton county, Ind., in 1892. He 
was of Scotch descent. Mr. Buchanan's mother descended from 
Pennsylvania Dutch, was born in Ohio in 1835. She died in Fulton 
county in 1893. These parents were married in Fairfield county, 
Ohio, whence they removed to Fulton county in 1865. Subse- 
quently they returned to F'airfield county, where they lived for four 
years. Then they returned to Fulton county, in which county they 
ever afterward lived. They had six children, of which three are 
dead. Their son, whose name introduces this brief biographical 
mention, was reared on the farm. His education was obtained in 
the country schools, the graded schools of Kewanna and the North- 
ern Indiana Normal school. He began school teaching when 
nineteen years of age and taught up to 1883. He first began the 
study of law in 1879. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1883. 
He served as justice of the peace for some three or four years, then 
began an active practice of the law. He has gained a good clientage 
and ranks among the best of his profession in the county. In 1883 
Mr. Buchanan wedded Miss Maggie J. Richeson. The marriage 
has been blessed by the birth of two sons, namely, Blythe and 
Harry. Mr. Buchanan is identified with the democratic party, and 
is a member of the Knights of Pythias order. He and Iiis wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

SAMUEL BURCH, of Liberty township, is one of the sub- 
stantial pioneers of Fulton count}'. He was born in Allen county, 
Ohio, Jan. 10, 1836. Arnold Burch, his father, was bom in New 
England. He came to Ohio early in the century, and resided for a 
time at Cincinnati. He secured a contract for the construction of a 
part of the Cincinnati & Erie canal and moved his family to Mont- 
gomery and later to Allen county. He descended the Ohio river on 
a flatboat and went into Cincinnati when it contained only one 
blacksmith shop. He came to Fulton county in 1841, and died on 
the farm of S. Burch in 1863, aged over seventy. He was a success- 
ful farmer; was a whig and then a republican; was married to Mary 
Ewin, who became the mother of: Anna, widow of John Hoover, 
Chicago; Levi, this county; Sarah, deceased, married to John Pat- 
rick; William, deceased; Zora, widow of William Buck; Rhoda, 
deceased, married to C. R. C.reen; Elizabeth, married to B. Chapin, 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 49 

both deceased, and Samuel. The last named secured a limited dis- 
trict school education. He purchased the old homestead of the 
heirs and has enlarged its area until now he has one of the most 
desirable homes in Liberty township and conducts his farm on the 
most approved methods. He was married first in the fall of 1862 to 
Sarah, daughter of Enos Hoover. She died in 1869. Soon follow- 
ing after the death of his wife Mr. Burch went to Iowa and spent 
one summer, engaged in bridge building. The next year he drove 
from here through to Kansas and the Indian territory on a pros- 
pecting tour and outing. May 7, 1871, after his return from the 
west, he married Amanda, daughter of Jacob Thompson. Their 
only child is Essie, wife of Albert Miller. Mr. Burch is a radical 
republican ; is one of the moulders of sentiment as to party manage- 
ment in his township, and has frequently been solicited to allow his 
name to be used as a candidate in connection with some county 
office, but has persistently declined. 

ISAAC BUSENBl'RG, one of the most progressive and sub- 
stantial agriculturists of New Castle township, has demonstrated by 
his well spent life that success is not a matter of genius, but the re- 
ward of earnest, persistent labor, guided by good management. It 
is these qualities that have made him one of the prosperous farmers 
of Fulton county. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, April 12, 
1 83 1, a son of Peter and Nancy (Wharton) Busenburg. His father 
was born in Knox county, Ohio, about 1802. and died there in 1852, 
while the mother passed away in Fulton county, in 1879, at the age 
of seventy-two. Their living children are Hugh, of Green county, 
Ind. ; Mrs. Rebecca Henry, of Fulton county; David, of Knox 
county, Ohio; Isaac; John, of Marion county, Iowa; and Phoebe, 
wife of John Scott, of Marion county, Iowa. Isaac Busenburg 
early became inured to the hardships of pioneer life and to the prac- 
tical work of the farm. On attaining his majority he was married, 
going- in debt eleven dollars for his wedding garments. Working 
by the day, he was enabled to purchase a yoke of oxen and a horse, 
and renting land he then began farming, cutting his hay and grain 
with a scythe. Removing to Fulton county, Indiana, he had barely 
enough money to pay the expenses of the trip. In i860 he pur- 
chased forty acres of heavily timbered land and built a log cabin on 
a small clearing, at the same time entering upon the career which 
has marked him as an industrious, successful and honorable farmer. 
As his financial resources increased, he added to his land until he had 
two hundred and eighty acres, but he has since given sixty acres to 
each of his sons, who reside near him. The yield of his fields is not 
excelled in the township, and all of the accessories of a model farm 
are found upon his place. His knowledge of the best methods of 
draining land led to his appointment in 1881 as ditch commissioner 
for four years. He put in a good system of ditches in every part of 
the county, and then resigned after three years' service. His ex- 
III- 4 



oO HISTORY OF FULTOX COUNTY. 

peiuliture of public funds was necessarily large, but very judicious, 
and won him the commendation of all concerned. On Dec. 17, 
1855, Mr. Busenburg was married in Knox county, Ohio, to Rhoda, 
daughter of George Starkey. She died leaving a son, David. For 
his second wife our subject chose Xancy Dunlap, and thev have one 
son, P. W. Mr. Busenburg is a democrat of the old school, and 
both he and his wife are consistent members of the Baptist church, 
and have many warm friends throughout the community. 

PETER BUSENBURG, in his thirty-three years' residence in 
Fulton county has won a place among its prosperous farmers and 
most highly respected citizens, for his life has been such as to win 
him the public confidence and regard. He comes from that sturdy 
and valued German stock that settled in Pennsylvania during the 
latter part of the eighteenth century, and is a son of David Busen- 
liurg, who was born in Cumberland county, that state, in 1806. His 
mother bore the maiden name of Mary Dennis. She was born in 
1 81 1, and was married at the age of twenty-one. For many years 
the parents resided in Knox county, (^hio, and there Peter, their 
first child, was born Dec. 13, 1833. Their other children now living 
are Barbara, wife of Edward Hatfield, of Pulaski county. Kan. ; 
Martha, wife of Hiram Messersmith, of Montgomery county, Ind.; 
Elizabeth, wife of E. Messersmith. of Pulaski county, Ind.: Eliza, 
wife of Aaron Kesler. of Marshall county, and Michael, who is living 
in Wilson county, Kan. The edvicational facilities which Peter 
Busenburg enjoyed were extremely limited, yet he made the most of 
his opportunities, and has supplemented the knowledge gained in 
school by reading and by that practical experience which life's les- 
sons always bring, and which have made him a well informed man. 
He was married Feb. i, 1857, in Coshocton county, Ohio, to Lavina 
Meredith, daughter of Isaac Meredith. She died Jan. 8, i8qo, leav- 
ing five children: Jonathan and Isaac M., who are fariuers of 
Fulton county; Tinsey, wife of L. T. Barkman, of Henry township: 
Alahala, wife of L. D. Pentecost, of Noble county, Ind.: and D. E., 
principal of the schools of Dawson county, Montana. In Novem- 
ber, 1891, Mr. Busenburg married Sarah Bybee, daughter of 
Pleasant Bybee, who came to Indiana from Fayette county, Ohio. 
Our subject became a resident of Fulton county in 1863, and pur- 
chased one hundred acres of timber land from Hiram Troutman. 
He immediately began the task of clearing a place on which to raise 
a crop of corn. In the third of a century, which has since passed, 
almost the entire forest has been cleared away, the marshes and 
swampy places have been drained, and where once were trees and 
unproductive land are now seen fields of grain that tell of abundant 
harvests. There are also commodious houses and barns replacing 
the cabin and private stable, and the substantial buildings stand as 
monuments to the enterprise of the owner. In politics Mr. Busen- 
burg is a democrat, and in religious belief a Baptist. 



HISTORY OF FULTOX COUXTY. 51 

WILLIAM T. BUTLER, ex-sheriff of Fulton county, and a 
leading and influential citizen of Rochester, is so well and favorably 
known throughout this section of the state that he needs no special 
introduction to our readers. A native son of Indiana, he was born 
in Miami count}-, June 7. 1839, a son of William and Nancy E. 
(Meek) Butler, the former a native of Georgia, and the latter of 
Rockingham count}', \'a. They were descended from Irish stock, 
and after their marriage located in Indiana. They removed from 
Henry county to Miami county, and in 1843 became residents of 
Fulton county, where two years later the father died. The mother 
afterward married Minor Allen, and her death occurred in Fulton, 
in 1862, when she had reached the age of forty-five vears. The chil- 
dren were: ^\^ T., John W., of Miami countv. and Sarah, who died 
in childhood. William T. Butler spent his boyhood days upon his 
father's fami and acquired his education in a primitive log school 
house, such as is found on the frontier, where the school was con- 
ducted on the subscription plan. When a youth of fourteen he 
began learning the blacksmith's trade in Fulton, Ind.. under the 
direction of Norman L. Sterns, and on completing his apprentice- 
ship went to Middletown, Henry county, where he carried on 
business on his own account. While there residing he was married, 
Dec. 28, 1859, to Catherine Phillips, who was born in Augusta 
county, \'a., July 4, 1837, a daughter of David and Nancy (Weeks) 
Phillips, of the Old Dominion. Mr. and Mrs. Butler's living chil- 
dren are: Warren J., who for fourteen years was deputy sheriff of 
Fulton county and is now in Toledo, Ohio: Minor A., also of Toledo: 
Mary, wife of George Black, of Rochester: \\^inona, wife of John 
Hoover, of Rochester: and Nellie. In 1871 Mr. Butler engaged in 
farming in Liberty township, and profitably and uninterruptedh' 
continued that pursuit until 1880, when his fellow-citizens, appre- 
ciating his worth and ability, called him from private life to public 
office. Against seven competitors he received the nomination for 
sheriff, and in November was elected to that ofifice, despite the op- 
position of the saloon element of his own partv and the presence of 
two other candidates in the field. His administration of the affairs 
of the ofifice was most commendable. The evil doer expected no 
mercy at his hands and he filled the jail with criminals of all classes 
who had hitherto infested the county, bringing to punishment as 
manv as seven hundred during his term. So faithfully did he dis- 
charge his duties that he was re-elected by a larger majority than 
was given him in 1880. He retired from office as he had entered it, 
with the good will, respect and confidence of all law-abiding citizens. 
Before retiring from office Mr. Butler became interested in the hard- 
ware business as a partner of Mr. Stockberger, but he is now devot- 
ing his attention to business in connection with his farms. He is the 
possessor of considerable property acquired through his own eflforts 
and is accounted one of the substantial citizens of the community. 



52 HISTOUV OF FL'I.TOX COUNTY. 

He is a valued member of the Masonie order and its auxiliar}', the 
Eastern Star; is in good standing in all branches of Odd Fellowship, 
including the Rebecca lodge, and has membership with the order of 
Red Men of the Tribe of Pocahontas. His own life is exemplary in the 
fidelity with which he has discharged every duty, either public or 
private, and no man in F'ulton county is held in more genuine 
esteem than William T. Butler. 

JACOB CAMERER, one of the representative farmers of Ful- 
ton county, is a native of Clermont county, Ohio, born Feb. 5, 1824, 
and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Hill) Camerer, natives respectively 
of Fleming county, Ky., and Westmoreland county. Pa. The 
father was born in 1797 and died in Rush county, Ind.. in 1887. 
The mother was born in 1800 and died in the same Indiana county in 
1889. The Camerer family left Kentucky in 1807 and settled in 
Clermont county, Ohio, and in 1812 the Hill family proceeded from 
the old Pennsylvania commonwealth by way of the Ohio river, upon 
a flatboat to Clermont county, and here the parents of Jacob Cam- 
erer were united in marriage. In 1826 they emigrated to Rush 
county, Ind., and it can be truthfully stated that representatives of 
the Camerer family have been pioneers of Kentucky. Ohio and 
Indiana. Jacob Camerer, of this review, is of German descent, and 
the third in a family of nine children, of whom five are at this date 
(1896) living. He was raised upon the farm in Rush county, Ind., 
where he obtained a common school education. He carried on 
farming in that county until 1857, when he came to Fulton county 
and took up his residence, where he now lives, four miles southeast 
of Rochester. His farm at that time was almost an unbroken forest, 
but now it is a finely cultivated piece of land. In his neighborhood 
he at one time owned 350 acres, but he has given to his children 
so much that now he has only reserved eighty acres. Mr. Camerer 
was united in marriage in 1852 to Mrs. Olive (Green) Priest, a native 
of Franklin county, Ind. To this marriage are these four children. 
viz.: Henry E., Omer G. and Ada M. Politically Mr. Camerer is 
a democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Cass. His 
views upon finance are to have both a gold and silver standard, and 
have both metals as legal tenders in paying all debts, and upon the 
question of the tarifT, a revenue sufficient to meet the needs of the 
government, if those needs are economically administered to. He 
and wife are members of the M. E. church. Through a residence of 
nearly forty years in Fulton county, Jacob Camerer has been known 
as an honorable man and true citizen. 

CHRISTOPHER CAMPBELL, of Aubbeenaubbee township, 
was born in Baltimore, Md,, May 20, 1831. His parents were John 
and Clara (Barcher) Campbell. The father was born in Scotland 
in 1797, and died in White county. 111., when nearly ninetv years of 
age. He came to America when eighteen years of age. About two 
years later his parents and two brothers (Angus and Donald) and 



HISTOKY OF FULTOX COUNTY. 53 

two sisters (Jeanette and Isabella) came to this countr)-. The 
parents located in Pittsburg, Pa., where their deaths occurred. In 
Baltimore John Campbell married Clara Barcher, who was born in 
Amsterdam, Holland, in 1809. She died in White county. 111., at 
the age of seventy-seven years. After the marriage of John and 
Clara Campbell they removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, where 
they lived nineteen years, and then (1853) came to Fulton county 
and settled in Aubbeenaubbee township, where they lived about six 
years. They then moved to southern Illinois, where the remainder 
of their days was spent. They were members of the Presbyterian 
church, and pioneers of sterling qualities. They had the following 
children: Daniel, deceased; Christopher, Angus, John. Edward, 
deceased ; Clara. Jeanette. Nancy, deceased ; Sarah and Isabella. The 
subject of this personal mention is the only one of the family now re- 
siding in Fulton county. He was about five years of age when his 
parents went to Ohio, in which state he grew to manhood, receiving 
a fair education in the old log school house.- His youth was spent in 
aiding his father on the farm, and from boyhood he has followed 
farming. Along with his parents he came to this county in 1853, 
and under the parental roof he remained till he was married at the 
age of twenty -four years. iMr. Campbell has been married three 
times. In 1855 he married Angeline Sutley, who bore him a daugh- 
ter (Angeline, now the wife of O. P. Lanner, of White county. 111.) 
Mr. Campbell's second wife was Jeanette Gilcrist, who bore him 
these children: John, deceased: James, and John. In 1867 Mr. 
Campbell married Rebecca Zuck, and unto this marriage the follow- 
ing children have been born: Charles C, Sarah, Albert, Clara, 
Barch and Lucretia. Mr. and Mrs. Caitipbell are members of the 
Presbyterian church, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is a 
demitted member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically Mr. Camp- 
bell is a staunch republican. He cast his first presidential vote for 
John C. Fremont. He has never aspired to political office, but has. 
however, served the countv one term as countv commissioner. 

GEORGE W. CLAYTON, Rochester's efficient town marshal, 
was born in Fulton county, Ind., July 4. i860. He was brought 
up on his father's farm and at twenty years of age decided to change 
his occupation for one more promising. He placed himself in the 
hands of Philip Hoot to learn the trade of plasterer. He has made 
this trade his life work and has resided continuously in Fulton 
countv except four years, when he was temporarily absent, doing 
work in the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa. Alay 
8. 1885, Mr. Clayton married in Rochester, wedding Minnie Stig- 
lietz, daughter of Christian Stiglietz, now of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. 
Clayton's children are: Burney. L. Jay and Marie. Our subject is 
a son of George W. Clayton, deceased, born at Harper's Ferry, Va., 
1815. He emigrated to Ohio in 1834 with his father, John Clayton, 
who was a miller and who died in Logan countv, Ohio. Our sub- 



54 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

ject's father came to Fulton county in 1841 and married here, 
wedding Ann Hurd, a Canadian lady. He located east of Roch- 
ester, where he died in 1871. George W. Clayton is a republican in 
politics, and was nominated for his office against several competitors 
and defeated a popular democrat by 130 votes at the election held 
May 4, 1896. He is an I. O. O. F. and a K. O. T. M. 

NEWTON J. CLYMER, M. D.— The birth of this physician 
and surgeon occurred March 24, 1837, in Miami county. Ind., where 
his parents, Joseph and Eliza (Keever) Clymer, settled as early as 
1832. The father was a son of Henry Clymer, who was a native of 
Pennsylvania, and a cousin of George Clymer, of Declaration fame. 
At the close of the Revolutionary war, in which he was a soldier, he 
married Miss Phebe Wharton, whose father was also a soldier in 
the war of Independence. Subsequent to this marriage Henrv Cly- 
mer came west and located on the Ohio river, becoming one of the 
early settlers of Cincinnati, vyhere his son, Joseph, our subject's 
father, was born in 1805. Later he removed to Warren county, 
Ohio, where his death occurred. He was the father of six sons and 
live daughters. When the subject of this review was nine years of 
age his father died, and the care of six children was thrown upon 
the mother; but possessing that magnificent ingenuity with which 
woman is ever provided with she managed to keep her familv of four 
sons and two daughters upon the home farm until they reached man- 
hood and womanhood. Dr. X. J. Clymer spent his youth upon the 
farm. At eighteen years of age he was fortunate enough to be the 
teacher at a neighboring school. At twenty years of age he began 
the study of medicine in the office of his brother, Dr. Keever Clymer 
at Wawpecong, Ind., where he remained for two years, and then lo- 
cated for the practice of his profession in LaSalle county, 111., but 
one year later returned to Indiana and located at Bourbon, and in 
1862 he came to Fulton county and from that time until the fall of 
1893 he was located at Bloomingsburg (now Talma), where for 
many years he had an extensive practice. Near this place the doctor 
now owns two valuable farms. Feb. 9, i860, occurred the marriage 
of Dr. Clymer to Miss Leonora A. Moore, who was born at Ashta- 
bula, Ohio, Nov. 16, 1844, a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth 
Moore. When she was but tw'o years of age her parents removed 
to Canada, and from thence to Detroit, Mich., in August. 1849, in 
which year her father died, leaving the mother and the following 
children, viz.: Eli B., Sophronia A., Julia. George W., Anna E., 
M. Augusta, and Leonora A. Mrs. Clymer received her education 
at the schools of Buffalo, N. Y., and at Bourbon, Ind. To bless the 
union of Dr. and Mrs. Clymer there have come four children, viz.: 
Charles A., George M., Florence and Harry C. Dr. Clymer has 
taken an active part in social and fraternal affairs. He was one of 
the organizers of the Masonic lodge. No. 489 and I. O. O. F. lodge. 
No. 516, at Bloomingsburg. He and wife are members of the order 




HON. ISAIAH COXXER. 



IIISTdRV ()[-■ FULTON CorNTY. 55 

of the Eastern Star and the order of the Daughters of Rebecca. 
PoHtically Dr. Clynier is a democrat. But once has the doctor 
sought political preferment and that was quite a number of years ago, 
when he was a candidate for joint representative for this county and 
Pulaski, and on account of the fusion of the republicans with the 
greenback element he was defeated by fifteen votes. He is a clean man 
socially and politically, and one whose character and ability stands 
free and unquestioned. Since November, 1893, the doctor antl his 
amiable wife have been residents of Rochester, and are among its 
most highly esteemed citizens. Dr. Clymer is a successful phy- 
sician, is a graduate of the Eclectic medical institute of Cincinnati: 
since 1870 has been a member of the Eclectic medical association of 
Indiana, and is a member of the Northwest medical association of 
Northern Indiana, of which at this time he is treasurer. July 27, 
1893, he was appointed examiner for the bureau of pensions at 
Rochester. 

JUDGE ISAIAH CONNER, one of the most favorably known 
citizens of Fulton county, was born in Marion, Ind., Aug. 4. 1835. 
His parents were Nelson and Sarah (Boots) Conner. The father 
was bom in South Carolina, March 14, 181 1, and died near Marion, 
Ind., March 14, 1889. He was a son of Lewis and Margaret 
(McLaranJ Conner. Lewis Conner was a native of South Carolina, 
and of Irish lineage. His wife was born in Scotland. He was the 
father of six sons and three daughters. He was a pioneer settler 
of Grant county, Ind., in which county he settled in the year 1828. 
There he lived many years and died. His death occurred in 1869, 
when he was eighty-seven years of age. Sarah Boots Conner, the 
mother of the subject of this mention, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, 
March 27, 1813. She died near Marion, Ind.. March 20, 1890. She 
was a daughter of Martin Boots, a Pennsylvanian, of German par- 
entage. Nelson Conner and Sarah Boots were the first white couple 
married in Grant county, Ind. Their marriage was solenmized 
April 15, 1831. They settled down in life in that county, where they 
ever afterward lived, till death called them away. He was a mill- 
wright by trade. To a great extent he followed his trade, but he 
always lived on a farm, and at the time of his death he was engaged 
in farming. In politics he w-as a staunch democrat. He and his 
devoted wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
They had seven children, of which six are now (1896) living. Of 
the seven children Isaiah is the second. In the main he was brought 
up on the farm. His early educational training was obtained in the 
"Quakers" school," an institution supported by subscription funds. 
After leaving this school, he took an academical course at Marion. 
Ind. Upon leaving the academy he began the study of law at 
Marion, and in 1867 was admitted to the bar in Grant county, Ind. 
Two years later he located in Rochester, where he soon gained a 
large clientage, and won an enviable reputation as a lawyer. In 



56 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

November of 1884 he was elected judge of the circuit court, the 
judicial circuit being composed of the counties of Fulton and Mar- 
shall. He held the office one term, six years, and gained equally as 
excellent a reputation as a judge as he had gained as an advocate 
before the bar. Since retiring from the office he has continued an 
active practice of the law. He has always been a democrat in poli- 
tics, and as a citizen he has always manifested a deep interest in 
public aiifairs, taking appropriate rank with the leaders in all move- 
ments intended for public benefit. On Jan. 26, 1862, Mr. Conner 
wedded Miss Talitha Line, a most estimable lady, who shared with 
him his joys and sorrows for a period of thirty-three years, and then 
answered the summons of death on July 18, 1895. 

E. B. COOK, general merchant at Grass Creek, was born in 
Marion, Grant county, Ind.. March 21, 1851; and is a son of George 
Robert Cook, who was born in Virginia, of Scotch ancestry. George 
Robert Cook was married to Susan Speelman. in Wabash county, 
this state, in which county his and her parents were early settlers. 
She was born in Virginia, and bore her husband two children, 
namely, the subject of this sketch and George R. The children 
were left orphans very early in life, and the subject of this biography 
was reared by a maternal uncle, Jacob Speelman, a farmer of Grant 
county. He was given a common school education, and at the age 
of sixteen went west and spent four years in Wyoming as a "cow- 
boy." After returning to Indiana Mr. Cook accepted employment 
in Miami county, Ind., and there met and married (1873) Miss Isa- 
belle Prior, daughter of John Prior, Esq. For ten years after his 
marriage Mr. Cook was employed by a lumber company of Logans- 
port and resided in that city. In April, 1887, he located at Grass 
Creek, where he opened the first store of that place, which has since 
become a nice little village. Since the above date Mr. Cook has 
conducted a general store, with an increasing business, and in con- 
nection with this he has been also engaged in the lumber and cold 
storage business. He was postmaster for the village for the first 
six years after locating at the place and for sometime he has held the 
position of station agent for the \'andalia line at this point. Mr. 
Cook began life under adverse circumstances, being very poor, but 
by means of enterprise and industry he has succeeded in becoming 
a prosperous and representative business man. He is a representa- 
tive and progressive citizen; a democrat in politics, and enjoys the 
confidence of a wide acquaintance. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have two 
children. Their elder. Myrtle M.. is the wife of William X. Hen- 
drickson, who is Mr. Cook's clerk. The younger child's name is 
George Robert. 

G. W. COOK, of Fulton, is the leading and oldest merchant in 
that village. He is an active and representative republican and has 
filled most efficiently and acceptably the office of township trustee 
for two terms, being first elected in 1886 and re-elected in 1888. 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 57 

His duties were such as are common to tliat office and were dis- 
charged zealously and in the public interest. Mr. Cook was Iwrn at 
Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. lo, 1850. His father, George Cook, left the 
keystone state when our subject was an infant and located in Circle- 
ville, Ohio. He soon moved to Columbus and in 1855 came to 
Indiana and settled in Fulton. G. W. Cook was schooled in the 
village of Fulton and finished his education with one term at Battle 
Ground college. Farming was his business till he was twenty-two, 
at which age he put his small capital into a stock of general mer- 
chandise and became a fixture as a Fulton merchant. He has 
continued a successful and prosperous man of business for twenty - 
four years. He carries a large stock, sufficient to satisfy the 
demands of the community. Mr. Cook was married in this township 
to Amanda L., daughter of Riley Martin, a Cass county farmer, now 
deceased. The children resulting from this union are: Flora, 
Bertha, Henry, Rosa, Elmer, Ray, Lee and Lalah. Our subject's 
father was born near Harrisburg, Pa. He died in Fulton about 
1881, aged seventy-three. He married a Miss Albright, who is a 
resident of this county and is seventy-eight year old. Her children 
are: Catherine, wife of William Martin, of Fulton; Elizabeth, de- 
ceased, wife of Boyd Buchanan; Mary E.. deceased; Hiram, 
deceased; Jesse, Emma, wife of Alex Hoover, near Macy, and G. 
W. The Cooks are Pennsylvania Germans, and settled in the key- 
stone state very early in our history. They were thorough going 
and their histories would be only those of thrifty and successful 
toilers for bread. 

ISAAC H. COOK, one of the representative citizens of Aub- 
beenaubbee township, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, Jan. 
25, 1854. His parents were John and Rachel (Nefif) Cook. His 
father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1826. He was twice 
married. He first married Rachel Neff, who bore him the follow- 
ing children and then passed away in death: David W.. Mary, 
Sarah, George F., Emanuel, John, Isaac H., Maggie and Susan. 
When the subject of this sketch was a small boy he lost his mother 
in death. Subsequentl} his father married Sarah Xeff, a sister of 
Rachel Neff. Unto this marriage one child was born, viz., Catherine 
L. Soon after John Cook's first marriage he moved to Crawford 
county, Ohio. He was an honest, toiling and respected farmer, and 
lived to a respectful old age, dying Feb. 10, 1895. His son, Isaac 
H., was reared on the farm, and was taught the lessons of industry 
and perseverance. He remained under the parental roof till twenty- 
four years of age, and then married Laura N. A. Myers, 
whose parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Myers. The mar- 
riage occurred in Ohio and later he came to Indiana and settled on 
his present homestead in Aubbeenaubbee township, where he has 
since grown prosperous as a farmer and gained rank among the 
leading citizens. He is a defined democrat, in politics, never sway- 



58 HISTORY OF FULTON corNTV. 

ing from the principles of the party. His wife, wlio is a most esti- 
mable lady, is a member of tlie Lutheran cluirch. but Mr. Cook is a 
member of the M. E. cluirch. 

OLI\'ER E. COOK was born in L'nion township, Fulton 
county, on Feb. 2, 1850. He is a son of William and Electa (Rich- 
ardson) Cook. William Cook was born Feb. 15, 181 5, in the city 
of Bristol, England. He immigrated to the United States when 
sixteen years of age, and located in Muskingum county, Ohio, where 
he was engaged at the painter's trade, until failing health caused him 
to abandon that pursuit. He was left an orphan at a tender age, 
and his early years were passed under the guardianship of those who 
were utter strangers to him, and had not the interest of kinsmen in 
his welfare. Owing to this fact he grew up without educational ad- 
vantages, and until after his marriage he was unable to write his 
name. But he possessed a mind naturally bright, and this, aided by 
the knowledge acquired from books in after years, qualified him to 
engage intelligently in the duties of an active life. Having aban- 
doned the trade of painting, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, at 
which he continued until the close of his life. On Xov. 7, 1884, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Electa Richardson, in Marion 
county, Ohio, returning at once to his farm in Muskingum county, 
where he resided with his wife until 1849. T" that year they came to 
Indiana and took up their abode among the pioneers of Fulton 
county. Mr. Cook purchased 160 acres of unimproved land in 
L'nion township, and erected upon it a log cabin, in which his familv 
had their home until the present residence succeeded it. He de- 
voted himself manfully to his work until his farm was cleared, and 
in the years that followed he amassed, by honest and industrious 
toil, a comfortable fortune, giving to each of his children $550 as they 
reached maturity. He was quiet and unobtrusive in his manners, 
and honorable and upright in all his dealings. He was respected and 
esteemed wherever he was known, and was recognized as one of the 
best citizens of the community in which he lived. He died on April 
10, 1876, mourned by a large circle of friends and a loving family. 
His wife, who still survives, was born Aug. 14, 1823, in Muskingutii 
county, ( )hio. and is the daughter of Manning and Lucinda Rich- 
ardson. At the age of four years she accompanied her parents to 
Marion county, Ohio, where she resided until her marriage with Mr. 
Cook. She is an estimable lady, and has been a devoted wife and 
mother, rearing a family whose members are all recognized among 
the best citizens of the community. She has survived the hardships 
of pioneer life, and lives to enjoy the era of prosperity that has fol- 
lowed them, while she holds a warm place in the hearts of all who 
know her. Her family consists of five sons and one daughter — 
iehiel A., Oliver E., Emma F., Francis M., William H. The sub- 
ject of this sketch began life for himself at the age of twenty-une 
years. After spending a brief period in Illinois, where he learned 



HISTORY OF FI'LTON fOUNTY. 59 

photography, Mr. Cook returned to Fulton county, and since then 
has been actively and successfully engaged in farming and stock 
raising. Nov. 2, 1876, he married Margaret J., a daughter of 
Thomas and Agnes Wilson, father and mother of James H. Wilson, 
elsewhere mentioned in this work. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Cook the 
following children have been born: Charles F., Hugh W., Nettie, 
Elmer, Mabel Agnes and Cecil Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are active 
members of the Methodist church, to which they have given material 
support. 

M. V. COPLEN, farmer and miller of Bloomingsburg, belongs 
to that class of representative American citizens who promote the 
public welfare while advancing individual prosperity. He was born 
in Coshocton county, Ohio, a son of James Coplen, who was born 
in the same state and was a blacksmith and farmer. He died in 
June, 1893, in his ninetieth year. The mother bore the maiden 
name of Betsy Horton, and by marriage had eleven children, of 
whom the following survive: Ceramus, a farmer of Nebraska; M. 
v.; Gilbert, who served his native county as recorder, and is now 
in Nebraska, and Orange, who is still living in Coshocton county. 
Mr. Coplen of this review became familiar with all the labors that 
fall to the lot of the agriculturist in his childhood days, and began 
farming for himself on rented land in Coshocton county. After a 
year he came to Fulton county, Ind., locating four miles southeast 
of his present home. In connection with farming he also operated 
a saw mill. About a quarter of a century ago he removed to a 
farm west of the river, where he has since maintained his residence. 
He to-day owns three hundred and seventy acres of rich and arable 
land, which is yielding him a good return for the labor bestowed 
upon it. In 1893 he purchased a grist mill in Bloomingsburg, which 
he has since profitably operated in connection with his other busi- 
ness, and his well directed efforts and untiring labors have brought 
to him a handsome competence. In January, i860, Mr. Coplen was 
married to Sarah Severns, daughter of William Severns. b\- whom 
he has two children — Wilson, who married Ellen P.urkett; and El- 
mer, who married Frances Rodabaugh. Both reside in Fulton 
county. The parents are members of the Christian church, and are 
most highly esteemed people. Mr. Coplen is one of the staunch 
adherents of democracy, is recognized as a leader of his party in 
the township, and by his fellow-citizens was elected to the office of 
count)' commissioner, where he discharged his duties in a most 
prompt and capable manner.. 

JAMES COSTELLO, a farmer and ex-soldier, was born in 
Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, Nov. 20, i8j|4. His father, Patrick 
Costello, was born in county Leitrim, Ireland, March 26, 1807, and 
died in Fulton county March 23, 1863. Patrick Costello came to 
America when about eighteen years of age. He first lived in 
Cleveland, and later was employed in a packing house at Cincinnati. 



60 HISTORY OF FUl/rON COUNTY. 

Becoming" a railroad and pike road contractor, lie grew prosperous, 
but reverses came upon him, and in 1853 he came to Fulton county 
and located in Wayne township, where he farmed until his death. 
At Hamilton, Ohio, Patrick Costcllo married Ann Guckien, who 
was also born in county Leitrim, Ireland, May 2, 1809. She died in 
this county April 16, 1891. She bore her husband the following 
children: Ann, James, George, Thomas, deceased; Charles, Mary, 
John W. and Catherine. The parents were members of the Roman 
Catholic church. James Costello, whose name heads this mention, 
was reared on the farm, and farming has been his life pursuit. Oct. 
3, 1861, he enlisted in company C, Sixteenth United States infantry. 
He participated in the battles of Shiloh and Stone river, and was 
then transferred to Company F of the same regiment. This com- 
pany became a part of company C on account of being broken up 
in battle. Mr. Costello was in action at Hoover's Gap, then Chicka- 
mauga. Mission Ridge, advance on Atlanta and his last engagement 
was at Jonesborough. Nov. 3, 1864, he was discharged by reason of 
the expiration of his term of enlistment. His captain, Robert P. 
P>arry, in the discharge, bore testimony to his services, saying that 
his character was good and that he acted as teamster for the greater 
part of his enlistment. In 1866 Mr. Costello married Anastatia 
Hoynes, born in Kilkenny county, Ireland. She bore him the fol- 
lowing children: Annie, music teacher; Patrick, farmer and 
resident of Union township; George, teacher, graduated at Indiana 
State Normal; Mary, teacher: Martha, teacher; Paul, farmer and 
Charles. Mrs. Costello died July i, 1881. The family belongs to 
the Roman Catholic church, and in politics Mr. Costello has voted 
with the democratic party. He owns a very fine farm of 220 acres, 
which he has greatly improved. 

JOHN W. COSTELLO, a young and thrifty farmer and stock 
raiser and dealer, of Wayne township, was born in Butler county, 
Ohio, June 6, 1852. He is a son of Patrick Costello and a brother 
of James Costello, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The 
subject of this sketch was brought up on the farm and given a com- 
mon school education. At the age of seventeen years he began 
the battle of life for himself. He began farming on very limited 
means, but nevertheless he has grown prosperous, and now owns 
a fine farm of 400 acres. He has dealt in stock to a considerable ex- 
tent, and in business adventures he has been very successful. He 
was married to Margaret Maroney Jan. 23, 1883. The marriage 
has been blessed by the birth of six children, as follows: Mary Ann, 
born Feb. 26, 1884; Catherin Ellen, born Aug. 4, 1885; George 
Martin, born April 13, 1887, and died Nov. 9, 1887: Walter Edward, 
born Oct. 31, 1888; John William, born Oct. 28, 1890: Patrick 
Joseph, born March 12, 1893; and Clara Margarette, born Sept. 28, 
1895. Mrs. Costello was born April 14, 1859. Mr. and Airs. Cos- 
tello and their children are members of the Roman Catholic church 




HON. WM. H. DAVIDSON. 



HISTORY OF Fri/rON COT'NTY. 61 

and are among the leading families of the conmiunit\ in which thev 
live. Mr. Costello is democratic and is a member of the order of 
the Knights of the Maccabees. 

HON. WILLIAM H. DAVIDSON— This pioneer and honor- 
able citizen of Fulton county, was born in Adams county, Ohio, 
July 13, 1815, and came to this county in June, 1836. A short time 
thereafter he began clearing a farm in the northern part of Roch- 
ester township. The fall and winter seasons of 1836-37 and 1837-38 
he attended a school in Tippecanoe county and in the spring of 1838 
he taught school in Fulton county. In 1852 Mr. Davidson went to 
California, where he spent a few years and then returned to Fulton 
county. The life of Mr. Davidson has been distinctively that of a 
farmer and for many years he was one of the most extensive farmers 
of this part of Indiana and, at one time, owned more than 1,000 
acres of land in Fulton county. In 1878 he built in Rochester the 
Academy of Music, which he still owns. In politics he has been a 
life-long democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Martin 
Van Buren in 1836. In 1881 he was elected to the Indiana senate, 
from the district composed of the counties of Fulton and Marshall. 
He served his district faithfully through the two regular and one 
extra session of the legislature. He believes in an honest dollar, 
good everywhere, and a tariff for revenue only. He has been twice 
married; first in 1837, to Miss Elizabeth Robbins, and second in 1840 
to Miss Nancy S. Chinn. To this latter union are these living 
children, viz.: Andrew J., Timander, Arizona, Franklin P., David 
T. and Robert L. Mr. Davidson ha's been a resident of this county 
for sixtv vears and is one of its most highlv respected citizens. 

WILLIAM HENRY DENLSTON— ':\Ir. Deniston is a native 
of Preble county, Ohio, born July 2Q, 1846. He is a son of Ethan 
A. and Mary Ann (Jerdon) Deniston. The former was born in 
Preble county, Ohio, in October, 1821, and now resides in Miami 
county, Ind. By occupation he has been a miller and for many 
years operated a mill at Mexico, Miami county, Ind. The mother 
of Mr. Deniston was born in Pennsylvania in 1820. and died in Miami 
county, Ind., in i86g. The family came to Indiana in 1848 and 
settled in Miami county, where the subject of this review attended 
the public schools and later took a business course at Purdy's col- 
lege at Lafayette. Ind. He grew up in the milling business in his 
father's mill and became a practical miller. In 1869 he came to 
Rochester and engaged in the grocery business, which he continued 
for about one year and then began the agricultural implement busi- 
ness, which he continued for some three years and then until 1890 
he was engaged in the hardware business. In the year last named 
he was, by a majority of 203, elected to ser\-e four years as auditor 
of Fulton county. His term of sen'ice began March 4, 1891, and 
continued until Alarch 4, 1895. As a public official he gave the 
people entire satisfaction and left the office with the trust imposed 



62 HISTORY OF Fri,TON COUNTY. 

in him faithfully and courteously discharged. In the sprini;' of 1895 
he, as a member of the firm of Deniston & Caiifyn, engaged in the 
grain business. In politics he is a democrat and has always sup- 
ported the principles of that party. The marriage of Mr. Deniston 
took place in 1866 to Miss Maria Hoover, who was born in Cass 
county, Ind. Mrs. Deniston is a daughter of John and Rachel M. 
Hoover. The former was born in Ohio in 1808 and died in Cass 
county, Ind., in 1872, while the mother was born in Wayne county, 
Ind., in 181 1, and died in Cass county, Ind., in 1894. To this union 
is one son, Arthur Leroy. He is a member of Rochester lodge, No. 
47, I. O. (). F., and Fredonia lodge. No. 122, K. of P., and he and 
wife are members of the M. P.. church. 

ASA W. DEWEESF, who was born in Miami countv, ()hio, 
in 1826. is descended from sturdy ancestry, from rijck-ribbed Wales, 
the family being founded in Maryland. His grandfather, James De- 
weese, was born in \'irginia, and emigrating to Penn- 
sylvania, there married Elizabeth Whitlock. By trade he was a 
blacksmith. The father of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, 
in 1804, and, going down the Ohio riyer, settled in Fairfield county^ 
that state. He married Amy Blue, daughter of Michael Blue, and 
she is now living in Peru, Ind.. at the age of eighty-eight. Ther 
children are; Asa W. ; Lucinda, widow of H. Bryan ; Isabel, widow 
of William Bryan; Nancy, widow of Oliver Longstreet; Michael, 
deceased; Elizabeth, \yife of A. Marrs; James L., of Peru, Ind.; 
Louisa, wife of B. Burton; Diodema, wife of Daniel Gordon; Clar- 
inda, wife of Mat Jones; and Susanna, wife of George Rouch. Asa 
\^'. Deweese was reared and educated in Shelby county, Ohio, and 
in 1854, with an ax and rifle upon his shoulder started for Fulton 
county, Ind. He secured a farm in the forest near the town of Ful- 
ton, where for two years he labored faithfully, preparing a home for 
his future bride. He vyas married May 29, 1856, to Emeline Russell 
whom he at once brought to the new farm, and who died two years 
later. Mr. Deweese was again married Jan. i. 1863, his second 
union being with Mary A., daughter of Burriss H. Butler. Her 
father was born in Georgia, in 1806, was reared near Richmond, 
Ind., and came to Fulton county in 1841. Mr. and Mrs, Deweese 
have two children— Emily B., wife of Charles Martin, of Marion, 
Indiana; and Charles B., who is living at the old homestead owned 
by his father. This is one of the fine farms of the county, made so 
by the earnest labors of Asa W. Deweese, who is recognized as one of 
the most progressive and energetic agriculturists of Fulton county. 
In his political views he is a democrat, and has not failed to vote at a 
democratic primary or election for forty-three \'ears. He has twice 
seryed as county conunissioner, receiving a largely increased ma- 
jority at his second election, which \yas a high testimonial of his 
faithful performance of duty during his first term. He retired from 



HISTORY OF FULTON COrKTY. (i.'3 

office in 1895, as he had entered it, with tlie confidence and good 
will of all. 

WILLIAM DOWNS, farmer and lumber manufacturer, is a 
native of Jennings county, Ind. He was born Oct. 26, 1838, and 
is a son of George and Ann (Black) Downs. The father was born 
in Ohio, and died in Fulton county, Ind., in 1892, at about eighty- 
si.x years of age. The mother was born in Pennsylvania and died in 
this county in 1886. The Downs family came to Indiana in 1838 
and settled in Jennings county, and during the late war the parents 
of William Downs came to Fulton county. Mr. Downs grew up 
on the farm and received his schooling in the primitive schools of 
Jennings county. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B. Sixth Indiana 
volunteer infantry. He took part in the battles of Perryville, Salt 
Creek Knob, Atlanta, and many other less important engagements. 
Xot until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox court house was Mr. 
Downs mustered out of service. The war over, he came to Fulton 
county and since that time has resided upon the Michigan road, 
about one mile south of the court house. He is one of the county's 
leading farmers and now owns 318 acres of well improved land, all 
located within three miles of Rochester. For some six months after 
coming to Fulton county he worked at the carpenter trade and then 
engaged in the saw-mill business. For thirty vears he has been 
manufacturing lumber in this county. In 1896 he was appointed 
superintendent of the Michigan gravel road. He was united in 
marriage in 1866 to Miss Susan Brown, who was born in Jennings 
countv, Ind., Sept. 24. 1843. Her parents were early settlers of 
Jennings county, Ind., and both died there about twelve years ago. 
To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Downs are these three sons and 
two daughters, viz.: John G, James, \\'illiam K., Maude and Al- 
meda. The republican party has always had the loyal support of 
^Ir. Downs ancl he is a member of McClung post. No. 95, G. A. R , 
and of the order of I. O. O. F. Mrs. Downs is a member of the 
Baptist church. Mr. Downs is one of the progressive men of th's 
county and the success he has attained has come through his own 
well directed efTorts. 

H. S. DRAKE, one of the defenders of our country and flag, was 
born in Steuben county. Xew York, in 1838; son of Leonard and 
Elizabeth (Cleveland) Drake, natives of \'ermont. The father was 
born in 1804 and died in Michigan at nearly eighty-nine years of age, 
while the mother died in Erie county, Ohio, at seventy-two years of 
age. The Drake family settled in Erie county, Ohio, in 1843. Mr. 
Drake first attended the public schools and later spent some time at 
Oberlin college. He continued on the farm until Aug. fi, 1862, 
when he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and First Ohio vol- 
unteers infantry for three years, or during the war. .^t the battle of 
Chickamauga, September^ 1863. Mr. Drake was seriously wounded, 
having been shot through the left forearm. Other important battles 



64 HISTORY OF FUJ-TON COUXTV. 

in which he participated may be mentioned: Kennesaw mountain, 
Mission Ridge and Lookout mountain. He was a true and brave 
soldier. The conflict over, he returned to Ohio, where he resided 
until 1873, when he came to Fulton county, Ind., and since then 
has been engaged in farming about two miles southeast of Roch- 
ester, where he now owns a well improved farm of 115 acres, besides 
which the family have some valuable property in the city of Roch- 
ester. The marriage of Mr. Drake occurred Dec. 25, 1866, to Miss 
Xorris, a native of county Tipperary, Ireland, born in 1841. In 1846, 
in the company of her father, Patrick Norris, slie came to the United 
States and settled in Erie county, Ohio. Her father died at Toledo, 
Ohio, at about sixty-five years of age. To the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Drake are these three living children, viz.: Benjamin, who 
spent two years at the university of Michigan, and is now living at 
Hammond, Ind.; Charles, an 1893 graduate of the university of 
Michigan and now a teacher of science in the high school at Alpena, 
Mich., and Fred, who is also a graduate of this noted western uni 
versity, in the school of pharmacy department and is now engaged 
in the practice of his profession. Mrs. Drake was educated at Ober- 
lin college, and for some time was engaged in teaching. She is a 
woman of strong force of character and believes in a continuous, 
progressive education. She is a member of the M. E. church. In 
l)olitics Mr. Drake is an uncompromising republican, a member of 
McClung post. No. 95, G. A. R., and a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. He is a man of a pleasing personalit\- and public spirit. 

NATHANIEL DUDGEON, present chairman of the board of 
commissioners for Fulton county, a native of \A''ashington county. 
Pa., was born Sept. 22, 1831 , and is a son of William and Mary Ann 
(Jones) Dudgeon. The father was born in Maryland in 1803 and 
died in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1872. The mother was born in 
Washington county. Pa., in 181 1, and died in Holmes county, 
Ohio, in 1873. In 1832 the family settled in Ohio, having removed 
from Pennsylvania. The early boyhood of Nathaniel Dudgeon was 
spent upon his father's farm. He obtained a common school edu- 
cation at the Ohio public schools. At sixteen years of age he began 
learning the carpenter trade, at which he continued in Ohio until 
1852, when he came to Fulton county. Here he remained one year 
and then removed to Cass county, where he lived until 1857, when 
he came again to this county and settled on his present farm, five 
miles north of Rochester. He continued the carpenter business 
until 1857, since which time he has been engaged in farming. He 
now owns 371 acres of highly cultivated land and is considered one 
of the best and most successful farmers in Fulton county. Polit- 
ically Mr. Dudgeon has been a life-long democrat, and for 
many years he has taken an active part in the afifairs of that party. 
In 1890 he was elected to the office of commissioner from the third 
district. Tliis position he has ably filled for more than five years. 




NATHANIEL DUDGEON. 




AIRS. NATHANIEL DUDGEON. 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 65 

During- his second term the magnificent new court house of Fulton 
county has been erected, and during his term of almost six years 
many substantial improvements have been made in the county. In 
1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. March, a native 
of Berks county. Pa., born Feb. 12, 1831. Mrs. Dudgeon is a 
daughter of Jacob and Rachel March, natives of Pennsylvania. Her 
father was born in 1803 and died in Fulton count}', Ind., in 1879, 
and her mother was born in 1803 and died in this county in 1874. 
To Mr. and ^Irs. Dudgeon were born these children, viz.: Orton 
W. and Alburtus H. Orton W. was born in Fulton county in 1857 
and died in this county in 1893. In 1883 he was united in marriage 
to Miss Carrie E. Miner. To this vmion are these children, viz.: 
Fred Ort, Nina Odessa, Georgia, Ethel and Nathaniel. ]Mr. and 
Mrs. Dudgeon are among the leading and most highly respected 
citizens of Fulton county. 

LEWIS ELY, proprietor of the lumber mill at Bloomingsburg, 
is one of the best known citizens of New Castle township. In his 
business career he has met with many difficulties, but his industry 
and energy triumphed over these. He was born in Knox county, 
Ohio, Dec. 17, 1837, a son of Benjamin Ely, who was born in Wash- 
ington county. Pa., Dec. 15, 1810. His mother was Maria 
daughter of Joseph and Katherine (Hull) Staats, the former born in 
\irginia, in 1790, of German parentage, while the latter was born 
of Irish parentage in 1795. Throughout his life Benjamin Ely fol- 
lowed farming, and died Nov. 11. 1882, leaving the following 
children: Lewis, Homer, George W., Joseph S., Katherine, Maria, 
Rebecca J., Benjamin B., Sarah O. and Zipporah. The grand- 
father of our subject, Peter Ely, was born in Pennsylvania, April 22, 
1785. and was married Nov. 9, 1809, to Mary Horn. In 1813 he 
removed to Knox county, Ohio, where he died, leaving eight chil- 
dren, Benjamin being the eldest. Our subject received but meagre 
educational discipline, but was reared to habits of industry. He 
was married Sept. 30, i860, to Susan A. Bell, and the following year, 
accompanied by his brother Homer, came to Fulton county, where, 
in connection with S. Ely, he engaged in the manufacture of lumber. 
In 1863 he bought out his partner, but soon after sold the entire 
plant, and in company with Israel Stuckey contracted for a new mill 
from the factory. This was located a mile and a half from Bourbon, 
Marshall county, and was to be put on trial for thirty days. Just 
before the expiration of the month the boiler exploded, killing one 
man and seriously injuring Mr. Stuckey, who at once retired from 
the business. The accident lost Mr. Ely $1,000, but within thirty 
davs a new boiler had been put in and work was resumed. Tlie 
succeeding fall he was drafted for service in the army, but sent a sulj- 
stitute and continued the business, being joined by French Fisher, 
who invested $1,200 and became a partner in the enterprise. In 
January, 1865, the mill was moved four miles west of Plymouth, and 
I1I-5 



66 HISTOUY OF FULTON t'OUNTY. 

by fall Air. Ely had paid off all indebtedness with the exception of 
$200. The mill was then moved north of Plymouth and he pur- 
chased his partner's interest, and soon accumulated a surplus of 
$1,000. He sawed logs for his late partner, but the money was not 
forthcoming, and he soon found he was a creditor to the amount 
of $1,700. In 1868 he removed the mill to an eighty-acre tract of 
timber near Bloomingsburg, owned by Mr. Ely and Mr. Eisher, and 
as the lumber was manufactured it was stored in a yard. In i86y 
Mr. Ely lost his home and its contents by fire. In 187 1 the firm 
bought forty acres of timber which they manufactured into lumber. 
The same year they made an agreement to remove their mill to 
Roann, and when this was partially accomplished word was received 
that the material still on the old site was all destroyed by fire. About 
the same time Mr. Ely's partner died, adding greater indebtedness to 
him. He continued his work in Roann, by forming a partnership 
with M. W. Downey and J. V. I'.ailey, manufacturing barrel staves 
at Walnut station. After six months he bought out his partners and 
removing his mill from Roann, located both plants three miles north- 
west of Bloomingsburg, where he contracted to cut 300 acres of 
timber for Mr. Downe}-, remaining there four years. Within that 
time Mr. Downey died and Mr. Ely thereby suffered a loss of $6,ooo. 
In 1876 he located in Bloomingsburg, and soon built up an extensive 
and profitable business in the manufacture of lumber, shingles and 
firkin staves. On Dec. 31, 1880. his mill was destroyed by fire, but 
soon rebuilt and by December, 1882, had paid ofif every dollar of in- 
debtedness. He is still successfully engaged in the lumber trade, 
and in addition he owns considerable valuable farming and other 
property. Eight years ago he successfully anchored a suspension 
foot bridge over the Tippecanoe river, with a span of 265 feet be- 
tween piers, after the task had been pronounced impossible. Mrs. 
Ely is the daughter of Rev. Benjamin and Mary Bell. The former 
was born in Green county. Pa., in 1812, and died in Licking county. 
Ohio, in 1884. The mother of Mrs. Ely was Mary Moore, bom in 
Ohio about 1813, and died in Knox county, Ohio, in 1859. The 
maternal grandfather of Mrs. Ely was William Moore, a soldier in 
the war of 1812, who died in Iowa in 1881, aged loi years. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Ely have been born the following children: Mary M., 
who became the wife of Reuben Kesler, Oct. 4, 1879, and died July 
26, 1887, leaving two children — Linnie D. and Earl; Elora D.. who 
became the wife of Levi Bybee, March 6, 1884. and has two children 
— Noma D. and Devane L.: Elmer E., who married Allie Miller, 
July 15, 1886, and has five children — Cleo, Millie D., Claude, Dean 
"E. and Merl: George E., who was born Nov. 10, 1869, married Provi- 
dence Brown, and has two sons, Russell E. and Byron E.: Lewis ()., 
who was married March 15, 1890, to Irene Barrett: and Charles 
Morgan, who was born April 29, 1885. Mr. Ely is a prominent Odd 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 67 

Fellow in politics is a democrat, and has served his township as 
justice of the peace. 

JOHN H. ELLIS, the son of John and Letitia (King), was born 
in Pickaway count)-, Ohio, Oct. 20, 1851. The father, John Ellis, 
was the son of Robert and Nancy Ellis, and was born in the above 
named county Sept. 18, 1819. His father, Robert, was born and 
married in Wales, then migrated to America and settled in Ohio. 
Robert died when John was but four years of age. John Ellis went 
to live with one Jonathan Renick, and resided with this gentleman 
until he was twenty-eight years of age. In the meantime he had 
hired to various persons b}' the month driving cattle over the moun- 
tains to New York and Buffalo markets. He followed this until his 
marriage, which occurred in 1847. He had saved enough money in 
the meantime to buy 160 acres of land. He lived on this farm some 
six years and then sold it and came to Indiana and purchased 330 
acres in Aubbeenaubbee township, Fulton county, where he re- 
mained until his death. This land is still owned by his heirs. He 
died March 18, 1875. He was the father of the following children: 
Martha, John H., Nancy, deceased ; Margaret, Bessie, Robert, James, 
deceased; Andrew, deceased; Emmet, deceased, and Clara L. The 
father was a very ambitious and hard-working man, and his death 
came earlier than it would have had he not labored so hard in his 
time. He was a soldier in the JMexican war. John H. remained 
with his parents until he was thirty years of age, at which age he 
was married to Elva Swihart, June 5, 1883. To this marriage have 
been born two children, an infant and Ray, both deceased. John 
H. was heir to thirty-one and one-half acres and he bought the 
respective shares of two sisters, and now owns 103 acres. He and 
his wife are members of the M. E. church. He has always been a 
staunch democrat in politics. 

F. M. ERNSPERGER— The gentleman whose name introduces 
this biography was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1836. 
His father, Christopher Ernsperger, was born in Maryland Dec. 12, 
1812, and died in Rochester, Ind., in 1877. By occupation he was a 
farmer. The mother of F. M. Ernsperger is Julia Ann (Ensminger) 
Ernsperger, who was born in Pennsylvania, and now (1896), at 
eighty-six years of age, resides in Rochester. The Ernsperger fam- 
ily came to Fulton county in 1858. Mr. Ernsperger is the third 
eldest in a family of ten children, of whom nine are living. He ob- 
tained a good common school education and at twenty-one years 
of age began teaching school in his native Ohio county, and upon 
coming to Fulton county, he continued teaching during the winter 
season until he had closed his thirteenth school term, counting the 
time taught in Ohio. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, One Hun- 
dred and Fifty-fifth Indiana volunteer infantry, and served until the 
close of the war. He was mustered out of the service at Camden, 
Del, and is now a member of McClung post, No. 95, of Rochester. 



68 HISTORY OF FULTOX COUXTY. 

Since the war he has lieen engaged in farming and now owns a fine 
farm of 120 acres two miles northwest of Rochester. Politically Mr. 
Ernsperger has always supported the policy and principles of the 
democratic party. His views upon finance are for bimetallism, and 
upon the tariff he believes in a revenue suiificient to meet the present 
and increasing legitimate expenses of the government. Mr. Erns- 
perger served five years as assessor of Rochester township, and in 
1891 was elected trustee of this township and ser\-ed for five years. 
Although the township is about one hundred republican, he was 
elected by a majority of twelve, thus attesting his popularity. In 
1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Ida A. Wiley, a native of Ful- 
ton county. To this union are the following living children: Delia, 
Bell and Fred. Mr. Ernsperger is a successful farmer and man of 
affairs. 

HON. MICHAEL L. ESSICK, a lawyer and citizen of excellent 
reputation, was born in Ohio, Feb. 20, 1834. His parents were 
Samuel and Grizella (Todd) Essick. They were natives of Penn- 
sylvania. He was of German and Scotch descent; while she was of 
Scotch and Irish lineage. The name Essick is of German origin. 
Mr. Essick's parents were married in their native state about the 
vear 1830. Immediately after their marriage they moved into Ohio, 
where they lived until 1839, in which year they moved into Indiana, 
and settled in Miami county, wliere they continued to reside till 
death ended their long and useful careers. The father died in the 
year 1878, and thirteen years later the mother's death occurred. 
They had eight children, of which only three are now (1896) living. 
The father was a tanner by trade. Beside following his trade he was 
also a farmer and merchant. He was of strong force of character, 
a man of strong brain power, and was universally respected. Such 
distinguished men as Colfax, Fitch, Jernegan and others were his 
friends and admirers, and they were frequently his guests. He was 
the first abolitionist in Miami county, and his house was a station for 
the historic "underground railway" system, and conveyed many 
fugitive slaves on horseback. Many were the nights that the subject 
of this sketch, though then a small boy. led the fugitives on the path 
that conducted the slave further in his flight for freedom. Samuel 
Essick and his good wife are still remembered in Miami county, 
where they were hardy pioneers, leading most exemplary lives. 
They were members of the Lutheran church for many years and 
contributed much to the upbuilding of the church of their choice. 
Their son, whose name introduces this review, was brought uj) on 
the farm. The labors of his youth consisted in fami work and 
assisting his father in his tannery. After attending the country 
schools, he spent four years in Wabash college at Crawfordsville. 
He then studied law. In the year 1857 he went west, and on March 
4 of that year landed at Manhattan, Kan. There he purchased a 
yoke of oxen and began hauling rock for the building of a school 



HISTOItY OF FUI/rOX COUNTY. 69 

house. Later he was engaged in surveying. Tlien he opened a 
law office in Manhattan, and soon afterward was elected state sen- 
ator. He was a member of the senate of the session of 1861-62, and 
gained an enviable reputation as a legislator. He was the prime 
mover of the legislation that located the present state industrial 
school at Manhattan. In August 1862, Mr. Essick enlisted as a 
private in Company G of the Eleventh Kansas volunteers. In 1863 
he was discharged for promotion. He was made first Heutenant in 
the Sixth Kansas cavalry, and later was commissioned to raise the 
"Leavenworth Post battery," of which he was commissioned first 
lieutenant. He refused the conmiission, and with this act his wai- 
record ended. While in the service he participated in the following 
engagements among others: Battles of Prairie Grove, Cave Hill, 
Maysville and \'an Liuren. At the close of the civil war Mr. Essick 
found himself a poor man and the prospects for money making in 
Kansas were not encouraging, consequently he determined to return 
to Indiana. In 1865 he located in Rochester, and became the owner 
and editor of the Chronicle, remaining as such for about three years. 
In 1867 he became circuit prosecutor for a judicial circuit then con- 
sisting of eight comities. He held this position for two years, 
performing the duties of the office with fitting ability. Since then 
he has been actively engaged in practice of law at Rochester. While 
living at Manhattan, Kan., he married (Oct. 31, 1858) Miss Ellen L. 
Rowley (a lineal descendant of Hannah Dusten), then teaching 
school near Manhattan. She w-as born in Ohio, but losing her parents 
when she was a small girl, she was brought up by a brother at An- 
gola, Ind. She had poor educational advantages, but her love of 
books was strong and she educated herself by close application to 
her books, and became a teacher early in life. She has always been 
a student, and to-day she is well educated. She is of literary tastes, 
and has the reputation of being a good writer, though she has never 
made special literary efforts. She is a zealous member of the Pres- 
byterian church, and a leader in social circles. To the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Essick there are two living children. The elder, Vivian, 
is married and is farming in Fulton county. The younger, Samuel, is 
a young man of good education, and a successful career is antici- 
pated for him by his friends. In April, 1896, Mr. Essick was nomi- 
nated by the republicans for judge of the Forty-first judicial district, 
which is composed of the counties of Marshall and Fulton. Mr. Es- 
sick's career has been a varied experience, embracing almost every 
phase of man, and yet, one of extended research and thirst for 
knowledge. 

GEORGE RIXALDO FISH, the present superintendent of 
schools of Fulton county, was born in Marshall county, Ind., Sept. 
20, 1866. He is a son of Dr. Samuel R. and Susanna (Meyers) Fish. 
The subject of this review first attended the common schools and 
later was a student at the Northern Indiana Normal school at Val- 



70 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

paraiso, where, in 1891, be graduated from the classic and scientific 
departments. Mr. Fish began teaching in this county in 1885, and 
since tliat time he lias been interested in school work. In June, 
1895, he was elected count\- superintendent of schools for this 
county. The cause of education has always found in him an earnest 
and pronounced advocate and worker. On June 9, 1895, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Emily M. Treadwell, of Ann Arbor, Mich. 
Mrs. Fish is a graduate of the Ann Arbor high school and, before 
coming to Rochester, taught school one year at Milan, Mich., and 
upon coming here taught for one year in the Rochester schools. 
Mr. Fish is a Mason, member' of Bloomingsburg lodge, Xo. 482, 
and a member of Fredonia lodge. No. 122, K. of P. As an educator 
and practical man of school affairs, it is safe to sav that Mr. Fish 
has no superior in Fulton county. 

JOHN C. FRY, of Liberty township, was born in Paulding 
county, Ohio, Jan. 24, 1848. He is descended from the Frys of 
Pennsylvania, his father, S. C. Fry, being born in the old quaker 
state about 1813. He emigrated to Ohio after his marriage and 
followed farming, his life-time vocation, till about 1859, when he 
came to Indiana and settled for a time near Wabash. In 1863 he 
came to Fulton county and lived about the town of I'ulton till 1892, 
when he died. He was twice married. His children are: Cather- 
ine, widow of August Diehl; Josiah Fry, a merchant in Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and John C. Fry, all by his first wife. John C. Fry got but 
little schooling. His father was not full-handed enough to help his 
children to begin life as independents. So our subject was driven 
to the necessity of earning his start by working for wages. When 
he had saved $600 he paid it out on the contract for eighty acres of 
his present farm, going $1,400 in debt. All the years since he has 
given to clearing and general improvement of his premises. He 
owns now no acres and is one of the substantial and reliable men of 
his community. Mr. Fry was married Jan. 11, 1875 to Mary Jane 
Van Blarigen, who died in 1888, leaving six children — Alvin W., 
Arthur J., Marietta and Sarahnetta, twins; Cloe C. and Dora A. S. 
C. Fry's children by his second marriage are: Mary, wife of Charles 
.Shrader, of Logansport; Sarah, married to Joe House, of Fulton 
county; Lillie, wife of John White, of Liberty township; Hattie, wife 
of Adam Britberner, of Denver, Ind., and Samuel L. Fry, in Ar- 
kansas. 

JL^DSON M. FULLER, a prominent farmer and resident of 
Union township, was born in Lucerne county. Pa., June 14, 1836. 
His parents were Minor and Mary (Majors) Fuller. The father was 
born in Lucerne county. Pa., Aug. 25, 1808. He died in Kosciusko 
county, Ind., Aug. 22, 1862. He was a son of William Fuller, also 
a native of Pennsylvania, whose father in turn was of English origin 
and a soldier in the revolution. Mary Majors was born in England, 
Feb. I, 1807, and her death occurred in Kosciusko county, Ind., 



HIWTOKY OF FlT/rOX COUNTY. 71 

Sept. 21, 1857. Slie was a daughter of Thomas Majors, a native of 
]^.ngland. Minor and Mary Fuller were married in Pennsylvania 
Aug. 2^. 1832. They had the following children: Rebecca Ann, 
judson M., Joseph, deceased: Ellen, deceased: Major. Marv, de- 
ceased; and Margaret, deceased. The parents settled in Kosciusko 
county in 1853. The father was a farmer and miller by occupation. 
The subject of this mention was reared on the farm, and the labors 
of his youth were divided between working on the farm and in the 
saw and grist-mill of his father. He began the battle of life for 
himself at the age of twenty-six years. He has always followed 
farming and has been very successful. He has resided in Fulton 
county since 1866. He owns a splendid farm of 140 acres and has 
added to it many improvements. He has always been a staunch 
republican in politics. Both he and his wife are members of the 
Baptist church. Their family consists of six children, viz.: Charles, 
Mary, Ella. Norma, Malissa and Leonard. Their first born, Wilbur 
by name, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller were married Sept. 21, 
1862. Mrs. Fuller is a daughter of Richard and Ruth Herd, both of 
whom were born in England. Mrs. Fuller was born Aug. 26, 1837. 

MAJOR FULLER, a farmer of Union township, was born in 
Lucerne county, Pa., Dec. 3, 1843. His parents were Minor and 
Mary (Majors) Fuller. His father was also a native of Lucerne 
county. Pa. He died in Kosciusko county, Ind.. in the year 1862, 
at the age of fifty-one years. Our subject's mother was born in 
England, and when young came to this country with her parents. 
The paternal grandmother of Mr. I'Tiller was a sister of Col. Ethan 
Allen, of revolutionary fame. 'SLr. Fuller's parents settled in Kosci- 
usko county in 1853, and four years later his mother passed away in 
death, at the age of fifty years. She bore her husband the following 
children: Rebecca, Judson M., Joseph, deceased: Major; Elleh, 
deceased; Mary, deceased, and Margaret, deceased. The parents 
were members of the Baptist church and were highly respected. 
?iIajor Fuller was reared on the farm and to the independent pursu't 
of farming his entire life has been devoted. He has been very suc- 
cessful, achieving success by means of industry, perseverance and 
frugality. Mr. Fuller has resided in Fulton county since 1866. He 
owns a fine farm of 243 acres and raises considerable stock. He has 
given to public enterprise very matrial aid and to education and 
church he has always given his full share of support. He and his 
wife are members of the Christian church ; and in politics he is a sup- 
porter of the principles of the republican party. Mr. Fuller has been 
twice married. He wedded Caroline Kersey in 1872. She was a 
native of Fairfield county, Ohio. In 1882. she died at the age of 
nearly twenty-nine years, leaving him the following children : Wil- 
birt A., Arthur C. and Franklin M., deceased. In 1887 Mr. Fuller 
married Elsie \'. Rounds, a native of New York state. 

GEORGE E. GEIER, ex-trustee of Wayne township, was born 



72 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

a,t Logansport, Ind., Marcli 4, 1849. ^^^ '* ^ son of George and 
Mary (Rouff) Geier. The father was born in Wickersham, Alsace. 
Germany, July 26, 1815, and died in Fulton county Nov. 27, 1892. 
He was a son of Andrew Geier, who lived and died in Germany. 
George Geier came to America in 1839. He married in 1848, in 
New York state, and in the same year settled at Logansport, Ind. 
His wife is Mary Rouff, who was born in Germany July 5, 1822. 
The subject of this biographical sketch was reared to farming. He 
left the parental home at the age of eighteen years. For four \ears 
he followed teaming in Logansport. Dec. 28, 1871, he married and 
settled down in life in Carroll county, where he farmed for three 
years. He then moved to Wayne township, Fulton county, where 
he has since resided. Mr. Geier wedded Rebecca J., a daughter of 
John and Mary J. (Halstead) Hendrickson. Her father was a son 
of Jacob Hendrickson, whose personal sketch appears elsewhere 
in this volume. Mrs. Geier was born in Wayne township Dec. 24, 
1855. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Geier has been blessed by the 
birth of ten children. In politics Mr. Geier has alwavs Ijeen a 
staunch democrat. In 1890 he was elected trustee for Wayne town- 
ship and for five years thereafter he held the office. 

J. E. GIBSON & CO., Logansport, Ind. — The members of this 
firm are J. E. Redmond and J. E. Gibson, leading contractors of the 
west, who are now, March, 1896, finishing their contract upon the 
new court house for Fulton county. Mr. Redmond was born in the 
city of Baltimore, Md., Dec. 28, 1840, and came to Indiana in 1853. 
With but a brief intermission he has been in the building business 
since 1868. Mr. Redmond is one of the prominent Masons of 
Indiana. In Thomas H. Lynch commandery, No. 14, at Columbus, 
he was, in 1871, created a Knight Templar and is now a member of 
St. John comamndery, No. 24, at Logansport. Mr. Gibson is native 
of Frankfort, Ky., born April 8, 1859, and has been in the contract- 
ing business since 1880. He removed to Logansport in 1884. He 
was made a Knight Templar in Anderson commandery, No. 32, and 
is now a member of St. John commandery. No. 24, at Logansport. 

Among the many buildings erected by these gentlemen, either 
jointly or individually, may be mentioned the following : The school 
house and jail at Franklin, Ind., the court house at Columbus, the 
court house at Nashville, the court house at Crawfordsville, the 
court house at Washington, the court house at Clarksville, Tenn. ; 
the addition to the Southern Indiana prison at JefTersonville; the jail 
at Kokonio ; the bridge over White river at Anderson ; the Northern 
hospital for the insane at Logansport; the library building for the 
State university at Bloomington ; the Southern hospital for the in- 
sane at Evansville; Senator Maxey's ofSce building in Texas, and 
J. J. Dooley's Arcade building at Salt Lake City. Upon the com- 
pletion of the Pulaski covuity court house, the following unsolicited 
letter was given this firm ; 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 73 

Winamac, Ind., Sept. 7, 1895. 
To whom it may concern: 

The new court house here was accepted and settled for by the 
commissioners to-day. Mr. Gibson, of the firm of J. E. Gibson & 
Co., has honestly and faitlifully fulfilled the contract and the people 
here are more than pleased with the manner in which the work has 
Ijeen done and the building as completed. I can cheerfully and 
honestly recommend this firm as competent and honest contractors 
to persons or counties having work to be erected. 
Respectfully, 

GEORGE BURSON, 
Judge Forty-fourth Circuit. 

These gentlemen are practical builders and experts in all of its 
branches and sanitary engineering and are successful managers of 
employees, a commendable characteristic being their sturdy oppo- 
sition to insobriety upon the part of any man who works for them. 

ISAAC GOOD. — Among the pioneers of Fulton county no man 
is better and more widely known than Isaac Good. He became a 
resident of the county very early in life. He was the war sheriff, 
and it was then he made the acquaintance of and won the friendship 
of the Fulton county pioneers. His official duties gave him practice 
as an auctioneer, and when he retired to private life his popularity 
as an auctioneer led him to engage in the business of such. He 
could sell more goods in a given time than any of his competitors 
and talk from day to day for a fortnight. He saw much of the rough 
and tumble in the 40's in "frontier Indiana," and in it all and through 
it all Isaac Good's chief aim was provide well for those depending 
upon him. In 1863 he bought a small tract of land near town, 
which was the nucleus of his present farm. He has it improved in 
keeping with those of the neighborhood where he lives, and is re- 
ferred to as one of the substantial farmers about Rochester. Mr. Good 
was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, July 28, 1826. His father, Isaac 
Good, had died only six weeks before "this event, leaving the widow 
with an older daughter. She struggled along and cared for her 
children till about 1833, when she married Peter Sanns, born in 
1812 in Ohio, and died in this county, aged fifty-nine years. There 
were six daughters by this union, two of whom reside in Rochester; 
Mrs. Philip Jenkins and Mrs. D. S. Ross. Peter Sanns left the 
Buckeye state with his family and reached Lafayette in the fall of 
1836. He wintered there and the spring following took up his abode 
in Fulton county. He located a pre-emption in New Castle town- 
ship, being the first white settler on Wewissa reserve. A part of this 
homestead is in the name of A. H. D. Gray, who married Rebecca 
Sanns. Isaac Good's paternal grandfather. John Good, was born 
in Pennsylvania. He was one of the earliest settlers in Licking 
county, (Dhio, and built the first grist-mill there. He removed to 
Fairfield county some years later and built two mills there. His 



74 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

death occurred in that county aliout 1834, when he was nearing sev- 
enty years of age. Isaac Good got but a very meager education. 
His experience in business being the best training he ever had. He 
came to Rochester in 1844 and learned cabinet making with a Mr. 
Kitt, and it was about this time that the first school house was being 
erected and to plaster which Mr. Good carried the hod. He fol- 
lowed carpentering and cabinet work till i860, when his name was 
mentioned for sherifif by the venerable Jesse Shields. Although lie 
had never been in politics the wisdom of Mr. Shields" suggestion was 
so apparent to all that he was made the democratic candidate and 
was elected by the margin of two votes. He was re-elected for a 
second term by a majority of 215. He made the county a successful 
and efficient ofificer and retired from the ofifice with the respect of all. 
Sept. 15, 1850, Mr. Good married Eliza J., a daughter of Allen 
Nixon, who came to this county from Canada about that date. Mrs. 
C jood died leaving the following children ; Catherine, at home ; A. 
W., farmer in this county: Sarah A., died young; Alvin H., a farmer 
near Rochester; Xellie, married to Isaiah Hawley, of Rochester; 
Susan, wife of Edward Tliompson, of Rochester, and Annie and an 
unnamed infant, both deceased. Mr. Good's second marriage oc- 
curred in 1876 to his first wife's sister, Sarah A., widow of David 
Sheets. She has two sons, John B. and Allen B. Sheets, both in this 
county. Mr. Good has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1849. 
EMANUEL GOSS is one of the best known citizens of Liberty 
township and certainly no man can say aught derogatory to his char- 
acter, for he has lived by honest toil from the dav on which he cast 
his lot with this county to his retirement from the labors of the farm 
in September, 1895. Mr. Goss was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, 
Aug. 2, 1827. His father was a farmer in poor circumstances and 
could do nothing for his sons when they reached an age when they 
must support themselves. At eighteen young Emanuel was in- 
formed of this fact by his parent and told that he could have his 
time to use as his own. In the month of May, 1845, lie joined a 
neighbor, who was coming west, and agreed to drive his cow for 
the privilege of being in the company of the family. This man was 
John Plank. They reached Rochester in June and young Goss 
engaged to work for his cousin, Sebastian Goss, at six dollars a 
luonth. He continued to do the work of a servant for five years, 
saving his wages, with which he bought land at $1.25 per acre, the 
government price. He entered a tract in Liberty township and 
moved onto it about 1850. His work of clearing up was interrupted 
frequently by his having to do day labor to support himself and 
family while a crop was growing. He could turn his willing hand 
to anything, being frefjuently called on to cry sales, at which business 
he seemed peculiarly fitted. In a few years his fields were large 
enough to support the family, and Mr. Goss was enabled to devote 
all his days to the improvement of his home. His 177-acre farm 



HISTORY OF FUT.TON COUNTY. ID 

is in prime condition, good buildings, good fences, good orchard, 
and during his forty-five years occupancy of the farm there was no 
funeral from his household. He gave up the farm because the "old 
machine" was run down. Its day was done. Xo more could be 
expected of it. It had done enough. Mr. Goss' father, Henry Goss, 
was born in Switzerland. His father, also Henry Goss, settled in 
Fairfield county, Ohio, and died there in the town of Basil, which 
he laid out. Emanuel Goss" mother was Ulerich Wagoner's daugh- 
ter Elizabeth. Her children are: Emanuel, Annie, wife of Aaron 
Rouch, of Liberty township; Jonas and Tobias, both in Rochester. 
Emanuel Goss married Margaret Reed in 1851. Her father, Rich- 
ard Reed, came from Darke county, Ohio, to Fulton county. Mr. 
and Mrs. Goss' children are: J. B. and Isaiah, both in Washington 
state; Rosie, wife of John Hagan, of Rochester township; Elizabeth, 
now Mrs. Willis Carter; Lyman W. and Frank J., both in Liberty 
township. Mr. Goss moved to Rochester in September, 1895, a"<^l 
will remain a retired farmer until death shall remove him. He has 
been a L'nited Brethren for nearly forty years. 

WILLIAM GOSS, of Rochester, is one of the recognized en- 
terprising young men of the county. His advantages for the best 
general mental ecjuipment were not in keeping with the ambitions of 
the bov. There seemed greater need on his father's farm of Ijoys 
of strong muscles than of well-stored brain. However, he picked up 
such of the rudiments of an education as have enabled him to be- 
come a successful competitor in the race of life. He made his full 
hand on the farm early after entering his teens, and before he was 
twenty was the main manager of the farm. On becoming of age he 
followed the plow and drove the reaper for a few years, both in Roch- 
ester and New Castle townships and gradually drifted into the busi- 
ness of buving, feeding and shipping stock: at one time handling 
the bulk of that product brought to this market. Ahhough he has 
dropped out as a regular shipper he is still handling cattle and trad- 
ing in stock generally and in real estate. He owns a farm in Liberty 
township and one in Rochester, aggregating 246 acres, and besides 
improved property in Rochester. For a few months he was a hard- 
ware merchant in Rochester in company with J. R. Barr. His 
political faith is democratic. Mr. Goss was born in this county 
May 23, i860. He is a son of Sebastian Goss, a well known pioneer 
of this county, and a farmer of influence and means. The Gosses 
are of German extraction, and the pioneer ancestor of this family 
was Jacob Goss, who came from Europe and entered land in Fair- 
field county, Ohio, and laid out a town on it. He was a soldier in 
the war of 1812. Sebastian Goss is the youngest of seven children. 
His mother died in 1831, aged 33. In 1833 Jacob Goss came to 
I-'ulton county and entered 280 acres and died here in 1877. Se- 
liastian Goss was born Aug. 29, 1825. He married Elizabeth Rouch. 
daughter of George and Mary Rouch, Sept. 23, 1847. William 



76 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

Goss married, Sept. 9, 1882, Dora Pj'le, whose father, James P}le, 
was born in \'irginia and was killed in this county by accident years 
ago. Mrs. Goss was born in 1861. Her children are: Caroline 
and Mabel. 

\'ERNON GOULD, M. D., one of the oldest practitioners of 
medicine and most favorably known citizens of Fulton county, was 
born near Boston, Mass., Feb. 1 1, 1829. His parents were Jeremiah 
and Mary (Copen) Gould, both of whom were born in Sharon, about 
fifteen miles from Boston. Jeremiah Gould was a son of Nathaniel 
(jould, also a native of the Bay state. The Goulds were among 
the oldest of New England families, the first representatives of the 
family in America having come from Wales. In 1844, an early day 
in the history of the count}-, Dr. Gould's parents came direct from 
their native state, and settled in the northwestern part of Fulton 
county, where the father became a pioneer farmer of the county, and 
died about 1854; his wife having preceded him in death one year. 
These parents had si.x children, namely: Vernon, Robert, Marietta, 
Willard, Daniel S., and Emma. A'ernon was about fifteen years of 
age when his parents came to Fulton county. He had gained a fair 
education in the schools of his native state, and on coming to this 
county, though but a youth, began teaching in the county schools, 
and also worked on the farm. He taught several years, and mean- 
while studied medicine, and after practicing medicine for awhile in 
Marshall county, he entered Rush medical college, of Chicago, 
where he graduated in February, 1855. Then he located in Roch- 
ester, where he has since resided and continued the practice of his 
profession save for a period of time, during which he served in the 
war of the rebellion and as clerk of the county. In March, 1863, 
he became assistant surgeon in the Eighty-seventh Indiana infantry, 
and served as such until the close of the war. In the fall of 1865 
he was elected clerk of the circuit court, which office he held for five 
years, and then resumed the practice of medicine, becom- 
ing one of the ablest in his profession in this section 
of the state. Dr. Gould has always been a student not 
only in medicine, but also other subjects, especially miner- 
ology, geology and chemistry, in which subjects he has gained 
breadth of learning. He has collected many fine specimens of min- 
erals and other curios. In 1854 he married Almira O. Rannells, 
who remained his faithful companion some eighteen years, and then 
answered the summons of death in 1872. She bore him the follow- 
ing children: Francis, deceased; Dr. Charles E., now associated 
with his father in the practice of medicine: Hattie; Carrie F.. de- 
ceased, and Lucius V., deceased. In 1876 the doctor married a 
second time, wedding Nancy M. Rannells, a cousin of his first wife. 
She died in 1882. In 1886 he united in marriage with Mrs. Mar- 
garet Cowgill, v^'idow of the late E. E. Cowgill. In politics Dr. 
Gould has always been a staunch republican. He is also a prom- 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. I ( 

iiient nienibei" of tlie Grand Army of the Republic, McClung post, of 
Rochester. 

GEORGE W. GREGSON, a resident of Rochester township 
since 1848, and a native of Morgan county, Ind., was born Feb. 8, 
1836. He is a son of William and Mary (Myers) Gregson. The 
father was born in North Carolina in 1803 and the mother in Ken- 
tucky in 1805, and their deaths took place in Kansas, to which state 
they removed from Fulton county, Ind., in 1873, the father of Mr. 
Gregson dying in 1882 and his mother in 1890. George W. Greg- 
son is the fifth in a family of eight children, of whom only three are 
living at this time. In the thirteenth year of his age he came to Ful- 
ton county and the first school he attended in the county was taught 
in a private house. Upon the coming of the Gregson family to Ful- 
ton county there was found one continuous forest and the settlement 
was made in the woods. In 1865 \lv. Gregson settled where he n(nv 
lives, in the northeast corner of Rochester township. Here he has 
eighty acres of land and also owns forty acres in New Castle town- 
ship in close proximity to the home farm. These 120 acres are well 
improved. The entire life of Mr. Gregson has been devoted to 
farming and he is considered a successful man in this line. In 1865 
he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine E. Shaeffer, a native of 
Ohio. To this union are these, nine children, viz.: Sarah E., Charles 
A., Mary B., Cora F., Anna May, William H., Clara L., Alva M. and 
Nora O. Politically Mr. Gregson is a democrat, though in local 
afifairs he supports the man rather than the party. He and wife are 
members of the Liberty Chapel Christian church. This church was 
erected in 1895 and Mr. Gregson took a most active part in its build- 
ing, giving both time and money. The Gregson family is one 
of the oldest in the northeastern part of Rochester township and is 
one of the most highl_\- respected. 

P. H. GRELLE, insurance and real estate of Rochester, one of 
tlie promoters of the Indiana Farmers' Building & Loan association, 
and for the past three years its secretary, was born in Seneca county, 
Ohio, Oct. 12, 1851. His father, Samuel Grelle, was an Ohio 
farmer, born in Perry county, that state, in 1816. He served his 
county as commissioner two terms, and died in 1888 as he had lived, 
a representative and respected citizen. His father was Philip Grelle, 
born in Germany and came to the United States at the solicitation of 
his relatives to escape service in the German army in the Napoleonic 
wars. The young German was not himself averse to military ser- 
vice, for when he arrived in this country he at once took sides with 
America against England, and enlisted for the war of 1812. One 
of his three children is still living, a Mrs. Stewart, of Howard 
countv, Ind. Samuel Grelle married Hezekiah Brinkerhoff's 
daughter Ellen. She was of Scotch Irish descent and her ancestors 
settled in Pennsylvania near Gettysburg. P. H. Grelle is the young- 
est son. The living members of his father's family are: A. W., 



78 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

Logansport, a gunsmith ; George H., merchandising in Mexico, 
Ohio; P. H. and Mary, wife of A. B. Duey, Miami county, Ind., 
P. H. Grelle received his physical and mental training on the farm 
till twenty-two. He spent two years in Heidelberg college, at Tiffin, 
Ohio, and on leaving there began reading law at Sandusky, Ohio, 
in the office of Robert McKeel}'. He went to Cincinnati two years 
later and completed a course in a law college and was admitted to 
practice by passing a test examination. He was for a time in the 
office of John A. Trimble in Cincinnati. In 1875 he located at Lo- 
gansport and practiced law and conducted an insurance business, 
having for his partners in the latter H. B. Aldrich and later William 
H. Jackson, grand master of the Odd Fellows for Indiana, and now 
a United States official in Canada. In 1885 Mr. Grelle located in 
Rochester and engaged in the insurance and loan business, dropping 
the law. His leading insurance companies are the Aetna Life, Ohio 
Farmers", Westchester, of New York, Concordia, of Milwaukee, and 
German of Indianapolis. He was interested with Dr. Shafer in the 
sale of property to raise funds for establishing the normal 
university, served as secretary of the Rochester improve- 
ment company two years. In November, 1880, Mr. Grelle 
married in Logansport, Ind., Edith Hidy Enyart, a daughter of 
George Hidy, deceased, and adopted daughter of Joseph Enyart, 
who married the widow of George Hidy. Mrs. Enyart's maiden 
name was Lavina Abbott. Mr. and Mrs. Grelle's two children are : 
Lefa, aged ten, and Nondas, aged eight. Mr! Grelle is a member of 
the society of Ben Hur. 

HENRY GUISE, of Union township, is one of the leading and 
enterprising farmers of Fulton county. His birth occurred in Aub- 
beenaubbee township, Sept. 30, 1848. His father, Benneville Guise, 
was born in Northumberland county. Pa.. June 23, 1819. and came 
to Fulton county in 1844 and settled in Aubbeenaubbee township, 
where he lived until 1869, when he removed to Union township, 
where he died at seventy-four years of age. In politics he was a 
democrat and had served as trustee of Aubbeenaubbee township. 
He was a man of pure character and in his death the county lost 
one of its estimable citizens. The mother of Henry Guise was Sarah 
Guise, whose maiden name was Wentzel. She was also born in 
Pennsylvania and died in this county in February, 1856. Mr. Guise, 
the third child, was raised upon the farm. He was a student at the 
country school and had as a classmate Enoch Myers, who is now a 
I)rominent lawyer of this county. Mr. Guise remained at home until 
about twenty-one years of age, when he began farming for himself. 
He now owns 195 acres of fine land, forty acres of which are just 
over the line, in Pulaski county. Mr. Guise cleared from the green 
ninety acres of his land. His farms are well improved and as a 
farmer he is abreast of the age. His marriage with Miss Julia 
Luntsford was solemnized in 1873, and to this union are these six 



HISTORY OF FTLTON (Ot'NTV. 79 

children, viz.: Mark B., Perrw Pearl, Harvey, Maude and Grace. 
Mrs. Guise was born in Pulaski county and has always resided near 
her present home. In politics Mr. Guise is a democrat, and is a 
member of the Lutheran church, while his wife is a member of the 
German Reformed church. For forty-eight years he has been a 
resident of Fulton county and is one of its careful farmers and 
honest, conservative citizens. 

JOHN HAGAN, one of the men of Fulton county who has been 
the promoter of his own success, was born within a quarter of a mile 
from where he now resides, April 25, 1854; son of Frederick and 
Hannali Hagan. They were both born in Germany, the father 
March 6, 1826, and the mother in 1824. In 1851 they emigrated to 
the United States and settled in Fulton county, Ind.. where the 
father died June 12, 1889, 'ind where the mother now resides with 
her children. By occupation the father was a farmer and. as a man 
and citizen, he was most highly respected. John Hagan is the 
second eldest of four living children. As a boy he worked upon the 
farm and attended district school. At about twenty-two years of 
age he began life for himself and settled where he now resides. This 
land at the time he settled upon it was one dense forest, which Mr. 
Hagan converted into a fine farm of ninety-three acres, five and a 
half miles southwest of Rochester. Of this land, seventy acres are 
under cultivation. In 1877 Mr. Hagan was married to Miss Rosa 
Goss, a daughter of Emanuel and Margaret Goss. Mrs. Hagan 
was born in Libertv township, this county. Jan. 23. 1856. To Mr. 
Hagan and his wife there have been born these seven children, viz.: 
Charles W., Edward \'., Pearl E., Mohie J., Omer D., Otis H. and 
Efifie May. In politics Mr. Hagan supports the democratic ticket 
in national afifairs, but in local matters he supports the men who, in 
his judgment, are the best fitted for office. He is a member of the 
orders of K. O. T. M. and Tribe of Ben Hur, while he and wife are 
prominent members of the United Bretheren church. 

A. J. HAIMBAUGH, president of the Fuhon Countv Agricul- 
tural and Mechanical association, and one of the representative 
farmers and stock raisers of this county, was born in Fairfield 
county, Ohio, in 1854. He is a son of Henry and Apalina Haim- 
bjaugh. The family came to Fulton count}- in 1855 and settled in 
New Castle township, where the parents of Mr. Haimbaugh still 
reside. The subject of this review is the second oldest of six chil- 
dren, all of whom are living. He was a student at the public schools 
of New Castle township. On his father's farm he continued to work 
until he gained his majority, and then took up farming upon his own 
account, and this avocation in connection with stock interests has 
been his business. In 1892, having disposed of his farm in New 
Castle township, he purchased what is known as the John Walters 
farm, located two miles south of Rochester, upon the Michigan 
road. This farm consists of 275 acres of well improved land, and 



80 HISTOEY or FUI.TON fOUXTY. 

it is considered one of the l^est farms in l"\ilton county. In i8y6 
Mr. Hainibaugh was elected president of the Fulton County Agri- 
cultural and Mechanical society, after having held the office of 
vice-president for two years, and ever since his connection with the 
society he has labored for its success. He was united in marriage in 
1876 to Miss Sarah A. Waugh, a native of Ohio. To this union arc 
these three children: I.ulu B., Katie W. and Henry Porter. In 
politics he is a free silver democrat, or at least believes in the theory 
of 16 to I ratio and is for tariff reform and a sufficient revenue to 
satisfy all the legitimate demands of the government economically 
administered. He and wife are leading members of the First Bap- 
tist church of Rochester and, in July, 1895, Mr. Haimbaugh was 
elected superintendent of the First Baptist Sunday school of Roch- 
ester. Mr. Flaimbaugh is recognized as one of the leading men of 
aiTairs, and one of whose honesty and integrity there can be no 
(|uestion. 

DR. C. F. HARTER, the pioneer physician of Akron, was born 
in Columbiana county, Ohio, Nov. 18, 1834, and is a son of Andrew 
and Mary (Motzer) Harter, natives of Germany, whence in 1834 they 
removed to America, and settled in Columbiana county, Ohio. The 
father died at the old homestead in 1880, at the age of ninety years. 
Five of his family of seven are yet living, namely: John, George, 
Mrs. Spencer Strong, David and the doctor. Our sulDJect spent his 
youth on his father's farm and at the age of fourteen became a 
student in the academy at Poland, Mahoning county, Ohio. De- 
ciding to take up the study of medicine he began reading at East 
Palestine with Dr. A. Sheets, and in order to defray his expenses at 
college he engaged in teaching school. He was graduated at the 
Ohio medical college in 1858, and acquitted himself so creditably 
that he w'as at once elected interne of St. John's hospital at Cincin- 
nati. On Jan. i, 1859, he came to Fulton county, locating in Henry 
township, where he soon built up an excellent business, and was 
recognized as one of the most successful physicians in this section of 
the state. He succeeded Dr. S. S. Terry in this field, and like that 
gentleman went to Rochester to enlarge his field of operations, 
there forming a partnership with Dr. Robbins, being absent from 
Akron thirteen years. He had accumulated a handsome compe- 
tence, when in 1869 he retired from practice and engaged in the 
elevator and grain business in Rochester, but within five years he 
lost over $30,000, and resumed the practice of medicine, in 
which he has regained much of his former financial prestige. Dr. 
Harter was married May 10, i860, fn this county, to Clara E.. daugh- 
ter of William Whittenberger, the founder of the well known family 
of that name in Henry township. Their children are Carrie, wife of 
B. F. Tenipleton, of Le Roy, Ills.; C. Delia, who was educated in 
Battle Creek, Mich., at the National College of Music in Chicago, 
and is now a teacher of music in Hickman college of Kentucky; and 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 81 

D. W., a stenograplier for the Chicagfo telephone company. The 
doctor is a democrat in poHtics, and is a member of the board of 
pension examiners for Fulton county. He belongs to the Indiana 
State Medical society, and is an esteemed representative of his pro- 
fession and a man whom to know is to honor. 

WILLIAM HEETER, postmaster and merchant at DeLong, 
was born in Pulaski county, Ind., Nov. lo, 1854, and is a son of 
Adam Heeter, who was born in Union county, Pa., Dec. 3, 1818, 
and whose parents were Adam and Catherine Heeter, both of whom 
were natives of Northumberlanil county. Pa., and of German de- 
scent. In 1827 they emigrated to Seneca county, Ohio, and there 
died. Their son, Adam, was united in marriage to Mary Young, 
in 1841. L^nto that union were born Elizabeth, Levi, Amelia, 
George, William, Ellen and Mary. Adam and Mary Heeter came to 
Indiana in 1848, settled in Pulaski county, lived there seventeen 
years, then removed to Aubbeenaubbee township, Fulton county, 
where they now reside. They are members of the German Reform 
church. William Heeter, the subject of this sketch, was brought 
up on the farm, and worked at farming up to 1884, in which year he 
began working on the railroad as a section hand, and continued at 
the same up to 1892, when he opened a general store in DeLong. 
Since then he has followed merchandising with success. He be- 
came postmaster of DeLong in 1893. May 3, 1894, Mr. Heeter 
married Roxy, daughter of the late George DeMont, of this county. 
Mrs. Heeter was born Jan. 29, 1859, in Marshall county, Ind., where 
her parents were early settlers. George DeMont and wife, whose 
maiden name was Kisire Owens, were natives of New York. He 
was of French descent. Mr. and Mrs. Heeter are members of the 
M. E. church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, and a democrat in politics. 

HENDERSON BROS. & CO.— Of this firm Bruce and Lee 
Henderson are members. They are brothers and are the owners of 
the well known Fairview stock farm. They are natives of Fulton 
county and though young, neither of them being vet thirty years 
of age, they are thorough-going and enterprising business men. 
They are sons of Joseph and Arvilla (Steevens) Henderson. Their 
father was born in Pennsylvania, 1840, and died in Fulton county, 
1889. The mother was born in Marshall county, this state, in 1850, 
and died in Fulton county in 1882. They had three children. It 
was in 1857 that the father came with his father, John Henderson, 
to Fulton county from Pennsylvania. After his marriage he settled 
in Union township on a farm and here the Henderson brothers were 
Ijrought up. They were given a common school education and very 
early in life were under the necessity of shifting for themselves. 
Bruce Henderson made his first business at Bruce Lake, this county, 
in 1887. Later he clerked for about two years in Kewanna, and 
then opened a store at Marshland, where his store was burned out 
III — 6 



82 HISTORY OF FUIjTOX COUNTY. 

some nine months later, causing liim a loss of about $700. In the 
winter of 1890 he was advertising manager for Dr. Scott, of LaPorte, 
Ind. In 1891, he joined his brother Lee, who had been clerking in 
Chicago, where for three years Lee had management of the grocery 
department in "The Fair." In February, 1892, these brothers, witli 
a capital of $350 between them, began to manufacture and sell (in 
New York city) what is known as "Henderson's Wild Cherry Bev- 
erage," first with indifferent success, but success became more 
marked as time passed. P. F. Henderson became associated with 
them, and the firm of Henderson Bros. & Co. soon grew into a 
mammoth business. "Henderson's Wild Cherry Beverage" is 
known far and wide, and has been extensively sold. In 1893 the 
Henderson brothers purchased 150 acres of land just west of Ke- 
wanna and established the Fairview stock farm. The next year they 
began to raise fine horses. They have gained considerable reputa- 
tion as breeders of fine race, road and draught horses. Among the 
number of fine horses the)^ own are the following: Jesse, record 
2:24! ; Tycho, record 2:283: Rostoko, record 2:24^; Anto J., pacer; 
and Pandore, a Percheron Norway grey, of 2.050 pounds weight. 
On July 12, 1895, their barn was burned at a loss of some $10,000. 
Since then they have built a new and large barn and have it arranged 
for great convenience in taking care of their stock. In 1895 Mr. 
Bruce Henderson's health failing, he moved to the farm and since 
then the manufacture and sale of their beverage has been under a 
manager in New York city. Mr. Lee Henderson has been on the 
road as a salesman of the beverage a great deal. He recently mar- 
ried Miss Celia Centelivier, of Sioux City, Iowa. In politics these 
brothers are democrats. They are first-class business men and have 
wonderful success in their undertakings. 

JACOB HENDRICKSON was born in Monmouth county, 
N. J., April 25, 1807. His death occurred in Fulton county, Ind., 
Dec. 27, 1889. His parents were Matthias and Mercy fVandeven- 
ter) Hendrickson, both of whom were of Dutch descent, \^'^^en 
Jacob was twelve years of age his parents removed from New Jerse\- 
to Indiana, and for a very brief period resided in Dearborn county, 
whence they removed to Butler county, Ohio, where they 
lived many years, the mother dying there. Subsequent 
to her death the father made his home with his son. Abraham, wh(5 
resided near Frankfort, Ind., and there he died at an advanced age. 
He was the father of five sons and one daughter, namely, Abraham, 
Peter, John, Isaac, Deborah and Jacob. Isaac was killed in battle, 
in the war with Mexico. In Butler county, Ohio, Jacob Hendrick- 
son and Catherine Schenck were united in marriage, Feb. 23, 1832. 
She was born in New Jersey March 24, 1812. Her death Dccurred 
in Fulton county April 6, 1875. She was a daughter of Chrineyance 
and Maria Schenck, whose ancestors originally came from Holland 
to America. Jacob Hendrickson settled in Wayne township, Fulton 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 83 

county, Ind., in the year 1841. He located in the dense forest, and 
the first cabin he built was constructed out of rails. It was nothing 
more than a rail pen, with a large door on one side, just on the out- 
side of which the family made fires, burning from logs. This place 
of habitation was used only long enough to enable Mr. Hendrickson 
to cut logs and build a rude hut 16x20 feet, which served as a resi- 
dence for some twenty years. When he came to this county his 
family consisted of himself, his wife and five children. In this log 
hut were born unto him and his wife all his other children. The 
following are the names of all his children : Chrineyance, John, de- 
ceased; Isaac, Peter , died in infancy; Edwin R.. Maria, Sarah J., 
Jacob, died in infancy; Matthias, Catherine, Ada Ellen and Ann. 
Some two or three years after Mr. Hendrickson came to this county, 
he went to Cincinnati, and from there brought the first cook stove 
into Wayne township. In an early day, when there were three trus- 
tees for each township, Mr. Hendrickson served as one of these 
trustees for nine years in Wayne township. The records show that 
for his first year's service he received a compensation of sevent\-five 
cents. He was among the very first settlers of the county, and when 
he came to the county, but little clearing had been done. He 
cleared much land, reared a large and industrious family, grew pros- 
perous, owned nearly 600 acres of land at the time of his death, and 
had gained the respect of a wide acc|uaintance, when death called 
him from the scenes of many years of commendable life. His wrife 
preceded him in death some fourteen years. She was a devoted 
wife, a loving and kind mother, and a faithful friend. 

CHRINEYANCE HENDRICKSON. eldest son of Jacob and 
Catherine Hendrickson, was born in Butler county, Ohio, Feb. 24, 
1833. He was about nine years of age when his parents came to 
Fulton county, and since then he has continued to reside in the 
county. He remained under the parental roof till March 31, 1853, 
at which date he married Paulina Smith, and moved upon a rented 
farm. His wife died in the spring of 1857, leaving a son, Ceorge 
P. Hendrickson. now farming and residing in Wayne township. 
Upon the death of his wife Mr. Hendrickson again made his home 
with his father and mother, until the year 1864, when he married a 
second time, wedding Mary Catherine Minton. who has borne him 
the following children. Sarah E., Catherine, Jacob, Reuben B., 
Louella, Hattie Ann, an infant, dving unnamed, and Norma Pearl. 
Mr. Hendrickson farmed as a renter up to 1873, when he bought the 
eighty acres on which he now resides. Besides this eighty acres he 
owns fifty-five additional acres. He has a good residence, barn and 
other improvements on his farm, and as a farmer he has lieen very 
successful. Mr. Hendirckson is a democrat in politics, and both he 
and wife are members of the Baptist church. 

ISAAC HENDRICKSON, son of Jacob Hendrickson, of 
whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume, was born in Butler 



84 HI.STOKY OF FUJ/rON COUNTY. 

county, Ohio, and was brought to Fulton county hv his parents 
when a child. He has always resided in this county, and has fol- 
lowed farming, in which he has been unusually successful. He 
lived and farmed with his father until the death of the latter. He 
now owns the parental homestead, where he resides, together with 
his sisters — Sarah J., Ada Ellen and Ann. His acreage consists of 
i8o acres of fine land. Mr. Hendrickson has alwa\s voted the dem- 
ocrat ticket and has been identified with the representative citizens 
of his township. 

EDWIX R. HEXDRICK.SOX, the fifth son of Jacob and 
Catherine Hendrickson, was born in Butler county, Ohio, Feb. 8, 
1838. He was four years old when his parents settled in Wayne 
township and virtually his entire life has been spent in Fulton 
county. He gained a limited education, for in his youth he had poor 
educational advantages. Besides he was under the necessity of aid- 
ing his father and brothers in clearing lands and otherwise working 
on the farm. He has always farmed and, although he began his 
career with limited means, he has prospered and now owns a splendid 
farm of 190 acres. He has a fine brick residence and other good 
buildings and besides farming he has devoted a considerable portion 
of his time to stock raising. In 1870 Mr. Hendrickson was united 
in marriage to Caroline, daughter of Henry and Mary (Long) 
Estabrook, who were pioneer settlers of Harrison township, Cass 
county, Ind., where Mrs. Hendrickson was born. Unto the above 
union there have been born five children, as follows: William N., 
Elsie E., Oron M., teacher in the district schools; Glenn A., and Ida 
M. Mr. Hendrickson has always been identified with the demo- 
cratic party. In 1879 '""^ ^^'^^ elected trustee of Wayne township, 
and as such served two vears, making an acceptable officer. 

MATTHIAS HENDRICKSON, the youngest son of Jacob 
and Catherine Hendrickson, was born in Wayne township, Fulton 
county, Ind., Jan. 13, 1848. Mr. Hendrickson's life pursuit has 
been farming. He remained at the parental house, farming with his 
father, till he was nearly thirty-two years of age, or until he was 
married. He was married Sept. 17, 1879, to Carrie, the daughter of 
Ephraim and Elizabeth Traver. Mrs. Hendrickson was born in 
New York state, Sept. 14, 1859. In the spring before his marriage 
Mr. Hendrickson purchased a tract of eighty acres, where he now 
resides. Upon this tract of land he moved immediately after his 
marriage. He has a good frame house and barn, which he built 
after moving onto the farm. Besides the above eighty acres he owns 
two other tracts of land, forty acres in one and thirty in another. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hendrickson's home has been blessed by the birth of 
the following children: Harry, Walter C, Frank, Annie, deceased; 
Jacob Roy, deceased, and Minnie. In politics Mr. Hendirckson has 
always been a firm democrat. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. 
and is one of the progressive men of his township. 




JOHN G. HILL. 



HISTORY OF FULTOX COUNTY. 85 

ISAAC C. HILL was Ijorii in Union township, Cass county, 
Ind., Feb. 29, 1856. His parents were Joseph and Alary (Cragon) Hill. 
His father was a native of Cass county, Ind., and a son of Joseph 
and Elizabeth Hill, who were pioneer settlers of Cass count\-. Soon 
after the marriage of Joseph Hill and Mary Cragon, they came to 
Fulton county. Two years later they returned to Cass county, 
where they resided until 1863, in which year they returned to Fulton 
county, and here lived for thirteen years and then moved to Starke 
county, where he died several years later. His wife preceded him 
in death. They had twelve children, viz. : Patrick, John, Marshall, 
Isaac C, Edward, Caleb, Josephine, Lucinda, Etta, Milo, Mollie and 
Minnie. Isaac C. Hill began the battle of life for himself at the age 
of seventeen years. He learned the carpenter's trade, and has fol- 
lowed this, together with farming, all his life. He was married in 
1878 to Rebecca, daughter of Hiram Lunsford, Esq., of Pulaski 
county. For five years after Mr. Hill's marriage he resided in 
Union township, this county, but since then he has resided in Aub- 
'oeenaubbee township. He has operated with success a saw-mill at 
Leiter's Ford ; owns a good farm and is in prosperous circumstances. 
Unto him and his wife there have been born the following ofifspring: 
Infant, deceased; Walter; Harvey, deceased; Roy, Elmer and Bessie, 
deceased. Mr. Hill is a firm democrat in politics, and in 1890 was 
elected trustee of his township. As trustee he served five years 
with satisfaction to the people. Both he and his wife are members 
of the Baptist church, and they number among the leading families 
of their community. 

JOHN G. HILL, the veteran carriage maker of Rochester, and 
one of the most progressive citizens of the county, was born in 
Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Dec. 18, 1835, '^'"'^ youngest of the five 
children of Matthias Hill, who was manufacturer of novelties, a land 
owner and sheep raiser. He married a Miss Green, and their chil- 
dren are: Margaret Beeker, of Logansport, Ind.; Anna and 
Elizabeth, who are also married, and our subject. The father was a 
soldier in the German war against Napoleon. John G. Hill acquired 
his education in the public school of Germany, and at the age of 
eighteen came to America in search of fortune. From New York 
he went to Philadelphia, and soon afterward to Harrisburg, Pa. 
His first work was as a day laborer on the Harrisburg & Reading- 
railroad, and later he went to Lebanon, Pa., where he learned the 
blacksmith's trade. When he had mastered the business, he man- 
aged the shop for Christ Hoover, for several months in Lancaster, 
whence he removed to Myerstown, Pa., where he had charge of a 
carriage shop. Later he again spent a brief period in Lebanon, then 
attempted to join the Union army, but the quota of three months 
troops was filled. In search of employment he made his way to 
Peru, Ind., where lived his brother-in-law, and there established a 
custom shop, working for a year. With the true patriotic spirit of 



86 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

a native American, Mr. Hill then enlisted in the Fourteenth light 
artillery, was ordered from Indianapolis to St. Louis and thence 
south, reaching Mississippi in time to take part in the battle of Co- 
rinth. On account of illness he returned to Jackson, Tenn., and 
there was detailed for duty as a blacksmith in the government shops 
in Paducah, Ky., at which place he was notified of his promotion to 
a second lieutenancy in the Eighth United States heavy artillery, a 
colored battery. In 1864 he was one of the gallant two hundred and 
fifty who defended Fort Paducah against six thousand rebels of Gen. 
Forest's army. At Port Anderson, Paducah. K}-., on March 25, 
1864, he received a severe gunshot wound in the left thigh, which dis- 
abled him for six months. In this engagement the enemy lost eight 
hundred, the Union troops thirty-seven. Returning home at the 
close of the war, Mr. Hill established a small carriage shop at Ful- 
ton, whence in 1871 he removed to Rochester. After working for a 
time b)' the day for others, he entered into partnership with J. B. 
Feiser, building buggies, and then for two years was in the grocery 
business with Louis Felder, and then sold out and became a partner 
of Noah Craven in the carriage and wa^on business. The new firm 
did a successful business until 1883, when our subject sold out and 
established the firm of J. G. Hill & Son, which profitably operated 
a shop until 1895, when John G. Hill became sole proprietor. The 
firm sold buggies, carriages and wagons all over the west as far as 
Kansas, and success attended their well directed efforts. Mr. Hill 
was married in Lancaster, Pa., in 1857, to Lizzie, daughter of Daniel 
Good. She died in Fulton in 1868, leaving a daughter, Amelia 
Leed, by her former marriage, and the following children by her 
marriage to Mr. Hill: Rosa R.; Elizabeth, deceased; John, who 
married Annie Smith; Mary, deceased, wife of George Rule; George 
A., and Theresa, now Mrs. J. H. Warner, of Elkhart, Ind. In 1872 
Mr. Hill wedded Miss Bomberger, who died in 1873. His present 
wife was formerly Maggie Oncth, and their only child is named 
Minnie. Mr. HiU is a member of McClung post. No. 95, G. A. R., 
and the Knights of Honor. He has a beautiful home on JefTerson 
street in Rochester, and is regarded as one of the most progressive 
and valued citizens of the county. Politically Mr. Hill is an uncom- 
promising republican and for many years has taken an active part 
in the affairs of that party. 

ALLEN W. HOLEMAN, whose name introduces this bio- 
graphical mention, is one of the best business men of Rochester, 
where he was born. Mr. Holeman is a son of Isaac W. Holeman, 
who in his day was one of the successful business men of Rochester. 
Isaac W. Holeman was born in Warren county, Ohio, on Dec. i, 
1820. He died in Rochester, Ind., on Aug. t8, 1870. He was a son 
of David and Mary (Welsh) Holeman. Both of his parents were 
natives of North Carolina, and of English ancestry. At an early 
date in his life David Holeman, who was a farmer, and possessed of 



HISTORY OF^FULTON COUNTY. 87 

migratory disposition, removed from his native state to (Jhio. In 
Ohio he first settled in Warren county, but soon after the birth of 
his son, Isaac \V. Holeman, lie removed to Preble county, that state, 
where he lived till the year 1836, when he settled at Wea Plains, a 
few miles south of Lafayette, Ind. At that time Isaac W. Holeman 
was about fifteen years old. The labors of his youth consisted in 
farm work. Early in life he was taught the value of industry and per- 
severance. He had gained a fair education in the country schools, 
when at an early age he became a school teacher. In 1844 he gradu- 
ated from Wabash college, of Crawfordsville, and soon thereafter 
took up the study of law, in the office of Beard & Wilson, then a 
prominent law firm of Lafayette. In 1848 Mr. Holeman was the 
third lawyer to open an office in Rochester. Here he practiced his 
profession till 1854, in which year he gave up the law to become a 
merchant, f^or a great many years afterward he conducted a gen- 
eral merchandise business in Rochester. He was a successful 
business man, and was held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens. 
He served as postmaster of Rochester, and held several other posi- 
tions of honor and trust. He married Louisa Willitts, who was 
l)orn in New Jersey. Her parents were Thomas and Mary Willitts ; 
they were natives of New Jersey and of English descent. The sub- 
ject of this biographical sketch is the only child born unto Isaac W. 
Holeman and wife. He vvas brought up in Rochester and given a 
common school education. When he was sixteen years of age he 
lost his father in death. His mother is still living and her excellent 
counsel has been of great aid to him. "Allie," as he is familiarly 
known, began his business career upon the death of his father. He 
began as a merchant and prospered, continuing in mercantile pur- 
suits till the ye^r 1885, in which year he sold out his business and em- 
barked in the grain business. As a grain dealer he again gave evi- 
dence of good business ability. In the year 1888 he disposed of his 
grain business and established the Fulton County bank, which he 
has since conducted, building up a good business. The bank is 
regarded a strong and safe institution. Mr. Holeman has always 
introduced honesty and fair-dealing into his business, and conse- 
quently he has gained the confidence of a large patronage. He is a 
pleasant and agreeable gentleman, both in business and social life. 
He is a member of several fraternal associations, among which are 
the following: Red Men, Knights of Pythias, Maccabees, Ben Hur 
and Knights of Honor. 

DR. W. E. HOSMAN, of Akron, is a promising physician of 
Fulton county. He has been engaged in actual practice less than five 
years, less than two of which have been spent among the people of 
his native community, and it is the universal judgment of those 
familiar with his daily routine that his success is phenomenal. Dr. 
Hosnian began his preparation for medicine with Dr. Knott, at 
Argos, Ind., and after reading one year he entered the Eclectic Col- 



88 HISTdRY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

lege of Physicians and Surgeons al Indianapolis, Ind. He completed 
his course there in two years, took special course on eye and ear and 
graduated in 1892. He filled the chair of anatomy in the same insti- 
tution the next year and was engaged in active practice in the city. 
During the latter part of 1894 he came to Akron and is rapidly be- 
coming one of its foremost citizens. Dr. Hosman was born in 
Kosciusko, Ind., Jan. 31, 1870. His father, E. M. Hosman, is a 
farmer. He was born in Hancock county, Ohio, 1848, located near 
Akron, in Kosciusko county, before the war and was married there 
to Luella Miller, stepdaughter of the late James Holmes. Their 
children are: W. C. and Ada, in Kosciusko county, and Dr. W. E. 
The last named obtained his literary education at Fort Wavne M. E. 
college. Dr. Hosman married in Kosciusko county Nov. 10, 1892, 
Ada, daughter of Mrs. Nancy Baker, widow of William Baker, 
pioneers from Ohio. Dr. Hosman's paternal grandfather, aged 
ninety-four years, is still living. His wife was Elizabeth Sloan. 
Her children are: John Hosman, Indianapolis: ^^'illiam Hosman, 
Findlay, Ohio: James Hosman, Peru. Ind.: E. M., and one daughter, 
wife of Dr. Wooley, deceased, of Warsaw, Ind. Fraternally Dr. 
Hosman is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias, of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and the K. O. T. M. 

J. T. HUTTON, one of the leading contractors of Indiana, was 
born in Dunnville, Canada. June 20, 1861. His parents came of 
English lineage, and his father, Richard Hutton, is a native of Eng- 
land, while his mother, ]\Iargaret (Tristam) Hutton, was born in 
Canada, where she and her husband now reside. Thev are the par- 
ents of eight children, of whom six are living. The father, by 
occupation is a contractor and has constructed many fine buildings 
in the dominion of Canada. J. T. Hutton obtained a liberal edu- 
cation in the public schools of his native country and later graduated 
from an academy at St. Catherine's and afterward was a student at 
the Toronto school of polytechnics. To be a contractor bv occu- 
pation came to Mr. Hutton as if by inheritance and, under his 
father's guidance, he gained a liberal training along this line. He 
also qualified himself in the study of architecture and thus again 
strengthened his ability in the matter of figuring upon contracts 
over those whose knowledge in architecture is limited. At the early 
age of nineteen he had charge of some light-house work for the Ca- 
nadian government, and at the end of two years the government 
proposed to transfer him to Nova Scotia, but preferring civil life he 
resigned his position and came to the Cnited States, locating in 
Chicago. His first important contract in this country was twenty 
miles of work, upon the Chicago & Erie railway, and then did eight 
miles of grade and bridge work for the Canada 
& St. LiOuis railway, and other contracts were for 
twenty miles of bridge work for the Santa Fe rail- 
wav in Missouri, and twentv miles of the same kind of work for the 



\ 




T. T. HTTTC )X. 



HISTORY OF FUI,TOX COUNTY. 89 

Ohio Valley railway in Kentucky, and the same for the Imliana Coal 
R. R. For the past seven years Air. Hutton has given his attention 
to the erection of public and private buildings. Some of his best 
work may be seen at South Bend, Kokomo, Rochester and Mich- 
igan City, Ind. At Rochester he built the normal university, the 
South school building, the wholesale grocery house of J. P. 
Michael, and the fine residence of J. E. Beyer. April, 1896, he 
obtained the contract at Michigan City, Ind., for $30,000 stone and 
brick high school building. Mr. Hutton does figuring for work in 
many states of the L'nion. For the last eight years Mr. Hutton has 
been a resident of Rochester. He was united in marriage in 18S8 
to Miss Bertha Sturgeon, a daughter of the late Enoch Sturgeon. 
and Anna M. (Aultj Sturgeon. To Mr. and Mrs. Hutton are these 
three children: Frances, William S. and J. Wallace. In politics 
Mr. Hutton is an ardent republican and a member of the K. of P. and 
K. O. T. M. fraternities. He is a man of uncjuestioned progress 
and a representative citizen of Indiana. 

CHARLES JACKSON, real estate agent and secretary of the 
Indiana Farmers' Building and Loan association and a valued citi- 
zen of Rochester was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, Feb. 16, 1830. 
He was reared on the farm, educated sparingly in the connnon 
schools and was engaged in active farming till forty years old. In 
March, 1870, he removed to Fulton county and took up the business 
of merchandising in Rochester. He followed this ten years, when 
he closed up business and later on began dealing in machiner\-. One 
year later he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, 
which business he is at present prosecuting. He prosecutes claims 
for pensioners and has been instrumental in making many an old 
comrade's heart glad. Four years ago he aided in bringing into 
existence the Indiana Farmers' Building and Loan association, of 
which he'is secretary and director. In politics Mr. Jackson is a 
republican; voted for John C. Fremont for president. He was a 
candidate for county clerk of Fulton some years ago and the strong 
vote he received was a handsome compliment to his integrity. Fra- 
ternally he is an Odd Fellow and is secretary of the local lodge. Mr. 
Jackson was married in Sandusky county, Ohio, Dec. 29, 1853, to 
Catherine Ernsperger, daughter of Christopher Ernsperger, Ohio 
pioneers of Maryland birth. Mr. Ernsperger died in Rochester in 
1877, aged sixty-nine. His wife was Julia A. Ensminger, born July, 
181 2, and now living in Rochester. Mr. Jackson is the father of 
Alma L., Anna A., wife of Frank Hufifman, of Rochester, secretary 
of Rochester bridge company: Frank A.. Portland, Ore., general 
superintendent Portland gas company, married Lillie M. Weed. 
Charles Jackson is a son of Archibald C. Jackson, born in Xew 
York, 1794, died 1865. The paternal grandsire of our subject was 
Alexander Jackson, a soldier in the war of 1812. Archibald C. 
Jackson married Amanda Olds. Her children were: Xancy M., 



90 HISTORY OF FUI/rON COUNTY. 

deceased, married William Gaskill; Julia A., widow of Loren Clark- 
Caroline, widow of E. Beaghler, Sandusky county, Ohio; Esther, 
deceased, wife of T. G. Mclnt)-re; Zeno, deceased; Charles, Martin, 
deceased; William Clyde, manufacturer, of Hughes Sheai-s com- 
pany; David H., Oakland, Cal., a successful miner, locating for 
eastern capitalists; Mary, died young; Andrew, with John and James 
Dobbs, Philadelphia, Pa. Charles Jackson is an active member of 
the Methodist church. 

DANIEL JONES, one of the foremost among the representa- 
tive farmers of New Castle township, was born in Marshall county, 
Ind., Feb. 12, 1843. His early advantages were such as the sons of 
pioneer farmers usually have. He obtained sufficient book knowl- 
edge while attending the log cabin school to enable him to secure 
license to teach about the time he became of age. He taught one 
term of school and then in response to a desire to see and know more 
of the world he went to Omaha, Xeb., and there hired to the gen- 
eral government, first serving in the quartermaster's department 
and lastly as teamster. His train was engaged in hauling supplies to 
the forts and garrisons located in the Black Hills and in points in 
Wyoming. In the winter of 1865 he returned to Fort Leavenworth, 
Kan., and was discharged. Returning home he purchased twenty- 
two acres of land and engaged in farming in Alarshall county, and 
resided there till 1873, when he sold out and bought his present 
farm of 169-} acres, one mile from Bloomingsburg. Here he has 
since resided. In 1882 Mr. Jones was elected township trustee by 
the democrats and was re-elected in 1884. During his regime the 
new Bloomingsburg school house was erected and such other public 
improvements made as seemed most desirable. His service was 
such as a conscientious, conservative man would be expected to ren- 
der and his administration is pointed to as one of the successful ones 
in the history of the township. In August, 1872, Mr. Jones married 
in this county Amelia Holemar, a daughter of Charles Holemar, 
and a sister of George Holemar, of Rochester. Their children are: 
Charles, Leroy, JMar}-, .A.nna, May, Roy and Ruth. Mr. Jones' 
father, Tyre Jones, was a prominent and popular farmer of Marshall 
county for many years. He was born in Pennsylvania, reared in 
Ohio and was married in Crawford county, Ohio. He came to 
Indiana in 1839, the year the Indians were removed from Fulton 
county. He settled in Marshall county, where he was very success- 
ful, and died there in 1878. aged seventy, leaving an estate of 400 
acres, which he had cleared himself. His wife was Sarah Ames, 
who died in 1880 at si.xty-eight. Her surviving children are: Jor- 
dan, Harriet, Benton, Sarah, Daniel, Mary, Kline and Clara. ^Ir. 
Jones is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the 
k. O. T. M. fraternities. 

SAMCEL W. JULIAN, the present trustee of Wayne township, 
Fulton county, was born in Rush county, Ind., Oct. 11, 1829. His 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 91 

parents were George and Sarah (Fullen) Julian. His father was 
born in North Carolina. He was a son of George Julian, who was 
also a native of North Carolina. The Julians trace their origin to 
France. The first representatives of the family settled in Xorth 
Carolina before the revolution. In an early dav the paternal grand- 
father of the subject of this biography moved with his family from 
North Carolina to Tennessee, and still later to Indiana, before the 
Indiana territory became a state. He lived and died in Rush county, 
this state. With him the father of our subject came to Indiana. He 
was married in Montgomery county, Ind., to Sarah Fullen, who 
was born in Indiana. She was a daughter of Samuel Fullen, whose 
father was born in Ireland. .Samuel Fullen was a pioneer of Shelby 
county, Ind. The parents of our subject settled in Shelby county 
first, then moved to Rush county, then to Cass county, in which 
county the mother died in August, 1841, at the age of forty-one 
years. She bore her husband thirteen children, of which two broth- 
ers and two sisters are now living. The father married a second 
time, wedding Margaret Methon, a Scotch lady. She bore him no 
children. In the year 1857 he moved to Wayne township, Fulton 
county, where he lived till his death, which occurred in May, 1866. 
when he was seventy-five years of age. He was a farmer by occupa- 
tion. The subject was reared on a farm and gained a common 
school education. He was ten years of age when his mother died. 
He was with his father up to the age of eighteen, when he began 
the battle of life for himself. He learned carpentering and followed 
the trade to some extent in early life. He also taught in the county 
schools for some five years. In the year 1855 he married Mar)- A. 
Hughes, who was born in Schuylkill county, Pa., in the year 183 1, 
Aug. 3. She came to Indiana with her parents when about three 
years old. Her father was John Hughes, a pioneer of Clinton 
county, Ind. The first year of Mr. Julian's married life was spent 
in Cass countv. In 1856 he settled in Fulton county, near where 
he now lives. He located there to teach a term of school, but he 
has since lived in the county. He became a farmer and has since 
followed that pursuit. He had limited capital to begin life on, but he 
has been a hard working man and by means of toiling hard and 
practicing economy he has grown prosperous, now owning one- 
quarter of a section of land in Wayne township. He has always 
been a democrat in politics. In the years 1867-68 he served as trustee 
of Wayne township. In the fall of 1894 he was elected to the same 
office and took charge of the same in August, 189=;. His term of 
office will expire in August, 1899. He makes an acceptable officer, 
and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens. Mr. and Mrs. 
Julian have six children, viz.: Sarah Ellen, Susan M.. James H., 
a Baptist minister: Lillie J., Frances A., and Santford W. Mr. Julian 
is a Master Mason. Mrs. Julian is a zealous member of the Baptist 



92 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

church. Mr. JuHan, though not a member of the church, has 
always been friendly to the cause. 

ISAIAH KATHERMAX, one of the highly esteemed agricul- 
turists of New Castle township, was born in Union county, Pa., 
May 12, 1844, and comes of that sturdy German stock, which forms 
such an important and valued element in our American nationality. 
His father, Philip Katherman, was born in Union county, Pa., in 
1804, and there died in 1857. He was of German lineage, as was 
his wife. Patience Heisy, who died in 1871, at the age of sixtv-three 
years, leaving six children, four of whom survive, namely: Andrew, 
of Mifflinburg, Pa.; Emanuel, of Louisburg, Pa.; Mary, wife of 
Thomas Hare, of Union county. Pa., and our subject. Isaiah Kath- 
erman, when twenty-four years of age, became a resident of 
Kosciusko county, Ind., and there followed farming until 1836, 
when he came to Fulton county and purchased his present farm, 
which has undergone important changes in appearance. He has 
materially enlarged the residence and beautified its grounds, also 
erected a large barn, cleared many additional acres of land, and has 
put in one thousand rods of ditch, so that he now owns one of the best 
unproved and most desirable farms of the township. Mr. Kather- 
man's labors as an agriculturist have been interrupted only by his 
serivce in the army. He made for himself an honorable military 
record, although little more than a school boy when he enlisted at 
Harrisburg in company A, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsyl- 
vania infantry for nine months. The regiment was first engaged in 
opposing Lee's attempted invasion of the north and participated in 
the battle of Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Mr. 
Katherman then returned to Pennsylvania, for his time had expired, 
Imt soon re-enlisted, joining company K, of the Twenty-sixth Penn- 
sylvania infantry. On leaving this command he entered the Third 
heavy ariillery, for service at Fortress Monroe, but found that the 
Cjuota there was filled, and was transferred to company B, One 
Hundred and Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania infantry, with wliich he 
went to Yorktown, participating in all the arduous service in Vir- 
ginia with Gen. Grant in 1864. This service included the battles 
of Cold Harbor, Seven Pines, Burmuda Hundred and Deep Bottom, 
which led to the imprisonment of the Confederates in Richmond. 
He also participated in the capture of Fort Harris, the battles of 
Dutch Gap and Petersburg, and entered the rebel capital as Lee 
was evacuating it. After the surrender, his regiment went to Dan- 
ville. \'a., doing guard duty there for some months. Mr. Katherman 
was mustered out at City Point, Va., receiving his discharge at 
Philadelphia, with the rank of sergeant. In August, 1886, was cele- 
brated the marriage of Mr. Katherman and Susan Smith, daughter 
of Leonard Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, who removed to Indiana. 
They have one son, Boyd, born in May, 1890. Mr. Katherman is a 
stalwart republican, deeply interested in the success of his party, but 



HISTORY OF J'TJ/rON COUNTY. 93 

has no desire for public office. Socially he is connected with James 
Ral)er post, G. A. R., of Mentone. 

SAMUEL KEELY, ex-clerk of Fulton county, was born in 
Shelby county, Ind., March 23, 1836. At seven years of age his 
father took him to Indianapolis, and resided till he was seventeen, 
when he located on a farm in this county. At twenty-six years of 
age he moved to Rochester and engaged in the dry goods business 
with F. B. Ernsperger. He withdrew from this firm in eighteen 
months and worked at his trade, laying brick. We find him next 
with A. J. Holmes & Co in the implement business. In this line he 
was an employee two years, and the following three vears was the 
projirietor of the business. In 1870 he was nominated by the demo- 
cratic party for county clerk and was elected by a majority of 161. 
The efficiency of his service can best be judged by the size of his 
majority for a second term, in 1874, when he defeated his opponent 
l)y 418 votes. He bought a grist-mill in Cambria, Wis., in 1880, 
equipped it completely and ran it only four weeks, when it burned 
to the ground. He came back to Rochester and together with 
Charles Caiifyn and Daniel Agnew built the Rochester gravel road, 
of which he was superintendent from 1883 to December, 1895, when 
Fulton county bought the property. Mr. Keely owns a fine 160- 
acre farm two miles from Argos, Marshall county. Oct. 4, i860, 
Mr. Keely married in this county Miss E. M., a daughter of Christo- 
pher Ernsperger, who was born in Maryland, moved west to Ohio 
and thence to Indiana. He died in this county June 16, 1877, aged 
seventy-two years. His wife was Julia A. Ensminger, now living in 
Rochester at nearly eighty-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Keely's 
children are; Helen Y.. wife of H. A. Reiter, of Hammond, Ind.; 
Annetta, educated in Rochester and Terre Haute; Margaret L., and 
Harry S. Mr. Keely is of German descent. Samuel Keely, grand- 
father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, was a farmer and 
mechanic. He settled first in Butler county, Ohio, on leaving his 
eld home, and in 1818 became a pioneer settler in Shelby county, 
Ind. He died in Indianapolis in 1848, aged fifty-six. He was a 
successful business man and by his marriage with Catherine McGee 
vvas the father of ten children, six of whom are living; Oliver, 
William H. and Samuel, who are in Indianapolis, and Eliza J., Mrs. 
John McFall and Mrs. Caroline Varney, who are in Decatur county, 
ind. James Keely, father of our subject, was born in Butler county, 
Ohio, Aug. 18, 1812. He was a mason by trade, a man of robust 
constitution and of industrious habits. He died in Rochester in 
1892. He was once county commissioner of this county. In early 
manhood was a democrat, but in 1857 became a republican. He 
married in Shelby county, Ind., Mary A., daughter of Anthony W. 
McKee, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, was a farmer and 
served as a soldier in the western department of the United States 
army during the war of 181 2. He married Nancy Agnew, who bore 



94 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

him ten children, all of whom are deceased. James Keely's children 
were: Samuel, Nancy, widow of Thomas J. McAnally; Catherine, 
deceased, married to John Collins; Mary J., deceased, wife of Adam 
Ault; Phoebe, deceased, married to Thomas Gilchrist; Sarah A., wife 
of John Ault, living in (3klahoma; Frances, widow of William 
Rrough, a resident of Rochester; Julia A., widow of Joseph Carr, of 
Indianapolis; Anthony W., of Hartford City, Ind., and Caroline, wife 
of William Stubbs, of Marion, Ind. His life has been an active one, 
and his success in business has enabled him to accumulate an ample 
fortune. 

PATRICK KELLY was born in Alleghen)- county. Pa., Feb. 
-7, 1833, and is a son of John and Mary Magdaline (Wyble) Kelly. 
His father was a native of county Kilkenny, Ireland, while his 
mother was a native of Germany. They were married in Pennsyl- 
vania, and unto their marriage were born the following children: 
I'atrick, Mary, John, deceased; Bridget, deceased; Elizabeth, James, 
Margaret, Ann, and Jane, deceased. Soon after the birth of Patrick 
liis parents removed to Ohio, thence to Indiana, settled first in Car- 
roll county, and subsequently the father entered eighty acres of land 
in L'nion township, Fulton county, and moved onto the same in No- 
vember, 1839, becoming a very early settler of the county. These 
early pioneers reared their family in Union township, where the 
mother died, preceding the father many years in death. He died 
in 1889, ^t the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Both he and she 
were buried at Winamac. Patrick Kelly was reared mainly in Ful- 
ton county. In 1857 he married Lavina, a daughter of Henry 
Bruce, a pioneer settler in Aubbeenaubbee township. She Ijore him 
two children and was then called away by death in 1859. The elder 
child died in infancy. The yoimger was named Edward Michael 
Kelly. He was born in Pulaski county, Ind., Dec. i, 1859, and was 
married in 1882, Nov. 15, to Miss Catherine Carroll, daughter of 
Owen and Bridget Carroll. She was born in Pulaski county, Ind., 
March 7, 1862. L'nto Edward M. Kelly and wife there have been 
born the following children: Dessie L., Elmer Edward, Patrick F. 
and Clara B. In 1862 Patrick Kelly married for a second wife 
Mary M., daughter of Jacob RufT, a pioneer settler of Pulaski county, 
where Mrs. Kelly was born Nov. 5, 1844. For about five years after 
his marriage Mr. Kelly farmed, and then up to about 1867 he was in 
business, first at Star City, then at Winamac. About 1868 he began 
saw-milling and has since followed the business. In 1875 be located 
at Blue Grass, Wayne township, where he has continued to reside. 
He has been a successful business man and is a representative citizen. 
He is a democrat and has served as justice of the peace since 1892. 
He and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church, to 
which church his son and son's family also belong. His son resides 
in Blue Grass and is associated with his father in business. 

JOHN KESLER, the present auditor of Fulton county, first saw 



History of fclton corNxv. 95 

the light of day in Richland county, Ohio. He was born April i, 
1836. His parents were Peter and Eliza (Windbigler) Kesler. They 
(vere born near Shaferstown, Lancaster county, Pa. The father 
A\as born in 1809 and the mother in 1816. Peter Kesler was a son of 
.\brahani Kesler, a native of Pennsylvania, of German ancestors. 
Mr. Kesler's mother, who is now (1896) livinjT with him, is a daugh- 
ter of John and Alary (Buchter) Windbigler. They were natives 
of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The marriage of Peter Kes- 
ler and Elizabeth Windbigler was consummated in Ohio, and they 
settled down in life in Richland county, of that state. In the year 
1852 they came to Fulton county and settled on a farm in New 
Castle township, where Mr. Kesler died in his sixty-sixth year. 
Their son, whom this mention concerns, was eighteen years of age 
when his parents came to Fulton county. His education was limited 
to the country schools. Though brought up on the farm he learned 
the gunsmith's trade, which he followed together with farming for 
twelve years. In 1856 Mr. Kesler married Mary Jane Kessler, who 
was born in Preble county, Ohio. Her father was John M. Kess- 
ler, wdio was born in Miami County, Ohio, Jan. 30, 181 8, and was 
united in marriage with Malinda Harriman, of his native state, born 
Xov. 99, 1809. John M. Kessler was a son of Ulrich Kessler. a 
native of Mrginia, of German descent. The family name of our 
subject, and that of his wife, though pronounced the same, are 
spelled dififerently, and so far as known the two families are not 
related. Mr. Kesler has been twice married. His first wife bore 
him twelve children, of which five are deceased She died in March 
of 1890. and in February, 1892, Mr. Kesler married the second time, 
wedding Mrs. Martha Hamlet, nee Eybee, who is his present wife. 
Mr. Kesler began the battle of life with no capital other than willing 
hands and fixed purpose to succeed. As a farmer he long since be- 
came prosperous. He owns a well-improved farm in Xew Castle 
township, where he lived till he became the auditor of the county, 
to which office he was elected as the republican candidate, in the fall 
of 1894, by 128 majority. Mr. Kesler enlisted in company F, 
Fightv-seventh Indiana volunteer infantry, August. 1862. but after a 
short time of service was discharged on account of physical disability. 
ISAAC A. KESSLER, ex-trustee of New Castle township, was 
born in Henry county, Ind., June 2^, 1848. His father, John 
Kessler, was born in North Carolina, and with his parents re- 
moved to the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio, and was there reared and 
educated. He came to Indiana at an early date, and settled in 
Henry county. He married Mary Anderson and reared a family 
of eight children. Mrs. Kessler had been married previously to a 
Mr. Gates, whose son John Gates, now residing in Wisconsin, served 
as treasurer of Fulton county. Her children by her second marriage 
are : Simeon, Rachel, wife of James Paxton ; Mary J., wife of Jacob 
Walburn ; Isaac A. and Albert B. Isaac picked up a few of the rudi- 



96 HISTORY OF FUI/roN COUNTY. 

nients of an Englisli education while enrolled as a pupil in the dis- 
trict school. He began life as a farm hand, employed, as is usual, 
by the month, and remained as such for nine years. Althoug-h he 
received as good wages as were paid for such work, when he had 
finished his last month as a hired man he had very little surplus 
funds. He seemed to be fond of travel and when he had a snug 
bundle ahead he spent it sight seeing. One of these trips was made 
through Kansas and Missouri. Dec 12, 1875, Mr. Kessler married 
Mary E. Barkman, whose father, John Barkman, was a well known 
farmer of this county. The only issue of this union is Sadie M., born 
March 2, 1878. Mr. Kessler has followed farming for an occupa- 
tion. His farm consists of seventy-three acres, and has many 
improvements and is under a good state of cultivation. In politics 
Mr. Kessler has been active as a democrat and in 1890 was honored 
by his party with an election to the office of trustee, in which position 
he served five years. Mr. Kessler has also served his township as 
constable many years. Recurring to Mr. Kessler's antecedents, 
his paternal grandfather was John Kessler, born in Virginia. His 
early life was spent in North Carolina, where he resided till 1808, 
when he came north to Dayton, Ohio. He came to Indiana with 
his son John and died in Kosciusko county, perhaps fifty years ago. 
He was a teacher all his life. His father was Tierman born. Our 
subject's father died in Labette county, Kan., 1874, at seventy-four 
years of age. His wife died in this county 1889, at seventy- nine 
years of age. 

CHARLES A. KILMER. — This enterprising citizen and busi- 
ness man is a native of Fulton county, born Nov. 28, 1869, in a log 
cabin that for years stood upon the bank of the Tippecanoe river. 
The parents, L. G. and Eliza J. (Spencer) Kilmer, were natives of In- 
diana. After the death of the mother in 1871 Mr. Kilmer, until 
fourteen years of age, was raised by his maternal grandparents. At 
this age he began making his own way in the world. He obtained 
some education at the public schools, but the major portion of his 
knowledge has been acquired in the more severe, yet more effective 
school of practical experience. Beginning his business career he en- 
tered the employ of the well known house of Feder & Silberberg, of 
this city, where he remained for four years, and then for one year was 
in the lumber business and later was for some four years in the 
wholesale grocery business in the employ of J. P. Michael & Co., of 
Rochester. Dec. 28, 1895, he began the retail grocery business on 
the south side of the public scjuare in the city. Here lie is carrying 
about $3,000 worth of choice, fresh goods in his line. He has one 
of the best arranged stores for his business in Rochester. Success 
is bound to be the result of this business venture when it is fully un- 
derstood that this is absolutely the only cash retail grocery house in 
this city. Mr. Kilmer was united in marriage May 30, 1894, to Miss 
Indiana Virginia Baker, daughter of the wealthy lumber man. An- 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 97 

aulas Baker. To Mr. and Mrs. Kilmer one child has been Ijorn, 
Helen Marie, who died May 23, 1895. In politics Mr. Kilmer is a 
democrat. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He and Mrs. Kilmer 
are leading- members of the Christian church. For three years he 
has been superintendent of the Christian Sunday school and is now 
president of the Christian Endeavor society and clerk of the church. 
He is a man of practical business attainment, and he and wife are 
numbered among' the best people of the city. 

JOHN KIN(j, cx-sherifT of Fulton county and a familiar 
figure in democratic politics, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, 
Oct. 16, 1840. He grew up in the village of Lockville and secured a 
meager education. He selected mechanics as a livelihood and when 
twenty years old began learning the carpenter's trade under an older 
brother, Henry King. Soon after completing his term of service he 
came to Fulton county and be came a resident of New Castle town- 
ship. He spent the succeeding twenty-five years in that township, 
doing largely the building and general improving on superstructure 
done during that period. His best residences were those of John 
Kesler, Sol. Wagner, Henry Heimbaug-h, George Perschbaugher, 
Lawrence McArtcr. John Heimbaugh, Charles King and others to 
a grand total of 168 residences. He has built upward of sixty barns, 
five elevators and the shoe factory in Rochester. Mr. King became 
a citizen of Rochester late in the fall of 1892. He came as the sheriff 
elect and was inducted in to ofifice Nov. 24 of that year. His majority 
was over 200. He demonstrated his capacity as a peace officer, and 
his efficiency as a public servant, but all this counted for naught so 
far as it affected the result at the next election. Democracy seemed 
to be doomed in 1894 and whoever happened to be its standard 
bearer went down with it. The landslide came along and Mr. King 
being his party's candidate for re-election went out of office just two 
years after he went in. The past two years Mr. King has had no 
business beyond supervising work on his farm and doing an occa- 
sional turn with saw and plane. Sept. 12, 1863, Mr. King was 
married in Fairfield county, Ohio, to Susan A., daughter of Wash- 
ington Flood, born in Virginia; came to Ohio early and engaged 
in the confectionery business. He died about the year 1850. Mr. 
and Mrs. King's children are: Frances, twentv-nine, wife of George 
N. Clymer. of Rochester; Milo O., M. D., twenty-seven, graduated 
from Rush medical college. Chicago, May 28, 1896; Leander, twenty- 
four, a professional bookkeeper, graduated from Grand Rapids 
commercial college 1893; Annetta, twenty-one; Stella, eighteen; 
Albert fifteen, and Emma thirteen. Mr. King's first child. Sarali 
Jane, died at two years. John King is a son of Michael King, whn 
married Susan, daughter of a Mr. Slagle, of German birth. Michael 
King was born in Berks county, Pa., 1808. He moved to Ohio 
about 1836. He was a farmer. His death occurred in this county 
1868. His wife died four years later, aged sixty-three. Their family 
111-7 



08 HISTORY OF FUI^TON COUNTY. 

consisted of: Anna, Mary, wife of David Boyer, of Franklin 
county, Ind.; Sarah, wife of Conrad Heimbaugh, of New Castle 
township, Fulton county. Michael. Fairfield county, Ohio; John, 
George, New Castle township, and Susan, now Mrs. Amos Selby, 
Rochester. John King is a Mason and a K. of P. His reputation 
is that of an honest, square, upright citizen. He is a useful member 
of society, useful to his family and useful to the public. 

FRANCIS M. KLINE, a prosperous and representative farmer, 
was born in Union township. Marshall county, Ind., Dec. i6, 1855. 
His parents were Diebold and Elizabeth fWingart) Kline, natives of 
Germany. His father was born June 14, 1814, and his mother Nov. 
19, 1822. From the age of eight years Diebold Kline made his own 
way in the world. At the age of eighteen years he came to America 
and settled in Penns}"lvania, where he was employed six vears as a 
farm hand. He then went to Canada. where he 
was likewise employed for two years. He then went 
to Bufifalo, N. Y., and there became a hostler for 
a lake captain. While thus engaged he visited Marshall county, 
Ind., and entered fifty-two acres of land on the east bank of Lake 
Maxinkuckee. Returning to Buffalo he married Elizabeth Win- 
gart, in July, 1849, ^""^ immediately came to Indiana and settled on 
the above named fifty-two acres of land. Here he lived six vears, 
then selling the land, purchased another tract in the same vicinity, 
and this latter tract of land his wife now occupies. Unto Diebold 
Kline and wife were born the following children: Theodore, 
George W., Francis M., Mary, deceased; Diebold, Henry W., de- 
ceased; John, William and Sarah. The father's death occurred 
May 14, 1887. Francis M. was married at the age of twenty-two to 
Sarah, daughter of Gideon and Justina Mahler. The above mar- 
riage has given issue to the following children: Bertha C, Mary 
E., Cleveland C. and Carrie D. Mr. Kline and his estimable wife are 
members of the Trinity Reform church. Politically he is a staunch 
democrat. 

JOHN J. KUMLER, the present treasurer of Fulton county, is 
an esteemed citizen and prosperous farmer. He was a soldier in the 
civil war. He enlisted as a private in company K, Seventeenth 
Ohio regiment, Sept. 4, 1861. He was promoted in May, 1864. to 
corporal, and as such was discharged July 21, 1865. He participated 
in all of the battles of the army of the Cumberland, was in the Atlanta 
campaign, and was wounded at Missionary Ridge No.v. 25, 1863. 
He went into the army a democrat in politics, but came out a repub- 
lican. He served one term as trustee of Wayne township. Fulton 
county, making an acceptable ofificer. In 1894 the republican party 
nominated him as its candidate for county treasurer, to which ofUce 
he was elected in November of that year, and of which office he is the 
])resent acceptable incumbent. Mr. Kumler was born in Fairfield 
county, O'hio, Jan. 14, 1840. His parents were Henry and Leah 



HISTORY OF FUI.TON COUNTY. 99 

(Meinliart) Kuniler. They were of German ancestry. Henry Kum- 
ler was a son of Henry Kumler, who was born in Germany. Mr. 
Kumler's parents were married in Ohio. They settled in ]'"airfield 
county, that state, where the mother died in 1844, when Mr. Kumler 
was but three and a half years old. She left one other child, a son, 
Noah Kumler, of Fairfield county, Ohio. The father subsequently 
married a second time, and became the father of several children. 
He followed farming, and lived many years in Fairfield county, 
where he died in 1884. at the age of seventy-seven years. His son, 
whose name introduces this brief mention, was brought up to farm- 
ing and has followed the same throughout his career. He gained a 
limited education, having attended school just fifty-two and a half 
days. When the civil war came on he was a farm hand, working for 
eleven and one-half dollars per month. He came to Indiana in 1865, 
and settled in Fulton county, where he has since continued to reside. 
In the same year he married Almedia l^rbin, a native of his own 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Kumler have had fourteen children, of which 
five are dead. They are members of the U. B. church. Mr. Kumler 
is a member of Bennett post. No. 183, G. A. R. He has been very 
successful as a farmer, and is widely and favorably known. His 
farm residence is in Wayne township. 

F. M. LEAVELL, a well known farmer near Fulton, Liberty 
township, was born in Miami county, Feb. 25, 1834. His boyhood, 
youth and manhood have been passed on the farm. He was brought 
io Miami county. Ind., 1836, by his father, Richard Leavell, who 
died in 1849, a.?^cl forty. He married Nancy Dye. who still survives 
at eightv-seven. Her children are: Madison, Miami county; 
Eleanor, deceased, married E. Lowman, J. W.. Miami county ; F. M., 
J. P., Sarah, wife of George Marley, this county: Henry H.. S. C., 
Osage county, Kan. Our subject was partially reared by his grand- 
father, Robert Leavell. who was born in South Carolina, went to 
Ohio as a pioneer and died there. F. M. Leavell got his start bv 
working for wages. March 25, 1858, he was married in Miami 
county to Ruth Ann, a daughter of Eli Chalk, born in England. 
Mrs. Leavell was born in Cass county fifty-five years ago. Her 
children are: R. J., Rochester; J. F., George C. Nancy E., wife of 
Edwin Morris ; Eva, wife of E. J. Dowd ; Edwin E. and Ruth Ger- 
trude. Mr. Leavell enlisted at Logansport. Ind.. in company G, 
Seventy-third regiment. I. V. I., and went at once into Kentucky; 
was in the fight "at Stone river; was on the raid with Col. Straight 
around Tliscumbia, Ala., and was captured near Rome. Ga., and 
taken to Bell island, near Richmond, but was exchanged at City 
Point soon after and rejoined the army around Nashville after a rest 
from June to November, 1863. Was detailed on the siege guns at 
Nashville for a time; served next on Tennessee river in Northern 
Alabama, and went back to Nashville at the close of the war and was 
mustered out about July i, 1865. He returned to Perrysburg. Ind., 



100 HISTORY OF FULTOX COUNTY. 

at once and engaged in wagon making there the following seven 
years. He commenced farming in 1873 and has continued it since. 
He is a republican and has served as supervisor and is higlily re- 
spected by the community. He owns a good farm one mile 
southwest of Fulton. 

N. T- LIDECKER, owner and operator of the Akron saw-mill, 
is one of the most thoroughly reliable and progressive business men 
of Henry township and. during his nine years identification with the 
interests of Fulton county, has won the respect and confidence of all 
who know him. He was born Jan. 29, 1859, in Marshall county, 
Ind. His father, John Lidecker, a native of Prussia, came to this 
state sixty-four vears ago, and for a time worked as a day laborer, 
but later became an engineer on the Pittsburg. Fort Wayne & 
Chicago railroad. He was married at Canal Dover. Ohio, to Julia 
Evil, whose father was also of German birth. After the death of her 
husband, Mrs. Lidecker became the wife of Jacob Stein, also now 
deceased. She is residing near Bremen, Ind. Her children are 
John and Charles, of Bremen: X. J.: Julia, wife of Frank Walters, 
proprietor of a hotel in Bremen; and \\''illiam, who died in 1894. 
Throughout his life, X. J. Lidecker has been connected with the 
lumber trade. As a boy he worked in a saw-mill, and at the early 
age of sixteen was thrown entirely upon his own resources, but his 
energy and industry made his services in demand and he found no 
difificulty in securing employment. He is to-day the owner of one 
of the best saw-mills in Fulton county, having succeeded to the busi- 
ness of J. H. Bennett. This mill has a capacity of fifteen thousand 
feet per day, and furnishes employment regularly to nine men. who 
are engaged in the care of the manufactured product that is shipped 
to various parts of the countrv. Mr. Lidecker has given close atten- 
tion to his business, has kept abreast with the improvement of the 
times in every particular, and is so thoroughly informed as to the 
needs of the trade that customers place the utmost reliance in his 
judgment, while his honesty is above (|uestion. He is now en- 
joying a large and lucrative business, and his success is certainly well 
merited. Mr. Lidecker was married in Marshall county, Ind., Aug. 
2, 1883, to Sarah A. Smith, whose father, Michael Smith, was a native 
of Pennsylvania. They have a pleasant home in Akron, and many 
friends throughout the community. In politics Mr. Lidecker is a 
democrat. 

CAPT. H. C. LOX^G, one of Rochester's oldest and best known 
citizens, was born in Boone county, Ind., May 31, 1837. His par- 
ents were Elihu and Susan (Martin) Long. The father, of Irish and 
English lineage, was born in Delaware, 1797, and died in Rochester, 
1882. His mother was born of Scotch parentage, in Pennsylvania, 
in 1799, and died in Rochester, 1851. These parents were married 
in Highland county. Ohio, where their parents had settled in an 
earlv dav. From CHiio thev moved to Indiana, in 1828. first settling 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 101 

near indianapolis,but soon afterward the)- removed to Boone county, 
thence to Clinton county, thence to Pulaski county, and in 1847 they 
located in Rochester, where they lived till death called them away. 
Unto them were born eight children. The father was a shoemaker 
by trade and taught the subject of this brief mention the principles 
of this trade, which the son followed for many years. The father 
and son became associated as partners in the shoe business when 
our subject was twenty-one years of age. In i88i Capt. Long dis- 
continued the business and for five or six years thereafter was 
engaged in the carriage and buggy business. For the last several 
years he has been a notar\- public and pension attorney. In 1856 
he and Adelaide Barnum were united in marriage. Unto the union 
were born a son and daughter, namely, Horace E. and Lewella. In 
September, 1861, Mr. Long enlisted in the Thirty-sixth Indiana in- 
fantry. Six months later he was discharged by special order from 
department commander. In August, 1862, he re-enlisted as a pri- 
vate in Company F, Eighty-seventh Indiana infantry. Upon the 
^irganization of this company he was chosen first sergeant, and soon 
passed the successive promotions of second and first lieutenant, and 
m April, 1863, was made captain of his company, and as such served 
until the close of hostilities, and June 10, 1865, was discharged. 
Capt. Long has always been identified with the repttblican party, and 
fraternally he has long been a member of the Independent Order of 
(Jdd Fellows, and the Grand Army of the Republic. 

WILLIAM MACKEY LOOMIS, one of the progressive and 
successful business men of Rochester, was born in Fulton county 
June 29, 1858, and is a son of Noah and Mary (Mackey) Loomis. 
The father was born in Massachusetts, and was a son of Normaii 
Loomis, who was descended from an old Massachusetts family, 
whose first representatives in America were among the Mayflower 
emigrants. Norman Loomis and family came to Fulton county in 
an early day, and here the parents of our subject were married. 
Mary Mackey Loomis, the mother of our subject, was born in 
Indiana. She is a daughter of William Mackey, who came from the 
( )ld Dominion state to Fulton county at a very early date in the his- 
tory of the county. Noah Loomis, the father of William M., died in 
i86o, and his widow and only child then made their home with our. 
subject's maternal grandfather till his death, which occurred in 1876. 
William worked on the grandfather's farm and attended the common 
schools. He entered Wabash college in 1879, graduating in the 
class of 1884. He began farming inunediately after his return from 
school, and continued the same up to 1894. when he became a mer- 
chant. He opened a drv goods store and has since conducted 
Inisiness in general merchandising. He has been secretary of the 
Fulton county Agricultural society, and his efiforts were fruitful in 
rendering successful the fairs held by the society. In 1888 Mr. 
Loomis and Ella May Shepard were united in marriage. Unto the 



102 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

union have been born two sons and two daughters, viz.: Zethie, 
Shepard, Dewey and Elta. Mr. Looniis is a member of the order of 
Knights of P3thias, and is a repubhcan in poHtics. 

REV. N. L. LORD. — Among the men whose lives have been 
an influence for good in this county is the venerable Rev. Nathan L. 
Lord, who was engaged in the ministry in this and adjoining counties 
for nearly a quarter of a century, but for the past dozen years prac- 
tically retired. He was born in Lewis county, N. Y., Aug. 23, 181 5. 
He grew up on his father's farm and at the age of five years was sent 
to the village school. He entered Amherst college at eighteen and 
was graduated from that famous university four years later. He 
engaged in teaching some three or four years, while reading pre- 
paratory to entering the ministry. At twenty-nine years of age he 
was licensed by the New York presbytery at Watertown and his first 
work was as a supply at Constableville, N. Y. The next year he 
started west, stopping temporarily at Shalerville, Ohio. The year 
1845 I'lC reached Dubois county, Ind., and there remained five years. 
He came north and was stationed at Plymouth, Ind., three years, at 
the end of which time he removed to the vicinity of Argos. While 
there he began his work in Rochester. In i860 he moved his family 
here and has since been one of Rochester's most respected and 
valued citizens. He returned to educational work while filling the 
pulpit in this county, and was principal of a Rochester school and 
afterward was employed as assistant, teaching the languages ex- 
clusively. He retired from the school room about 1870, and from 
the ministry, except for an occasional funeral or other special ser- 
mon, about 1885. Since his retirement his time has been passed on a 
small farm west of Rochester, or at his home in this city. Rev. Lord 
is descended from the Lords of Norwich, Conn. His father, Gurdon 
Lord, being born there about 1780. At twenty years of age he emi- 
grated west to New York state and aided in clearing up the county 
where our subject was born. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, 
and was a son of Nathan Lord, also a native of Connecticut. Gur- 
don married Sallie Dewey, from Massachusetts. Their children 
were Lydia Horr, who died at Ravenna, Ohio, 1893: John D., died at 
Leyden, N. Y.; Nathan L., and Mary Ann, deceased. Rev. Lord 
was married at Plymouth, Ind., in June of 1851, to ]\Irs. Emeline 
Hawley, a daughter of Squire Rose, a native of Canandaigua, who 
became one of the early citizens of Marshall county. Airs. Lord's 
only child was by her first husband, and was a daughter named 
Helen, now the widow of Christopher Fitzgerald, who died in Roch- 
ester seven years ago, leaving the following children: Edwin H., 
druggist, Goshen, Ind.; Carrie, Nellie, and William L. Rev. Lord 
has kept aloof from politics. He has always been a strong and 
powerful advocate of temperance. His career has been blameless 
and spotless, and his life exemplarv. 

HON. CHARLES J. LORING, M. D., is one of the leading 



HISTORY or FITI/rON ( OITNTY. 10.3 

pliysicians and stirj^t-oiis of i"ullon count \-, and a man (jf unques- 
tioned public spirit and enterprise. He was born in (jrant county. 
Ind., Sept. 22, 1850, and is a son of John and Nancy (Cain) Loring. 
His father was born in Darke county, Ohio, in 1804, and cHed at 
Monterey, Ind., in 1872. His ancestors, who were of French origin, 
were early settlers of Xew jersey. Dr. Loring's mother was born 
in Randolph county, Ind., in 1823, and died April 26, 1896. in Mar- 
shall county, Ind. She bore her husband ten children, three of 
whom died in infancy. The parents of Dr. Loring were unable to 
give their children a good education, and hence the schooling the 
subject of this biography received was confined to the country 
schools. Early in his youth he developed strong love for books, 
and to them he made close application. Although he lived and 
worked on a farm till twenty-six years of age, his ambition to lead 
a professional life was made possible through school teaching as a 
stepping-stone. He secured a teacher's license at the age of eighteen 
years, and became a teacher. In the winter he taught in the district 
schools, and in the siunmer tilled the soil. Having previously taken 
up the study of medicine, he entered the Indiana medical college, at 
Indianapolis, in the fall of 1877. After taking a course in medicine, 
he located at Walnut, Ind., and began the practice of his chosen 
profession in 1878. In the fall of 1879 he re-entered the Indiana 
medical college, whence he graduated in March, 1880. In 1879 he 
married Augusta F. Bair, who died at Tiosa, Ind., in 1881, leaving a 
daughter, Dessa A. In 1882 he married Mrs. Malinda Phillips, nee 
Thompson. In 1883 he removed to Rochester, where he has grown 
into prominence, not only as a physician, but as a public spirited 
citizen. He has always been a firm republican in politics. His 
j)arty made him its candidate for the legislature in 1894, and 
though he had a democratic majority to overcome in the county, he 
was elected to the office, and as a member of the house of represen- 
tatives in the fifty-ninth session of the general assembly of 1895, he 
proved himself an able legislator. He was a member of the benev- 
olent, scientific and statistical committees and was chairman of the 
committee on medicine, health and vital statistics. Having the 
disposition to favor all interests of public enterprise, he introduced 
the bill which became a law and which made it possiljle for the county 
commissioners to purchase toll roads, thus relieving the people of a 
great burden and hence encouraged the further and more extensive 
Ijuilding of gravel roads throughout the counties. Dr. Loring is an 
active member of the I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all the offices 
of the subordinate lodge, and is a member of the grand lodge of the 
state. In 1890 he became a member of the order of Knights of 
Pythias, and has taken much interest in this fraternal organization. 
He has surmounted many obstacles that have come before him in the 
course of his life, and to-day he stands as an example of much that 
may be accomplished by industry, perseverance and integrity. 



104 HISTOEY OF FCXTOX COUSTY. 

LEWIS M. LOUGH was bom in Marion county, Ind.. March 
24, 1835. Da^id Lough, liis father, was bom in Tennessee. Dec. 4, 
1803. His great-grrandfather was shipped from Germany to Amer- 
ica and sold to the Quakers for his passage. There were three 
brothers shipped to America, each ha-\-ing to work out liis passage, 
one being compelled to labor seven years. The father. Da\-id 
Lough, came to Indiana in 1S22 and settled in Marion county. He 
removed to Fulton county in 1S39. which was then in a ver>- primitive 
state. Tlie family of Da^"id Lough consisted of eleven children — 
Xancy, deceased: \Mlliam, Lucinda, Jacob. Lewis, Harrison, John, 
lyiarv" Tane. Mahala, deceased : Washington, deceased ; Da^nd. Upon 
coming to Indiana he settled on the farm now owned by his son 
Harrison. At the time of his death he owned 240 acres. He died 
March 6. 1889. His wife preceded him in deatli. May 19. 1872. 
Lewis remained with his parents on tlie farm until he was thirty 
vears of age, ha\-ing in the meantime received but a common school 
education. However, he really made his own way from the age of 
l-vventy-one. just making his home with his father. At about the age 
of thirtv Mr. Lough ptu^chased some 120 acres of land, having saved 
enough to pay for tlie same. He had been interested in bupng and 
selling stock. April 19. 1880, he married Mary F. Caple, the daugh- 
ter of Andrew and ^lagdalena Caple. then residents of Union 
township, Fulton county. To this marriage have been bom two 
children — Frank B. and Edith Anna. After his marriage Mr. 
Lough moved upon the farm he had previoush' purchased, where he 
has since resided. He has always been interested in farming and 
stock-raising, and been a staunch democrat. He and his wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In the spring of 1879 
he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of S. J. Barger as trustee 
of Aubbeenaubbee township. He was elected as trustee in 1880 for 
a term of two years. Mr. Lough is a prosperous and industrious 
farmer and owns 160 acres of A-aluable land, which he has greatly 
improved. 

THOMAS F. LO^"ATT. a member of the board of commission- 
ers of Fulton count\\ and one of the extensive and most progressive 
farmers of Indiana, is a native of Pennsylvania, bom at Spruce HiU. 
Juniata count\-. in 1845. He is the son of Williain H. Lovatt. a 
native of Staftordshire, England, who was bom Feb. 13, 1812. and 
came to the United States in 1842. settled in Pennsylvania and in 
the spring of 1848 removed to Troy. Ohio, and later removed to 
Piqua, Ohio, and in 1852 he came to Indiana and settled at Peru, 
where he is now residing. The mother of Mr. Lovatt was bom in 
Juniata county. Pa., in 1819. and died at Peru. Ind.. Dec. 26. 1877. 
Mr. Lovatt received a common school education and then learned 
the tailors trade and then the moulder's and macliinist"s trade, and 
for a number of years managed Hackley's foundry and machine 
works at Peru and in 1879 ^^ purchased the plant and continued the 




THOMAS V. LOVATT. 



HISTORY OF Fri.TOX COrNTY. 105 

bame, until 1885, when he sold out and went to Ashtabula county. 
Ohio, and engaged in farming. There he had 400 acres of land and 
in 1886 made a trade for 806 acres in Fulton county, and to that he 
has since added forty acres, making now in one bodv 846 acres. 
This land was for many years known as the Rettig farm and is lo- 
cated six miles southwest of Rochester. Mr. Lovatt has employed 
l:is best effort and used a large sum of money in the improvement of 
this farm until now it is one of the best farms in northern Indiana. 
Mr. Lovatt also owns a farm of 170 acres located on the Wabash 
river, six miles from Peru, where he has valuable holdings. These 
farms are supplied with the latest improved machinery known to the 
science of agriculture and are arranged for raising and caring for 
stock. Mr. Lovatt was united in marriage April 11, 1878, to Mrs. 
Louisa Hackley, a native of Ohio. The father of Mrs. Lovatt was 
Samuel Rector, who was born near Lexington, Ky. He was a 
soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1847 3"^^ 's buried at Peru. 
Both the grandfathers of Mrs. Lovatt were soldiers in the Revolu- 
tionary war. To the first marriage of Mrs. Lovatt are these three 
children, viz.: Emma, now Mrs. A. Clevell; Cora A., now Mrs. H. E. 
Frick, of Peru, and L. R. Hackley, now a resident of Indianapolis, 
and connected with the electric light company of that city. Polit- 
ically Mr. Lovatt is a pronounced republican and in 1894 was elected 
a commissioner of Fulton county, and during his term as such the 
new court house has been erected. He is a member of the Masonic 
and Pythian fraternities. He is a man of affairs and fully abreast 
of the times. 

SILAS LOWMAN, a prominent and well known citizen of Lib- 
erty township, was born in Miami county, Ind., Dec. 29, 1846. He 
was reared and trained to the duties of the farm and when he started 
in life for himself he located in Cass county and resided there till 
coming into Fulton in 1872. He bought eighty acres in the forest 
and began the battle of life not under the most favorable circum- 
stances. He has kept at the business of clearing and improving 
and reaching out for more land until he owns a farm of twice its 
original size and a good producer. Mr. Lowman married April 16. 
1868, Mary C, a daughter of Charles McElwee, who married Cath- 
erine Bosh and settled in Cass county very early. Mrs. Lowman 
died July i, 1881, leaving one child, Anna M., wife of E. Zigler, of 
this county. Dec. 29, 1881, Mr. Lowman married Alargaret E. Sen- 
clair, daughter of George Senclair. The children of this union are: 
Edwin, Morris, Clara B. and Hughell. Silas Lowman is a son of 
Abraham Lowman, born near Dayton, Ohio. He died in ]\Iiami 
county, Ind., 1882, at seventy years of age. He married Jane B. 
Hughell, who was the mother of Ephraim, Huntington county: 
Susana, wife of E. Woodhouse, Cass county: Samuel. iMarshal! 
county; Elizabeth, deceased, wife of J. M. Persmete: Joseph, in 
Kansas: Tohn, in Wabash count\ : Silas, Tlmars-, married Elias Mc- 



106 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

Cowan, and Richard, in Kochester; Kancy Jane Serber, wife of 
William Simons, of Mexico, Ind., was reared in this family. The 
mother of these children, who still survives, was born April 24, 181 1. 
Our subject's paternal grandfather was born in Pennsjdvania and 
was a soldier in the war of 1812. He affiliated with the republican 
party, as does our subject, who is one of the party leaders in his 
township. 

ROBERT S. LOWRY, born in Wyandott county, Ohio, Sept. 
30, 1847, is a son of Josiah S. and Jennie Lowrv. His parents w-ere 
natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a son of Josiah Lowrv, a 
native of Scotland. The subject of this sketch is one of four children. 
His parents moved into Ohio from Pennsylvania. In Ohio the 
mother died, and subsequently the father married and by his second 
marriage became the father of five children. He died in 1892. aged 
seventy-three years. Robert S. Lowry began the battle of life for 
himself at the age of fifteen years. His first employment was that of 
"water-boy" with a railroad construction crew. Afterward he be- 
came a railroad brakeman, and in 1865 went west, where he aided in 
construction of the Union Pacific railroad. Then going to Cali- 
fornia he followed railroading in the far west for about three years. 
In 1869 Mr. Lowry returned to Chicago, and for fourteen years 
thereafter w as employed in the capacity of conductor by the Pennsyl- 
vania railroad company, being a passenger conductor for thirteen 
years of the time, in 1883 he aided in the construction of the Van- 
dalia branch from Logansport northward. After that he followed 
farming near Kewanna till 1885, in which year he embarked in the 
hardware business, in which he has since remained, residing at Ke- 
wanna. In 1873 Mr. Lowry and Alice Cushion were united in mar- 
riage. Unto the union there have been born Jennie, Alice and 
Robert S. Mr. Lowry has always been active as a democrat in poli- 
tics. In 1890 he was elected trustee for Union township and served 
thereafter as such until August, 1895. He is a Knight Templar 
Mason, a progressive and successful business man. and a represen- 
fative citizen. 

JOHN B. McMAHAN, farmer and merchant at Bearss, Ind., is 
a native of Bartholomew county, this state, and was born Oct. 4, 
1845; son of William and Louisa ("Love) McMahan, natives of Ken- 
tucky. The father was born May 11, 1817, and died in Fulton 
county, Ind., June 21, 1895, and the mother was born in May, 1823, 
and also died in this county in September, 1871. The family came 
to Fulton county in 1847 '^'i^' settled in Rochester township, south- 
east of Rochester. In early life the father learned the tailor's trade, 
at which he worked for some time. He was a prominent man in this 
county and had held the offices of township trustee and covmty com- 
missioner. The major part of his life was devoted to farming and at 
which he was considered successful. The subject of this mention is 
the eldest of tliirteen children, of whom six arc living. He was 



HISTOEY OF FUI.TOX COUKTY. 107 

raised upon the farm and was educated at the pul)hc schools of this 
county. Later he began teaching during the winter season and 
worked upon the farm in summer. He continued teaching for fif- 
teen terms. Twenty-four years ago he began farming for himself 
and in April, 1876, removed to his present farm, in the southwestern 
part of Rochester township, where he has seventy-three acres of fine 
land. In 1893 he opened a store in the neighborhood and was in- 
strumental in the establishment of Bearss postoffice. and in May, 
1893, was commissioned postmaster. This ofifice has a daily mail 
from Rochester and is a great convenience to the people in that lo- 
cality. The business venture of establishing a store at Bearss has 
been successful. In politics Mr. McMahan has always affiliated 
with the democratic party and in political affairs he has always mani- 
fested an active interest. Dec. 28, 1871, he was united in marriage 
to Miss Rebecca Goss, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Goss. 
To this marriage relation are these twelve children, viz.; Lorena, 
Daisy, Josephine, Sarah, Otto. Hugh, Thomas, William, Pat, John, 
Josie and an infant as yet unnamed. The mother of these children, 
a member of one of the old families of this county, was born in Lib- 
erty township March 14, 1853. The family is highly respected and 
j\Ir. McMahan is one of the honorable men of Fulton county and a 
member of the order of K. O. T. M. 

HORACE C. MACKEY, of Rochester, is a son of one of Fulton 
countv's first settlers. William Mackey, who lived for years just on 
the outskirts of Rochester, and was a prominent character, was born 
in Virginia, near Natural Bridge, Rockbridge county, being a 
descendant of one of the first white families to settle that county. 
His birth occurred about eighty-five years ago. In 1835 he rode 
on horseback from there to I-"ulton county and entered land in New 
Castle township. He did not settle on it. but returned to Mrginia 
and remained five years longer. He cast his lot with this state in 
1840 and took up his residence in Henry county. In 1849 1''^ came 
to Fulton and bought a seventy-six-acre tract on the Michigan road 
of Riley Spencer. He was a prosperous farmer and a popular citi- 
zen. He was a strong union man and furnished two sons for the 
Union army. He married at Natural Bridge, \'a., Rachel, a daugh- 
ter of Joseph McClung. Rachel died in 1852, aged forty-one, 
leaving seven children. Joseph, deceased, was a prominent citizen 
of Wabash, Ind. Recruited One Hundred and First Indiana volun- 
teers and was offered major's command, but declined to serve. 
Lizzie, deceased: Mrs. Mary Loomis, John C, died at Louis- 
ville, Ky., in Twenty-ninth Indiana regiment; Hester, wife of James 
Wilder; Horace C, born April 6, 1843; W'illiam, died 1882. Horace 
C. Mackey graduated from the Rochester public schools at thirteen 
years of age. Aug. 9, 1862, he enlisted in company D, Eighty-sev- 
enth Indiana volunteers, Capt Ward's and later Capt. Hughes' and 
lastly Capt. Flam's company. The regiment was mustered into 



lOS HISTOUV OF FULTUX COUNTY. 

service at Indianapolis and was ordered to Louisville, Ky., to aid in 
checking Gen. Bragg's army. It struck the enemy at Perryville and 
followed him up to Triune, Tenn.; was in the Chickamauga fight; 
w^ent with Sherman to the sea and on their return through the Caro- 
linas to attend the grand review at Washington. During all his ser- 
vice Mr. Mackey was never absent from his regiment. He was 
mustered out of the service at Indianapolis July 23, 1865, sergeant 
of his company. On returning to civil pursuits ]\Ir. Mackey 
engaged in farming, wdiich of late years has given place to a miscel- 
laneous and diversified vocation. Mr. Mackey sold his farm, the 
old Mackey homestead, to Dr. W. S. Shafer, in 1895, to be devoted 
to the use of the Rochester Normal university and on this tract the 
college building has been erected. To this enterprise Mr. Mackey 
lent not only his sympathy but of his substance and while the public 
are not acquainted with the extent of his donation the history of the 
consummation of the deal will reveal his connection with it. Mr. 
Mackev is the owner of several w ell improved properties in Roch- 
ester and laid out Mackey's addition to Rochester. In politics he is 
a republican and was once elected assessor, but a change in the law 
prevented his taking the oiifice. April 6, 1868, Mr. Mackey married 
Lucy Dunlap, a daughter of James Dunlap, from Pennsylvania, 
who died here in 1855, one year after his advent to the state. He 
married Clara Stotighton, a cousin of Daniel N'oorhees. Their chil- 
dren are: Rev. C. H. Dunlap, Philadelphia. Pa. ; Alpheus, St. Louis, 
Mo.; Julia, wife of Michael Orr, Plymouth; Dr. W., Sedalia, Mo.; 
Lucy, and Mary, wife of Richard ^'an Deen, of this county. Mr. 
Mackey's children are: George M., twenty-si.x; Orrin S., twenty- 
two; Mary, twenty; Lottie,' sixteen, and Colonel Gleason. si.x. The 
■family are of the Presbyterian faith. 

DANIEL MICKEY is the owner of one of the fine farms of 
Fulton county, on which he has made his home since 1866. It com- 
prises 140 acres of rich and arable land, which has been brought to 
its present advanced state of cultivation b)- drainage and the many 
improvements which go to make up the model farm of the nineteenth 
century. When it came into his possession it was heavily timbered, 
but his earnest labors have transformed it into one of the best country 
homes of Fulton county. Mr. Mickey was born in Richland county. 
Ohio, Oct. 28. 1824. His father, Isaac Mickey, was probably a 
native of Maryland, and near the l)eginning of the present century 
became a resident of Ohio. He served as a soldier in the war of 
1812, under William Henry Harrison. For his second wife he mar- 
ried Susan Brinley and three of their children are living: Daniel, 
Hiram and Lucinda. The parents died in Kosciusko county, Ind., 
in 1849, and were buried the same day. Our subject received but 
limited opportunities for securing an education, his privileges being 
ihose afforded in the typical log school house of the frontier. Dur- 
ing his youth he shared in the hardships and trials of pioneer life. 



HISTORY OF FrLTO>f ((jrNTV. 109 

and from an early age has Ijeen dependent entirely upon his own 
lesources, so that the success he has achieved is the merited reward 
of his own labors. After eighteen years' experience as a pioneer of 
Kosciusko county, lie came to Fulton county, and has since been 
identified with its interests. On Sept. 17, 1850, Mr. Mickey was 
joined in wedlock witli Catherine Etzweiler, daughter of Jacob Etz- 
weiler. She died eighteen years ago, leaving six children: William, 
now deceased: Ella, wife of A. Coplen, of Walnut, Ind.; Emma, wife 
of Washington Benton, of New Castle township; Frank, of Fulton 
county: Harvey, of New Mexico, and Katie, wife of Charles Peter- 
son, of Wayne township. On questions of state and national 
importance Mr. Micke}- gives an unwavering support to the dem- 
ocracy. He has long been a member of the Christian church, and 
his life is in harmonv with his profession. 

ENOCH M. Mr)ORE, the son of Lindley and Lydia (\anmeter) 
Moore, was born in Fulton county, Ind., Sept. 10, 185 1. The father. 
Lindley Moore, was born in Ross county, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1806. The 
mother, Lydia Moore, was born in Ross county, Ohio, in July, 181 3. 
The father remained wit'ii his parents until the age of twenty-four, 
having in the meantime labored on the farm and also operated a saw 
mill. In 1830, at the age of twenty-four, he was married to Lydia 
Vanmeter. He began life as a farmer, which he followed through 
life. In 1846 he came to Wayne township, Fulton county. Ind.. 
and entered some 200 acres of land. .Some two years later (1848) 
he, together with his wife and family, migrated to Indiana in a wagon, 
and settled on the land which he had entered. Here he remained 
until his death, being at that time the possessor of 480 acres of im- 
proved land. He died in 1877. The mother died just five days 
later. To this union were born the following children: Eliza Ann, 
.Samuel, deceased; William, deceased: Joseph and Taylor, decea.'^ed 
were twins; Elias. deceased; Martha, deceased; Lindley, deceased; 
James. John and Enoch M., were twins, and George. Enoch M.. 
the subject of this sketch, remained at home with his parents until 
the age of twenty-five, having in the meantime received but a com- 
mon school education. Jan. 18, 1881, he was married to Ollie 
Brown, the daughter of Salathiel and Elizabeth Brown. Enoch 
having received his share of his father's estate, eighty acres of land, 
settled down on the same as a farmer. He now resides on this tract 
of land. At present he owns 100 acres of valuable land. To his 
marriage have been born the following seven children: Merril. de- 
ceased; Leola, Elsie, Lelia. Lottie. Earl, Monnie. He and his wife 
are members of the United Brethren church. He has always been a 
staunch republican. 

GEORGE MOORE.— Oct. i, 1840, is the time when the gentle- 
man whose name introduces this review and who, for many years, 
has been familiarly known as ''Uncle George Moore," came to Ful- 
ton countv. He is a native of Logan count v, Ohio, born Mav 22, 



110 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

1819, and is a son of George and Marj' (Moore) Moore. His father 
was born in Pennsylvania in 1789. He was a soldier of the war of 
1812 and died in Fulton county, Ind., in 1855. The paternal grand- 
father of Mr. Moore was George Moore, a native of Massachusetts. 
He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and participated in 
nian_\- of the important battles of that conflict, among which may be 
mentioned Bunker Hill, Stony Point and Brandywine. By occu- 
pation he was a weaver, which vocation he followed almost until the 
time of his demise at more than ninety-nine years of age, when death 
came to him in Jasper county, Ind., July 18, 1848. The mother of 
the subject of this biography was born in Ohio and died in Logan 
county, of that state, in 1823. He was raised in Logan county, Ohio, 
and attended school there. In early life he learned the wlieelwright 
and chairmaker trades and these vocations he followed until about 
1865. L^^pon coming to this county he first settled in the woods 
about six miles east of Rochester, where he lived for some eighteen 
months, when he removed to Rochester, and here lived until the 
spring of 1848, when he removed to his present place of residence, 
about three miles east of Rochester. Since 1865 Mr. Moore has 
been engaged in farming and now owns in this county about 455 
acres of good land. As a farmer Mr. Moore has been successful. 
He was united in marriage in 1842 to Miss Eleanor Quigg. who died 
in Rochester soon after the marriage. In November, 1844, Mr. 
Moore married Miss Rebecca Clark, who was born in Lewis county, 
\'a. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore are these three living children, viz.: 
Milton H., Charles and Frank. The right of political suffrage has 
been cast with the fortunes of the republican party since its birth, 
and Mr. Moore is a pronounced advocate of a protective tariff. He 
cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay. In 1876 he was the 
nominee of his party in Fulton county for commissioner, and while 
he was not successful at the election he reduced the democratic ma- 
jority of the countv very perceptibly. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian church and one of the honorable old settlers and citi- 
zens of his adopted county. 

WILLIAM D. MOORE, a farmer and reputable citizen of Aub- 
beenaubbee township, was born in Burlington, Burlington county, 
N. J., on Jan. 8, 1830. His parents were Mark and Sarah Ann 
fCarty) Moore, and natives of New Jersey, from which state they 
removed in the year 1839, settling in Union township. Fulton county, 
where they lived until death called them away from the scenes of 
mortal toil. They had the following children : Rebecca Ann, deceased ; 
William D.; Juha L., deceased: Lewis, deceased: Charles W. : Eliza, 
fleceased: Justina, deceased. William D. was a lad of nine years 
when his parents settled in this county. With his parents he re- 
mained on the farm until twentv-one vears of age. and then marrying 
Dec. 5, 1850, he began life for himself. The marriage was with 
Sarah Allen, a daughter of Obadiah and Sarah Allen, of Rochester 



HISTORY OF FI'LTUX COUNTY. Ill 

.township, this county. The issue of this marriage was as follows: 
Evaline, Josephine, Mark Bird, Mary Jane, deceased; Obadiah C, 
Sarah Rebecca, deceased; W'illiam Andrew, deceased; Milo, de- 
ceased, and Laura deceased. The mother of these children died in 
1876, and later the father married Alary A. Merideth, a daughter of 
Ambrose Merideth, Esq. To this marriage one child, Letty, was 
born, and then the mother died in 1878. The following year Mr. 
Moore married Mrs. Salome .Sturgeon, nee Atkinson, a daughter of 
William and Sarali Atkinson. Unto the third marriage of Mr. 
Moore three children were born. Of the three children only Lee is 
living. At the time of Mr. Moore's first marriage his father gave 
him forty acres of land, on which his present residence is located. 
He has prospered as a farmer and now owns a good farm of 140 
acres. Mr. Moore has served as trustee of his township three 
terms, being first elected in 1861. He has always been identified 
with the democratic party. Both he and his wife are active members 
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and enjoy the esteem of a wide 
acquaintance. 

DR. J. M. MORRIS is the oldest practicing physician in years 
of continuous service in Fulton. He was born in Lancaster, Ohio, 
July II, 1841, a son of Mitchell and Elizabeth (Hardesty) Morris. 
The father was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1812, and there 
died in 1894. He was a successful farmer and stock-dealer and was 
active in politics, serving as treasurer of his county for eight years, 
and as coroner for four years. The children of the family are Rhoda 
O.; Mary, wdfe of Lewis Hunter, of Fairfield county, Ohio; J. M., 
of this review; Jennie, wife of J. J. Smith, of Wells county, Ind.; 
Sarah, wife of Morris Turner, of Jersey City, Ohio; Dr. George M., 
of Hadley. Lid. ; and Ennna, of Lancaster, Ohio. Dr. Morri's, of 
this sketch, was reared as a farmer's son and acquired his literary 
education in the district and village schools. Prompted by patriot- 
ism, he enlisted in the Union service in 1861, at Lancaster, Ohio, as 
a member of companv C, Eleventh Ohio infantry, which was sent to 
Camp Dennison. then on to St. Louis, Mo., and to Fort Laramie. 
Wyoming. The duty of the regiment was to protect the mail routes 
and other government interests on the frontier. The doctor en- 
tered the service as a private, but meritorious conduct won him 
promotion to the rank of sergeant major, and as such he was mus- 
tered out in Omaha, Neb., in April, 1865. Returning at once to 
Lancaster, he began the study of medicine the next year, with Dr. 
R. J. D. Peters. He was graduated from the medical college in 
Columbus, Ohio, and in order to further perfect himself in his chosen 
calling he has since attended lectures at the Rush medical college 
of Chicago, and the Keokuk medical college, of Keokuk, Iowa. He 
began practice in Wells county, Ind., and in 1871 located at Twelve 
Mile, in Cass county, where he did a successful business for ten years, 
since which time he has been accorded recognition as the leading 



112 HISTORY OF FULTON (OrNTY. 

practitioner of Fulton. He is popular witli his professional breth- 
ren and with the public and has been deservedly successful. On 
May 28, 1872, at Twelve Mile, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. 
Morris and Miss Sarah J. Sargent, who was born in Pennsylvania, 
in 1846. Their children are Fannie V., aged twenty-two; Charles 
H.. twenty years of age; James A., a youth of fifteen; and May, a 
maiden of eleven summers. In politics the doctor is a democrat. 

HENRY F. MOW. — This representative of one of the early 
families of Fulton county was born in Richland township, this 
county, about one-half mile from Richland Center, on June 5, 1847. 
The father of Mr. Mow was born in Ohio in 1827, and died in Fulton 
county, Ind., in 1869. He was a soldier of the late war and enlisted 
in 1861 in company F, Eighty-seventh Indiana volunteer infantry 
and served his country for a little over one year when, as first lieuten- 
ant, he was honorably discharged on account of contracted physical 
disability. The mother of Henry F. Mow was Eleanor (Holdstock) 
Mow, a native of New York state, who was born in 1828 and died 
in Fulton county, Ind., in 1874. The Mow family came to Fulton 
county in 1839, and the Holdstock family settled here two years 
previous, so that both of these families were among the early settlers 
of this county, and fully experienced the trials and difficulties of life 
in the woods. The subject of this review was raised in Richland 
township, and at its schools received his early education. At twenty 
years of age he began farming for himself and for three vears lived 
upon what was known as the Shryock farm, and after the death of his 
father he farmed the old Mow homestead, which he and his brother, 
E. H. Mow, purchased after the death of the mother. On this farm 
he continued until 1884, when he bought his present farm, now con- 
sisting of 115 acres, and located on the Alichigan road, three miles 
north of Rochester. This farm is well improved and about ninety 
acres are under cultivation. Mr. Mow was united in marriage Jan. 
1. 1866, to Miss Phila Davis, who died in June, 1879. leaving two 
children, viz.: Finley E. and Aquilla Ray. March 15, 1881, Mr. 
Mow, for his second wife, married Miss Hannah W. Barnett, a native 
of Cass county, Ind., and a daughter of Henry and Nancy Barnett. 
The father of Mrs. Mow died in Marshall county, Ind., in 1891, and 
her mother died in Fulton county in 1894. To the union of Mr. and 
Mrs. (Barnett) Mow are these children, viz.: Lillie M., Maude L., 
Robert D. and Benjamin R. In political afifairs Mr. Mow has 
always taken an active part in the interests of the republican party, 
and has devoted much time to promote its success. For twenty- 
seven years he has been a member of Rochester lodge. No. 47, I. O. 
O. F.. and he and wife are members of the M. E. church and are 
among the prominent people of this county. 

ENOCH MYERS, attorney at law, was born in Fulton county, 
Ind., Aug. 5. 1849. His father. John Myers, was born in Pennsyl- 
vania May 21, 1802. His mother. Elizabeth fCurtner) Mvers. was 



HISTORY OF FULTOX COUNTY. 113 

burn near Knoxville, Teiiii., June 17, I Si 3. She died in Fulton 
county, Ind.. Feb. 4, 1887. The father died in this county Oct. 6, 
1886. The parents were married in Carroll county. Ind., Feb. 14, 
1832. Nine living children sur\-ive them. The name Myers was 
originally spelled Moyers. John Myers, Enoch's father, was a son 
of George Myers, a German, whose parents became settlers in 
Shelby count}-, Ohio, in 1804. He died in that county. In 1827 
John Myers came from Ohio to Carroll county, Ind., where he re- 
sided for sixteen years, following farming. He then removed to 
Fulton county, and here lived till death ended his long, useful and 
successful life. His son Enoch toiled on the farm in his youth; at- 
tended first the country schools, then schools of Rochester and later 
Battle Ground collegiate institute. He taught his first school when 
eighteen years of age. He spent six or seven vears in the school 
room as a teacher. He was made county superintendent of schools 
for I'ulton county in 1875, and for six years thereafter held the office. 
He is said to have made a proficient official, and to have done much 
to raise the standard of the county schools. While in this office he 
took up the study of law-, and w-as admitted to the bar in 1880. He 
has long since been recognized as a lawyer of no mean ability, and 
now stands in high repute in his profession. In 1876 Mahala E. 
Troutman, daughter of Capt. P. S. Troutman, of Kewanna, became 
Mr. Myers' wife. In politics he has been active as a democrat, 
r'raternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias order, and of 
the Knights of the Maccabees. 

JONAS MYERS.— This soldier of the Rebellion, ex-postmaster 
oF Rochester, and honorable citizen, was born in Washington 
county. Pa., Feb. 20, 1829, and is a son of Jacob and Rosana (Long) 
Myers. The former was born in Washington county. Pa., in 1808, 
and died in Miami county, Ind., in 1883, while the latter was born in 
Maryland in 1807 and also died in Miami county 
in 1886. With his parents the subject of this re- 
view came to Indiana in 1839, ^"d settled in Miami 
county, where he obtained a common school education and in 1848 
came to Rochester and here learned the carpenter's trade, at which 
he continued for some years. Aug. 8. 1862, he enlisted in company 
!•', Eighty-seventh I. V. I., and served his country faithfully until 
May 10, 1865, when, as second lieutenant, he was discharged at 
\\^ashington. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Oiicka- 
mauga. Peach Tree Creek, Chattanooga. Jonesboro, Atlanta, 
Resaca, Ringgold and many minor engagements. He was in the 
memorable march to the sea and in the grand review of war heroes 
at Washington. Since the war he has for many years been engaged 
in the planing mill business and while thus engaged in July, 1875, 
he lost his right forearm. Politically Mr. Myers is an uncom- 
promising republican. April 24. 1890. he was appointed postmaster 
at Rochester and sers-ed until April 6, 1894. He, with the assistance 
111-8 



114 HisTOKY ov n-i.Tx^x ^^n■^TY. 

of Miss F.nima (.irachor. gave the poiiple au oftnoioiit postal scivioc. 
Mr. MycT^ has boon thtxH^ times married, and his present wife. 
I'.lizabeth H. ^Tyers. nee Clayton, became his bride in 1S67. Two 
children have been bom to this nnion: Indianola 1'. and Stella P. 
Mr. Mvers is a member of the 1. 1^. C">. 1'. and McClnus post, Xo. QS, 
C,. A. R. 

THOMAS XELLAXS, a leading and prosperous farmer of 
Richland township, was bom in Coshocton county, C^hio, .Vi^ril 8. 
1818, He grew up. was schooled sjtarinjily and was married there 
and something more than fifty years ago left the state of his birth 
and came to I'ulton county, Ind. He settled in Xew Castle town- 
ship on a new farm and remained a resident of that township till 
alxMit t88i, when he sold the old hontestead and bought his present 
farm. He came to this state pt>or an<l in search of a home. His 
is otic of the desirable homes one would find in a day's journey and 
is a fitting place for its owner, who has spent the best years of his 
life in niaiking it. to pass his last years. In 1831) Mr. Xellans was 
married to Maria, a daughter of l'~. Strohsnider. She was born in 
i8jo and is the mother of eleven children, eig-lu of whom are living: 
Xacky, married David Royd, of Schuyler county, Ind.: ATary 1-".., 
w ife of William Clark, of Marshall county : John X., George, Havina, 
wife of W. Robinson, of Marshall county; AUie, wife of Thomas 
Xelson, Kosciusko countv: Ami and Mack. Mr. Xellans" father, 
Patrick Xellans, was a millwright and born of lri.<h parents. He 
marrie<l Xacka Tipton and died in Coshocton county. C'thio. His 
children were: Keziaih. who married Stephen Merriday; Thomas. 
Moses, deceased: James, Marshall count\ : Mark, deceased: Ezekiel, 
deceased, and Aps, Rochester township. Mr. Xellans is a demo- 
crat and has no membership in an\ society. 

XOAH A. \\". XORRIS is one of the successful and represen- 
tative fanners of Xew Castle township. He is descendcil from the 
Xorrises of colonial days, who settled in Xew England and whose 
descendants are to be found in every state and territory of the I'nion. 
(^ur subject's great-gTeat-grandfather Xorris was a Scotch im- 
migrant. His name was Joseph and he was one of three 
brothers to seek a home in the western hemisphere. He re- 
moved his family to western Pennsylvania and was there a 
successful fanner and sttvk dealer. He was murdered on one 
of his trips home from market. This man's son William and 
his son Joseph were our subject's great-grandfather and grand- 
fafher. respectively. The latter was bom in Pennsyh-ania and 
died in eastern Ohio. Our subject's father, John Xorris, was 
bom in Pennsylvania, was reared in (^hio, and when tnarried 
he entet^ a part of the tx->wni site of Fostoria, Ohio. He after- 
ward moved near Findla>, Ohio, and resided there till his g'oing 
to Texas. d>-ing there in Denton county some twenty years ago. 
He was bom in i8o8. ^^"as married to Sarah, daughter of George 



lllsriHlV 111' I'l'l/ION lOIN'IV. Ilfi 

( l.iik, wliii was liiiiii III Iri'l.iinl, scdlnl III rciiii'-ylvaiiia ami llicir 
iiiariii'il Marjraict Wilson, ii dauglitcf of Juin, Joint NoiriR" rliil 
(Ircn were; Josrpli, dcccascfl; Naiiry, wife of A, J. Aiidrrson, of 
Dciildn, Texas: ( Icorj/c W., SaiMulrrs counly, Noli.; Marion, dc- 
icascrl, and Noah A. W. 'I'lu- last named was horn Dee. ';, 18,^7, 
and yrew up on the farm; was sparin(;,'ly erhicaird in the connnnn 
sehools and perhaps most (Tfectivel)' hy the (iiesidc Ih' was hum 
in llancoeK innnlv. ( )hio, hnt left Ihere in 1 Wi,i, joinlii).; a freijrhling 
train, crossed Ihr plains to Virginia ( ity, Mont,, and served as cook 
and wagonnia-lii lie letnined to civilization in the fall of 1R65, 
;iiid the next yeai ( ;inie to I'ldlon eonnty. I If en>/aged the first 
snnnner in clearing under lease of Thomas Norris. I le was a partner 
with M. \'. Cop. saw-milling the next season, and the next year he 
was a land owner anrl hnsily engaged in clearing his forty acres, 
for which he had gone in iMA $7rH). (le |)aid ont and lived com 
frjrlahly anil honght forty acres more on the south. He hnilt a 
hotisc costing $1,500 and grain house costing $i,!n. lie hotight 
twenty acres more and hnilt a ham costing $48K. lie has since 
honght fifteen acres more and now owns it5 acres, all of which he 
has secured as a result of his own industry and gr»od management. 
In Decemher, 1867, Mr, Norris married Klizahefli Anderson, sister 
of Kohert Anderson, of this township. She died Sept, 12. 1R94, leav- 
ing these children: Russell, William W., Viola, John K. and Mary 
F.., all living in this township. Nov. 28, t895, Mr. Norris married 
h'tnina Murphy, of Miami cotmty. Mr. Norris is an active member 
of the l'iaj)tist church and ranks amf»ng learling citizens. 

W. V. S. Nr)RI<IS, trustee of l.iherty township, and one of the 
rising young farmers oi I'lilton cotmty, was born in this county. 
Sept. 2Ti, 1861, a son of Lemuel and Drusilla CJones) Norris, The 
father was horn in Miami county, Ind,, anrl by occupation was a 
farmer, but during the period of the civil war he jntt aside all business 
cares anfl went to the defense of the I -nion, as a soldier in the North- 
ern army. His death occurred in t868, and his wife passed awav in 
1876. Tlieir children arc Jennie, wife '.f "Ams" Watkins, of Middle- 
town, Ind.; William, of Cass county, aiifl W. V. S. All his life Mr. 
Norris has been connected with agricultural pursuits. His cduca- 
tif>n was obtained in the district sc1k)o1s anrl in the Rochester high 
school. At the age of fourteen he was left an orphan and sifice that 
time has mafic his way in the world unaided. He worked for others 
uninterrupted imtil t885. f)n attaining his majority he began 
teaching schofd in the winter months, following that profession for 
four years. His first wages were invested in sheep and still later in 
land, and the outcrime of both was successful, (n r88^i he began 
farming on his own account northeast f>f h'tilton, and is t'»-day the 
owner of three farms, aggregating 2o<< acres, besifles valuable per- 
sf^tial property, all of which has been acf|uired through his own 
exertions and capable management. I le wa.<» elected town.ship trtjs- 



116 HISTORY OF FULTOX COUXTY. 

tee on the republican ticket in November, 1894, and Aug. 5, 1895, 
assumed the duties of the office. Mr. Norris was married Feb. 9, 
1887, to Celia M. Hedges, daughter of Allen Hedges, a native of 
New York, who came to Indiana Ijefore the war, and settled in Cass 
county, where Mrs. Norris was born Dec. 19, 1862. Her father died 
in 1886, at the age of fifty-four, his wife in 1891, aged fifty-five years. 
They had two children, the son being Almon S., of Chicago. Mr. 
and Mrs. Norris have four children : Elzie, aged eight ; Elmer, aged 
six ; Hugh, three years of age, and \'eme, a baby of one year. 

B. F. 0\'ERMYER, M. D., one of the prominent physicians and 
citizens of Fulton count} , has resided in this county since the spring 
of 1882. April I of that year he opened an office at Leiter's Ford, 
where he has since conducted an active and remunerative practice 
in his profession. Dr. Overmyer was born in Lindsey, Sandusky 
county, Ohio, March 27, 1856. His parents were William and 
Elizabeth (Eversole) Overmyer. His father, a native of Union 
county. Pa., was a son of John George Overmyer, who was of Ger- 
man origin. Dr. Overmyer's mother was a native of Virginia. The 
doctor was reared to farming, but after gaining a common school 
education, began teaching at the age of nineteen years. For two 
years he taught school in Michigan and then for three years in Ohio. 
Meanwhile he took up the study of medicine. March 23, 1882, he 
graduated from the Starling medical college, of Columbus, Ohio, 
and immediately located at Leiter's Ford. In a short time after 
locating there he became a partner of his father-in-law, in genera! 
merchandising. Five years later his father-in-law died, and for 
eight years thereafter the doctor conducted the business alone, up 
to the fall of 1895, when his nephew became a partner in the business. 
The doctor was married Dec. 28, 1881, to Miss Nellie Storm, daugh- 
ter of Milton Stonn, Esq. He is a firm and active worker in the 
ranks of the republican party, and belongs to the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, belonging to the Camp Militant of the order. 

ARTHUR E. PENDLETON.— Mr. Pendleton, trustee of 
Rochester township, Fulton coimty, Ind., is a native of Madison 
county, Ind., born July 28, 1830. He is a son of John B. and Maria 
(Edney) Pendleton, both natives of North Carolina, who in 1823 
came to the Hoosier state and settled in Wayne county, where they 
resided until 1830, when they removed to Madison count}-, where the 
father died in 1839, and the mother at the ripe old age of eight v-four 
years. The subject of this sketch resided in Madison county until 
about thirty-five years of age and then removed to Henry county, 
where he lived for ten years and in the spring of 1875 '^^ came to 
Fulton county and settled in Richland township, where the residence 
was continued for nine years. He then moved to Rochester town- 
ship and for the last five years he has been a resident of the city of 
Rochester. The life of Mr. Pendleton has been that of a farmer 
and in politics he has always been an earnest supporter of the repub- 




*■ w*fc 




GEORGE PERSCH V.ACW ER. 



HISTORY (IF Fl'I.TOX COrXTY. 117 

lican party. In 1883-84 lie was township trustee of Ricliland 
township and in 1894 he was elected to the same position in Roch- 
ester township. In township affairs his policy is to enforce economy 
wherever it is possible. J\Ir, Pendleton was united in marriage in 
1853 to Miss Mary A. Richwine, who was born in Wayne count)-, 
Ind., and died in Fulton county, Ind., in 1878. Born of this union 
were nine children, the following six of whom are living: Dr. C. 
I'l. Pendleton, of Mechanicsburg, Henry county, Ind.; Clinton V., 
Charles A., a merchant of Richland township, this comity; Nannie 
J., now Airs. McChire, who resides in California; Warren D., and 
h'ranklin O. INIr. Pendleton is a member of the Masonic fraternity 
and one of the highlv respected citizens of this countv. 

GEORGE PERSCHBACHER is a self-made man, who began 
life empty-handed, but by marked business ability, industry, energy 
and perseverance has worked his way steadily upward to a position 
of affluence. He was born near Baltimore, Md., July 7, 1833. His 
parents, George and Anna D. (Grayer) Perschbacher, were natives 
of Hessen Darmstadt, the father born Jan. 18, 1794, and the mother 
July I, 1802. They were married April 23, 1825, and on April 19, 
1833, sailed for America, .\fter a year spent near Baltimore, they 
located in York county, Pa., and in 1839 became residents of Wayne 
county, Ind., whence in 1845 tliey came to Fulton county. The 
father liought a tract of land in the forest near Tiosa, where he de- 
veloped an excellent farm, reared his family, and spent his remaining 
days. He died March 27,. 1866, and his wife April 24, 1881. George 
Perschbacher is the fourth of their nine children. He was reared 
on the frontier farm, and in early life fitted himself for teaching, 
which profession he ably followed for a number of years. His 
earnings went toward the purchase of a home, and then to its im- 
]irovenient. Abandoning school teaching, he engaged in farming 
and in the handling of grain and stock, and so well have his business 
interests been managed that he is to-day the owner of 540 acres of 
valuable land in Fulton county, together with e.xtensive commercial 
interests in Tiosa, his investments there amounting to $10,000. 
This includes the ownership of the elevator and leading stores of the 
\illage. On April 2, 1854, Mr. Perschbacher married Jane Wright. 
1 ler father. James Wright, was born in Maryland, July 26, 1813, and 
married Margaret, daughter of William Reid, a native of \''irginia. 
Mrs. Perschbacher was the first white child born in Xew Castle 
township, Fulton county. She died in March, 1887, leaving the fol- 
lowing children; Ellen, wife of E. S. Bair, of Tiosa; Anna, wife of 
(jeorge Kiler, who lives on the Riverside farm; Xora B., wife of 
( )badiah Haimbaugh; Alma J., wife of C. D. Shobe, of Tiosa; Miles 
W.. who operates the old homestead ; and Hattie E. In March, 
1891, Mr. Perschbacher wedded Mrs. Martha Plank, widow of Dr. 
A. K. Plank, of Rochester. In the fall of the same year he moved 
liis family to Rochester, where he is now living retired, save for the 



118 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

superintendence of his investments. In 1872 he was elected on the 
democratic ticket as county assessor and land appraiser, filling the 
position with satisfaction to all. He was one of the promoters of the 
Agricultural and Mechanical society of P'ulton county, and for 
many years has been a consistent Christian, a faithful member of 
the Evangelical Lutheran church. 

OLIVER C. POLLEY was born in New London county. 
Conn., March 17, 1821. His father, Oliver C. Policy, Sr., was born 
in the same county and state Jan. 8, 1794. He married Abigail 
Payne, Nov. 30, 181 5. She was a native of the same state and was 
born July 2, 1790, and died June 10, 1826. They were both of 
English descent. On Feb. 27, 1828, he was married to Lura Abell. 
She was born in Lisbon county. Conn., Sept. 28, 1808, and died 
April 15, 1869. Soon after his marriage he emigrated west and set- 
tled in Ohio in 1830, where he died Sept. 6, 1842. The subject of 
this sketch came from his native state and settled with his parents 
in Huron county, Ohio, when he was about eight years of age. He 
received a common school education, grew to manhood, and was 
married Nov. i, 1846, to Eliza M. Mehrling, the daughter of Peter 
and Mary Mehrling, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born 
Dec. 2, 1801, and the mother Ma\ 31, 1804. They came to Ohio in 
1832, and then to Indiana in 1849, where he died Jan. 14, 1874. Mr. 
and Mrs. Policy have had five children, only one of whom is now 
living. Their names are: Mary E.. Oliver P., Andrew, an infant, 
and George W. The last named is the only living one. George W. 
has the management of his father's farm, and is a worthy young man. 
Mr. Polley came to Indiana in 1849 ^"f^ settled in Fulton county, 
where he bought land, then in the heavily wooded district along the 
river. By hard and persistent labor he converted it into a highlv 
cultivated tract of land. He and his wife are members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church. Mr. Polley has lived a long and useful life, 
and much credit is due him. He came to the county in an early 
day, and he has given much aid to the development of the country. 
He has always been progressive and has stood as a firm friend of 
both church and education. In his declining years his blessings 
are many. Surrounded with a good wife, a faithful son, manv 
friends and a good home, he enjoys the fruits of an exemplary life. 

PHILIP RADER is a retired farmer and pioneer of Henrv 
township, who has devoted the best energies of his life to the im- 
provement of the lands of Fulton county, transforming the wild 
tracts into rich fields, whose productiveness adds materiallv to the 
prosperity of the county. He came to Indiana from Ohio, his native 
state, his birth having occurred in Montgomerv county, lulv 4, 1824. 
His father, Philip Rader, who was born in Wythe county, \'a., moved 
to Ohio in an early day. He was of German descent and married Miss 
Cress for his first wife and after her death wedded Elizabeth Siddon, 
of English lineage. With an ax upon his shoulder, Philip Rader, 




I'lliLll' KADER. 







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MRS. PHlLll' RADER. 



HISTORY OF ITI/rOX COI-.NTY. 119 

of this sketch, left home to carve out his own fortune, and by work- 
ing in this way he started in hfe. After working for one vear for 
liis father for $ioo, he was married Dec. i8, 1846, to Margaret Strad- 
ley, and with his bride and his small capital began housekeeping a 
mile east of Akron on a forty-acre farm which he had purchased. 
Five years later he sold this place with the intention of removing 
to Illinois, but circumstances prevented and he purchased his father's 
farm, which in 1863 he exchanged for 170 acres of land in Henry 
township, two miles east of the village. There he profitably carried 
on farming until 1886, when with the handsome competence ac- 
quired through his own labors he removed to Akron, where he has 
since lived retired. Mrs. Rader, who has been his faithful helpmeet 
for many years, was born in Delaware and her father, Caleb Strad- 
ley. was among the pioneers who opened up this localitv to 
civilization. He was the first justice of the peace of Henry town- 
ship, and for several years did his judicial business in his log cabin, 
two and one-half miles southwest of where Akron now stands. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rader are the parents of the following named children: 
W. N., of Henry township; Sarah E., wife of Joseph Nelson, of 
Disco; Schuyler, of Henry township; Albert W., of Huntington, 
Ind.; and Clara, wife of William Morrett, of Henry township. 
Deeply interested in America, Mr. Rader has traveled quite ex- 
tensively over this country, thus gaining a knowledge of liis native 
land that could not be acquired from history. Accompanied bv his 
wife, he visited the Centennial exposition in 1876, returning by way 
of the Atlantic states and visiting New York, Niagara and other 
points of interest. Some years later they took a six months' trip 
through the west, at length reaching San Diego, Cal., and returning 
by wa}' of the Central Pacific route. They thus visited some twenty- 
six states and territories, and viewed the grandeur of the Rocky 
mountains and other magnificent scenery of the west. After a life 
well spent in fruitful toil they are now enjoying rest from labor in 
their pleasant home in Akron, and Mrs. Rader is now the oldest 
living resident of Henry township. Her brother, Luther Stradley, 
was the first white child born in the township. 

ALONZO L. RANNELLS, a well known business man of 
Rochester, and one of the best hotel men that ever opened a register 
in Fulton county, was born in this city Feb. 10, 1851. He has re- 
sided here all his life and was educated at Urbana, Ohio, Sweden- 
borgian college, and at Richmond, Ind., later received his training in 
business at this point. His training for the hotel business began 
when thirteen years old, when his father opened the Central house 
in 1864. In course of time he was taken into the business as a part- 
ner, the firm being R. M. Rannells & Son. Some time after his 
father's death, April 21. 1886, Mr. Rannells retired from this old hos- 
telry, which is yet a part of the family estate, and when the Arlington 
was completed Mr. Rannells in company with Charles D. Sissen 



120 HISTORY OP FULTON COUNTY. 

opened it and conducted it two years. Since then ]\Ir. Rannells has 
devoted himself to his farming and other important interests. His 
farm lands are situated in Rocliester and Henry townships. Mr. 
Rannells was married in Rochester June 13, 1876, to Emma L.. 
daughter of Daniel Sterner, who came originally from Pennsylvania. 
Mrs. Rannells was born at Bristol, Ind., in 1855. Our subject's 
father, R. N. Rannells, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, March 
21, 1827. He came to Fulton county with his parents in 1838. 
Four years later his father engaged in merchandising here, and took 
his son in as a partner. This business was conducted for sixteen 
years successfully, but the in-door confinement was proving disas- 
trous to the health of the son and he retired and undertook farming. 
When the Eighty-seventh regiment was raised and equipped for 
ser\'ice for the Union, Mr. Rannells was appointed a quarter- 
master by Gov. Morton. He served with his regiment till failing 
health forced him to resign, leaving behind him a most creditable 
record as a faithful servant and efficient officer. He returned home 
in 1864 and engaged in the hotel business, opening the Central 
house, conducting it to his death. In 1848 he was married to Eliza- 
beth Spencer, born in Ohio in 1830. Their children are: W. S., 
Alonzo L. and Lycurgus E., deceased. Our subject's grandfather 
William Rannells, was born in \'irginia, and there married Susan 
Rannells. He was a member of the state legislature from Fulton 
county two terms and died in Rochester in 1850. A. L. Rannells is 
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the order of 
Knights of Pvthias, Red Men, and National Union. 

WILLIAM W. RANNELLS, a native of Adams county, Ohio, 
was born July 12, 1852, and is a son of James R. Rannells, who was 
born in Virginia in 1836. He is the onl}' survivor of six brothers 
and how resides in Rochester. The mother of William W. was 
Orpha J. Rannells, whose maiden name was Fenton, a descendant 
of the famous Fenton familv of Kentucky. She was born in Adams 
county, Ohio, and died in Rochester, Ind., in 1864. As early as 
1838 the Rannells family became known in northern Indiana by the 
coming of two brothers, who first settled near Leesburg, where the 
grandfather of our subject died. The paternal grand- 
mother of Mr. Rannells kept an early day tavern in 
Rochester. Mr. Rannells came to Rochester in 1862. He ob- 
tained a common school education and at seventeen years of age he 
began learning the blacksmith trade in the shop of J. W. Rannells, 
who was for forty years a blacksmith. For quite a number of years 
he has been engaged in business for himself. He also has a fine 
little farm, upon which he with his family reside just beyond the 
corporate limits of Rochester. In 1875 he was united in marriage 
to Miss Ellen J. Osborn, who was born in Fulton county, Feb. 27, 
1858. To this relation is one child, viz.: Clarence J., born in this 
county Feb. 10, 1876. For quite a number of years Mr. Rannells 



HISTORY OF FUI,TON COUNTY. 121 

has been associated witli the instrumental musical interests of 
Rochester. He is a member of Rochester lodge, No. 47, I. O. O. 
F. and is known as an honorable man and respected citizen of Ful- 
ton county. 

FRANK M. REID was born near Logansport, in Cass county, 
Ind., May 12, 1842, and is a son of William and Amanda Reid. Tlie 
former was born in Mrginia and died in Cass county, Ind., in 1862, 
and the latter was born in Ohio and died in Fulton county, Ind., in 
1858. The mother's maiden name was Flam and her father was one 
of the first settlers and millers of Fulton county. For some time, 
in an early day, he operated a mill at the outlet of Manatau lake, 
where he ground corn for the Indians. The subject of this mention 
received a country school education, and then began learning- the 
carpenter's trade. He had worked but one year (i860) when the 
war began and in 1861 he enlisted in company K, Forty-si.xth Indi- 
ana volunteer infantry and served until June 30, 1865, when he was 
honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky. He was in many im- 
portant battles and was a faithful and true soldier. The conflict 
over he again engaged in the carpenter's business, in which he has 
continued nearly all the time since 1865. Among the many build- 
ings he has erected in Rochester, may be mentioned the Arlington 
hotel block, the Deniston building. He also helped to build the 
South school building and the residence of L. M. Brackett. The 
marriage of Mr. Reid occurred in 1862 to Miss Clarissa Reed, of 
Rochester, Ind. To this union are these two children : Leslie and 
Nellie. In politics he is an earnest supporter of the republican 
party. For five years Mr. Reid served as marshal of the city of 
Rochester. He is a member of McClung post. No. 95, G. A. R., 
and is also a member of the orders K. of H. and I. O. M. Mr. Reid 
has made his own way in life and is recognized as one of the leading 
carpenters, contractors and honorable business men of Rochester, 
of which city he has been a resident for many vears. 

GEORGE RFNTSCHLER, of Liberty township, an indus- 
trious, ambitious and successful young farmer, was born in Kings 
county, N. Y., Oct. 7, 1864. The following year his father brought 
his family to Peru, Ind., and in that locality young George was 
reared, educated and learned the moulder's trade. He was not content 
to remain a tradesman and when he had concluded his first year as 
a moulder he indicated to his father his desire to engage in farming. 
The necessary arrangements were made and our subject launclied 
out on his new venture on the F. Reese farm, containing 183 acres, 
which he has since purchased. He has cleared sixty acres, put in 
2,000 rods of ditch and otherwise improved his premises. Mr. 
Rentschler is a son of G. A. Rentschler, a foundryman of Hamilton, 
Ohio, but formerly proprietor of the Ohio iron works at Peru, Ind. 
He was born in Germany, came to the United States single and was 
married in New Jersey to Catherine Graff, who died in 1879, leaving 



r22 HISTORY OF Fi'i/rox cottnty. 

("leorge and Henry, a machinist at Hamilton, Ohio. Nov. 15. 1884. 
George Rentschler married Lettie Ludwig. bom in Fulton county. 
.She is a daughter of J. J. Ludwig, of German parents, and reared in 
Miami county. Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Rentschler are the parents of 
Henr)-, aged ten: Andrew, aged nine; (Jeorge, aged seven: and 
Robert, aged one. Mr. Rentschler is a K. O. T. M. 

WILLIAM P. RIED, one of the native born pioneers of Fulton 
county, Ind., dates his birth in Rochester township June 11, 1839, 
and is a son of Daniel and Charity Ried, whose maiden name was 
Miller. The father of Mr. Ried was born in Preble county, Ohio, 
April II, 1816, and died in Fulton county, Ind., Feb. 3, 1849; while 
the mother was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 25, 1816, and died in 
this county Dec. 5, 1887. As early as 1837 the father of William P. 
entered 150 acres of land three miles southwest of Rochester and 
since its passing from the government has always been in the hands 
of the Ried family, and Mr. Ried has the first tax receipt for this land, 
which is in the following language: "Received of Daniel Ried one 
dollar and sixty-six cents, it being in full of his state and county tax 
for the year 1838. Robert Martin, Collector F. C." The subject 
of this biography grew to manhood upon the home land and was a 
pupil at the neighborhood school. The early death of the father 
compelled young Ried to help the mother earn a living for her 
family and at fourteen years of age with a yoke of oxen he put ovit 
and cultivated his first crop of corn. Mr. Ried has given the best 
years of his busy life to agricultural pursuits and now owns 170 acres 
of well improved land. In 1893 he rented his fann and wishing to 
avoid so nmch hard work bought a pleasant home about one mile 
from Rochester and here he now resides. He was united in mar- 
riage Dec. 29, 1887, to Miss Salina Tilton. who was born in Stark 
county, Ohio, Jan. 27, 1848. Mrs. Ried is a daughter of John and 
Sarah (McDowell) Tilton. The former was born April 7, 181 1, and 
the latter Feb. 23, 1809. They were highly respected citizens and 
many years ago came to Cass county, Ind., where they died, the 
mother in 1876 and the father in 1877. In politics Mr. Ried is a 
democrat. He is one of the cautious, conservative men of this 
county, and the success he has attained has come through his own 
efforts. Mrs. Ried is a member of the Presbyterian church and 
they are among the highly respected citizens of this county. 

CYRUS H. ROBRINS, an ex-commisisoner of Fulton county 
and one of the pioneers, was born in Highland county, Ohio, June 
29, 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Horn) Robbins, both 
natives of Ohio. The father of Mr. Robbins died in Fulton county, 
Ind., in 185 1 and his mother also died in this county, in 1850. In a 
very early day the family settled in Henry county, Ind., and in 1836, 
after a residence of six years in Henry county, came to Fulton 
county. The subject of this review first attended the subscription 
schools and later the public schools. He was raised upon the farm 




C. H. ROBBIXS. 



HISTORY OF FT'LTOX fOT'NTV. ] 23 

and at twenty-one years of age came to Rochester and for ten vears 
\vas engaged in general merchandising, and during a portion of that 
time was postmaster at Rochester. In i860 he removed to his pres- 
ent place of residence, two and one-half miles southwest of Roch- 
ester. He now owns about 300 acres of well improved land in 
Rochester township. The political convictions of Mr. Robbins have 
always been in the interests of the democratic partv and for four 
years he was trustee of Rochester township. In 1888 he was elected 
to the board of commissioners of this county, and served the county 
faithfully and economically for the term for which he was elected. 
Air. Robbins was one of the promoters of the Fulton Countv Agri- 
cultural and Mechanical society, of which he was president for four 
years. He was one of the organizers and a charter member of the 
Pulton county horse protective company. He was united in mar- 
riage in 1857 to Miss Sarah C. Small, a daughter of David and Leah 
(Smock) Small, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Robbins was born in 
Marion county, Ind., Nov. 28, 1835. ^I''- ^nd Mrs. Robbins have 
nine children, viz.: Alfred D., Clio May, Charles E., Dora, Minnie, 
William B., June dertrude, Roy and Delia. He is a member of thL- 
Masonic fraternity and he and wife are members of the M. E. church. 
He is one of the enterprising farmers and stock-raisers of Fulton 
county, a man of unquestioned honor, and practical judgment. 

ALEXANDER RUH. — The gentleman whose name introduces 
this review, is one of the younger business men of Rochester and the 
success he has attained has come to him entirely through his own 
efforts. He was born in Peru, Miami county, Ind., in 1859, and is 
a son of Frederick and Barbara Ruh, both natives of Germany, who 
were united in marriage upon their ocean voyage to the United 
States. The father died at Peru in the sixty-third year of his age, and 
the mother at the same place at forty-five years of age. Mr. Ruh 
attended the public schools of his native town until thirteen years 
old, wben he began learning the drug business, continuing in Peru 
until 1888. when he came to Rochester and engaged in the drug 
business for himself. It is conceded that Mr. Ruh is one of the most 
careful druggists in this part of Indiana, and that his store is one of 
the largest and best in Rochester. He was united in marriage in 
1880 to Miss Ida I. Sherling, of Asbury Park, X. J. To this union 
are these four children: Harold F., Frederick D., Lucy B. and 
Donald O. In politics Mr. Ruh is a democrat. He is a member of 
Fredonia lodge, Xo. 122, K. of P., in which he has always taken an 
active part to promote the best interests and success of the lodge. 
He is recognized as one of the leading business men of his adopted 
city. 

JOHX P. RUSSELL, trustee of Union township, Fulton 
county, Ind., was born at Xewport, Ills.. Aug. 19, 1850. His par- 
ents were Capt. W. A. J. and j\Iary C. (Pegram) Russell. The 
father was born near St. Louis, Mo., and w'as a son of John and 



124 HISTOUY OF FULTOX COrXTY. 

Laura Ann (Spencer) Russell. John Russell, our subject's paternal 
grandfather, was a native of \"ermont, and was of an old New- 
England family of English descent. He was graduated from Middle- 
bury college as B. A. in 1S17, and is known as a man of high culture 
and learning. For years he was a professor and taught in some of 
the very best academies and colleges. When a young man he came 
west, and at White Water, Ind., married the woman of his choice 
in 1818. After teaching at St. Louis for several years he located at 
niuffdale. 111., where his death occurred. During his latter days he 
wrote for leading magazines and gained an enviable reputation as a 
writer. He was the author of "The ^'enomous Worm." a selection 
in McGuffey's school reader. The marriage of our subject's parents 
was consummated in Illinois. His mother was born in Petersburg, 
\'a. She was a daughter of John Pegram, a Virginian of English 
descent. He was of one of the best families of Virginia. At an 
early date he settled in Illinois, where his death occurred. The 
father of our subject enlisted as a captain in company G, Tenth Mis- 
souri infantry, and was killed at the battle of Chattanooga. His 
widow lived many years afterward, dying at Hamilton, 111., in i8go. 
John P. Russell is one of a family of six children, two sons and four 
daughters. He gained a common school education at Hamilton 
111., where he was reared. He began the battle of life for himself 
at the age of fifteen years. Beside working on the farm, he also 
clerked in a store at Hamilton for six years. In 1873 he came to 
Indiana and located at Rockville. He accepted employment with the 
\'andalia railroad company, in the bridge and building department. 
Thus he was employed for twenty years. In 1879 he married and 
located at Crawfordsville, where he resided till 1884, when he re- 
moved to Kewanna, where he now resides. He wedded Miss Lucy 
J. Norcross, a daughter of Thomas J. and Mary Norcross, of Judson, 
Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have had four children. Their eldest, 
Mary Vesta, died in infancy. Their living children are Fred, Carl 
and Elvin. The faniilv are members of the M. E. church. Mr. 
Russell began life as a poor orphan boy. Hard work has been 
his lot. By means of industry and frugality he has grown prosper- 
ous. He owns his own home and forty acres of land, a part of which 
lies within the limits of Kewanna. He has always been a republican 
in politics. In 1894 he was elected trustee for Union township, and 
is the present incumbent of that ol¥ice. 

AL^STIN B. SARGENT, of Liberty township, was born in 
Washington county. Pa., Feb. 10, 1843. He is a farmer's son and 
was schooled in the country school manner. His father, John H. 
Sargent, died in June, 1858, and the next year the widow and children 
came to Indiana, landing at Logansport in September. They lo- 
cated seven miles west on a farm and Austin was one of the chief 
props of the home till the war broke out, when he enlisted in com- 
pany D, Ninth Indiana, three months men, .\pril 17, 1861, being the 



HISTORY l)F FT'I/rON ( Ot'NTV. 12o 

third man to enlist: was mustered in at Laporte, went to Kentucky 
and when his time expired re-enhsted at I5ridgeport, Ala., as first 
sergeant, and was soon promoted to first lieutenant. His second 
command was company E, Twenty-ninth Indiana volunteer in- 
fantry : was color bearer of his regiment ; was at Pittsburg landing. 
Corinth, luka and Stone river, where he was shot through the left 
thigh and was in the hospital until after the engagements around 
Chattanooga. He was with his company again at Dalton, Ga. He 
resigned his commission Dec. 27, 1864, and came home, but enlisted 
at once as a private in the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth volunteers 
and was near Dover, Del., when the war closed. His service cov- 
ered a period of four years and three months. Mr. Sargent returned 
to the farm in Cass county and remained till his advent to Fulton 
county. He owns 120 acres one and one-half miles southwest of 
Fulton. Dec. 28, 1868 Mr. Sargent married Falley A., daughter of 
Elliott Baker, who came from near Carbondale, Pa. He was born 
in Susquehanna county. Pa., was a farmer and a major in the Penn- 
sylvania militia during old training days. Our subject's paternal 
grandfather was John Sargent, born in Ireland, and his mother was 
Sarah, daughter of Joseph Baker. Her children are; Leander 
B., deceased: Austin B.. Oliver B. and Sarah, wife of Dr. J. M. 
Morris, of Fulton. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent are the parents of Asa E., 
Oliver E., Sarah L., a teacher in Fulton county, and Anna F. Mr. 
Sargent is a radical protectionist, and pins his faith to the republican 
party. 

J. R. SE\'ERNS, one of the representative farmers of New 
Castle township, is numbered among those worthy citizens that Ohio 
has furnished to Fulton county. His birth occurred in Coshocton 
county, Oct. 3, 1836, and he is a representative of one of the pioneer 
families of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where his grandfather, 
Joseph Severns, located at an earh- day, there spending the re- 
mainder of his life, his death occurring in 1857, when he was nearly 
ninety years of age. Samuel Severns, father of our subject, was 
l)orn near Pittsburg, Pa., in October, 1796, and ser\'ed in the Ameri- 
can army in the war of 1812. Fie was a successful farmer and 
became c[uite wealthy, owning considerable property at his death, 
which occurred Jan. 17, 1885, when in his eighty-ninth year. He 
married Jesdenia, daughter of Robert Darling, a native of \^irginia. 
They had thirteen children, the living being Isaac, of Knox county, 
Ohio: Cordelia, widow of William Fitzgerald, of Coshocton county: 
Sarah, widow of Isaac Coplen, of Fulton county; Sabina, widow of 
Isaac Hatabaugh, of Greene county, Ind. : Rebecca, widow of Abram 
Holt, of Daviess county Ind,; J. R. : Mahala, Wife of Isaac Conner, 
of Sullivan county, Ind, and Ellen, wife of Leander Richards, of 
Coshocton countv. J. R. Severns received only meagre educational 
jirivileges, but his training at farm labor was not limited, and he as- 
sisted his father until twenty-one years of age, when he assumed the 



126 HISTORY OF FUI-TON TOUXTY. 

management of tlie old homestead, retaining- it for four years. In 
1863, he came to Fulton county, Ind., and invested his capital of 
.'^400 in forty acres of his present farm. On this place was a small 
cabin, and a few acres had been cleared. With characteristic energy 
he liegan its development and to-day is the owner of 140 acres of ricli 
land, of whicli 100 acres are highl\- cultivated, while the place is well 
drained and improved with a good residence and other substantial 
buildings that indicate the enterprise and progressive spirit of the 
owner. On the 22d of March, i860, was consummated the mar- 
riage of Mr. Severn and Margaret M. Meredith, daughter of Isaac 
and Mary (Groves) Mereditli. He was a native of Coshocton 
county, Ohio, came to Fulton county, in 1864, and here died in 1895. 
Air. and Mrs. Severns have seven children — Justenia, wife of Frank 
C. Mickey; Marj^ E., wife of Alonzo Long; Frank M., of Cass 
county. Neb.; Oliver; Leora, wife of Herbert Shobe; Mahala and 
Wellington, at home. Mr. Severns has always given his political 
support to the democracy, and his religious allegiance to the Baptist 
church. 

WIXFIELD S. SHAFFR, M. D.— Prominent both as a physi- 
cian and public-spirited citizen, the subject of this personal mention, 
Dr. Shafer, is appropriately classed among men of progress, and 
few, if any, have a larger circle of acquaintances in the countv than 
he. In Knox county, Ohio, he was born, Oct. 12, 1852. His par- 
ents, now well advanced in years, are David and Sarah Shafer. who 
are among the oldest and best known citizens of Marshall county, 
hid. The father was born in .^dams countv, Ohio, in the vear 1822. 
His father was Abram Shafer, born in Adams county. Pa. At an 
early day Abram Shafer's father immigrated to America and settled 
in Pennsylvania. Dr. Shafer's paternal grandfather was a soldier 
in the war of 1812. The Shafer homestead in Pennsylvania forms a 
part of the battle grounds of the memorable battle of Gettysburg, 
and is still owned by descendants of the familv. Dr. Shafer's motli- 
cr's maiden name was Sarah Ridgeway. She was born in Maryland, 
near Alexandria, in the year 1824, and died in Marshall county. Ind.. 
May 2, 1896. Her parents were of Scotch origin. Her father was 
Jonathan Ridgeway and her mother was a Moore. Soon after 
the marriage of David and Sarah Shafer, over half a centurv ago, 
they removed to Ohio, where they resided until 1865, in which year 
they came to Indiana and settled in Marshall county. They reared 
iMue children, bringing them up on the farm. Hence, the youtJi 
of Dr. Shafer was spent on the farm. He gained a common school 
education of such thoroughness that he commenced teaching at the 
age of nineteen and taught nine consecutive terms. His literary 
education was completed by a one year's term in the nortliern 
Indiana normal school at \'alparaiso. During the period of his 
school teaching Dr. Shafer read medicine under the guidance of Dr. 
.\llen Moore, of Marshall county: then operated a drug store for two 



HISTORY OF Ffi/rox corxTY. 127 

years: then took a course in Rusli medical college, Chicago, in 
1877-78. In 1879 he located at Big F"oot, Ind., and entered into the 
practice of his profession. Four years later he located in Rochester, 
where his professional career has been an uninterrupted rise to the 
zenith of medical prominence in this section of the state. Soon after 
locating in Rochester he abandoned the practice long enough to 
graduate from the Eclectic medical institute of Cincinnati, the date 
of graduation being June i, 1886. In 1887 he took a post graduate 
course in the Bennett medical college at Chicago. Thus, together 
with a through preparation for his profession by attending the best 
of medical colleges, and an active practice of medicine of some fifteen 
or sixteen years, he has well mastered the subject of medicine and 
gained an enviable reputation. His high standing as a physician 
was recently attested by his election to the presidency of the Indiana 
State Medical association. He is also a member of the Northern 
Indiana Medical association. He is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows and the order of the Tribe of Ben Hur. 
While he is a firm republican in politics, he has never sought political 
preferment. The doctor is an enthusiastic devotee of music and 
education, having been a member of the Rochester school board 
and a founder of tlie Rochester normal university, being president of 
the controlling board of trustees. In 1878 Sarah Wiltfong, of Mar- 
shall countv, became his wife. They have an interesting family of 
three children, namley, Howard. Efifie and Robert. The doctor and 
his wife are prominent in social circles, and devote much time to the 
intellectual training of their children and themselves. They are 
members of the university association class of Rochester, which 
has for its object the study of universal history. The doctor is un- 
ostentatious and unassuming, and is held in high esteem by those 
who know him. 

JAMES RANDOLPH SHELTON. the present clerk oi the 
circuit court of Fulton county, is a native of this county, having been 
born on a farm in Liberty township, Nov. 14, 1844. Mr. .Shelton's 
father. Wilson Shelton, was a Virginian bv birth. \Mth his parents 
lie came to Indiana in an early day. settling in Hendricks county, 
where he married Polly Beattie. whose parents were also early set- 
tlers of the same county, having removed to the county from 
Mrginia, in which state their daughter was born. Unto Wilson 
Shelton and wife were born the following children: Thomas H., 
a farmer of Fulton county: Isaac, killed by Indians in Oregon: 
Rhoda Ann, deceased: Lucy A., widow of the late David C. Oliver, 
of Fulton county: James R., the subject of this sketch, and Amanda, 
who died young. The parents settled in Fulton countv about 1840. 
The father was a farmer bv occupation. In the year 1852 he and his 
son Isaac started west, bound for the gold fields of California. The 
father sickened and died on the great plains. The son pressing on 
and going to Oregon met his death there, as above mentioned. In 



128 HISTORY OF FUI.TON COUNTY. 

the 3'ear 1857 our subject's mother passed away in death. James 
was 1)rought up on the farm. His first schooling was obtained in 
the country schools; then he attended the Rochester schools and 
later Hartsville college. At the age of twenty-five years he began 
teaching in the country schools. After teaching several years, Mr. 
Shelton spent three years in the elevator business, then resumed 
teaching, also taking up farming. For the last several years he has 
devoted his whole time to farming and to trading in live stock. Mr. 
Shelton has been successful as a farmer and business man. He has 
alwa\s been progressive and has now the esteem of a wide acquaint- 
ance. He has always been a republican in politics. In 1894 his 
party nominated him for clerk of the circuit court and in the fall of 
that year he was elected to the office by 104 majority. In 1872 Mr. 
Shelton wedded Miss Margaret A. Martin, of Fulton county. Two 
children, Morris Claude and Fatima Beatrice, have been born unto 
the marriage. 

JOHN SHETTERLY, proprietor of the Rochester saw mill, 
was born in Peniisylvania, Jan. 3, 1849. I^i 1856 his father, Ben- 
jamin Shetterly, emigrated to Berrien county, Michigan, and there 
John was reared on a farm and educated in the schools of his dis- 
trict. Benjamin Shetterly died in 1874, sixty-six years old. He 
was a great-grandson of a Switzerland farmer, who came to America 
in colonial days and learned the lessons of patriotism in the keystone 
of the colonies. Benjamin Shetterly married Catherine Frain, who 
bore him seven children, of which number John is the fifth ; four 
others are living in and adjoining Berrien county, Mich. : Mrs. Susan 
Rough. St. Joseph county. Ind.; Benjamin. George and Sarah Trus- 
ler, of Berrien cotmty. John Shetterly was educated limitedly. 
His youth was occupied with such labors as are required by farmers 
in a new and wild country of their strong and industrious boys. At 
twenty he engaged in farming for himself and continued it for two 
years. He embarked in lumbering at Pine Grove for four years, 
and sawed out 160 acres. He farmed the next five years, then 
bought a mill at New Troy and operated it till 1885. when he went to 
Kansas and embarked in the retail lumber and furniture business. 
The west was settling up rapidly then and there was an unparalleled 
demand for pine. He had yards at Oakley, Colby. Wallace, Sharon 
Springs, Eustace, Tribune and Leoti. Mr. Shetterly was sent to the 
Kansas legislature as a democrat from Wallace county, 
and got a bill through organizing his county. He 
was chairman of the committee on enrolled bills 
and acquitted himself with credit in this capacity. He returned 
to Michigan in 1888 and ran a furniture factory at Buchanan two 
}ears. His next venture brought him into Fulton county. He 
]nirchased Jacob Miller's saw mill at Tiosa and in September, 1895. 
lost it by fire. In December of the same year he began business 
at Rochester, where his mill has a daily output of 5,000 feet. Mr. 



IIIH'I'OKY Ol'' KIT], TON (.OUNTY. 129 

Shcttcrly first married in 1881 to Sadif ] [ill. She died without 
issue. His second marriage was in i8yo to Luella D., widow oi J. 
B. Eckcs, and daughter of a Mr. Uurwell. Mr. Shetterly is an I. O. 
O. F. andaK.O. T. M. 

WILLIAM JAY SI invL] )S, postmaster of Rochester, was born 
in this city Aug. 20, 1852. llis education was obtained from the 
schools of the town, and when a lad in his teens became errand l)Oy 
and tlien clerk in his father's store. When the father closed his 
long and successful career as a merchant and wound up his business, 
jay engaged in the fruit tree business and continued in it four years, 
lie was from that time till his ap|)ointment as postmaster in the 
employ of county clerk, M. O. Rees, as his deputy. Tie became 
postmaster April 7, 1894. Mr. Sliields' first public service was as 
town clerk, to which office he was elected some twenty years ago. 
Twelve years ago he was the democratic nonu'nce for county re- 
cordi'r, but was defeated, as were many otlier democrats that year. 
Mr. Shields is a son of the venerable pioneer and ex-merchani, 
Jesse Shields, of Rochester. Jesse Sliields was l)orn in Madison, 
Jefiferson county, Tnd., Sept. 15, 1820. His father, William Shields, 
was born near Lynclilntrg, Va. He emigrated to Indiana dtu-ing 
liic closing years of the eighteenth century and settled first in Jefifer- 
son county, l)Ut later moved to Jennings county, wliere he died, 1824. 
I lis wife, nee Elizabeth Logan, was 1)orn in Nortli Carolina, and died 
in Washington county, Ind., 1826, leaving four children. Jesse was 
tlien only six years old and he was taken by a sister, Rhoda, wife of 
Nathan Rose, who, accompanied by Elizabeth (Shields) Linrlsay, 
whose husband was the first blacksmith in this county, and William 
J. Shields, brother of Jesse, came to h'ulton county in 1830 and lo- 
cated at the daiu east of Rochester. Mrs. Rose and Mrs. Lindsay 
w ere the first white wf)men in the county as residents. Jesse Shields 
learned the carpenter's trade in his youth and for three years made 
tliat his business. I'rom 1840 to 1848 he was a forgeman in the fr)im- 
dry of Moore & McColm, in Rochester. He went into the 
('f)mpany's store and clerked two years. He then opened a store of 
his own where the postoffice is now, but in an old building, and 
conducted a very successful business for nearly forty years, retiring 
in 1890. Jesse Shields has always acted with the democrats. He 
was elected to the state legislature in T867, and worked and voted 
solely in the interest of the taxj)ayers. Mr. Shields was married 
first in this county in 1844 to Catherine Welton, who died the same 
\ear. Two years later he married Margaret Robbins, who died in 
1865. leaving William Jay, our subject. Dr. A. M. and Mary, wife 
of Charles Kokendorfer, at Newark, Ohio. Mr. .Shields' third mar- 
riage was in 1872 to Margaret McChmg. ( )ur subject was married 
Sept. 9, 1878, to Margaret Killcn, daughter of Mark Killen, .Sr., de- 
ceasecl, and Rebecca Apple. Their chilrlren are: Edwin J., 
flied in infancy; Jesse Leroy and Harry Killen. Upon taking 
ni-9 



130 HISTORY OF FULTOX rOUXTV. 

charge of the postoffice Mr. Shields rearranged its interior so as to 
give better and more efficient service to the public. Tlie stamp and 
money order window is open at all office hours and the general de- 
liverv service has undergone a marked change in the interest of the 
public by reducing the total time of opening the mails to about sev- 
enty minutes daily. 

D. W. SI BERT was born in Washington county. Pa.. Jan. y, 
1855. His parents were Daniel and Phebe (Sanders) Sibert. They 
were natives of Pennsylvania, and were married in that state. The 
father was of German descent and the mother of English. They 
came to Indiana in 1858, and first settled in Huntington county; one 
\ear later they settled in Henry township, Fulton county. The first 
eighteen years of Mr. Sibert's life were spent on the farm. Learning 
the trade of silver-smithing, he came to Kewanna in 1879, and made 
his first business venture. Here he has since conducted a jewelry 
and book store. He has been very successful and. though he began 
on limited means, he is now in the best of financial circumstances. 
He owns five business houses and three dwellings in Kewanna. In 
1891 he and his father-in-law, J. H. Toner, established the Exchange 
bank of Kewanna, which has been a successful institution. In 1881 
^Ir. Sibert married Miss Lulah Toner. 

BYRON E. SLICK, one of the representative farmers of L'nion 
township, was born in Morrow county. Ohio, May 27, 1853. Mr. 
Slick is a son of John and Susan (Halmon) Slick. His father was a 
son of Philip Slick and was born and brought up in Maryland. ^Ir. 
Slick's mother was born and reared in Pennsylvania. These parents 
were married in Ohio. They removed to Indiana in 1853 and settled 
in Union township, I'Tilton county. Here the father died in 1867. 
He was a successful farmer and a representative citizen. In politics 
he was first a whig, then a republican. His widow now (1896) re- 
sides with her son Elmer, a very successful teacher. Unto John and 
Susan Slick there were born the following children: Elvira, Byron 
E., Melvin, Herman and Elmer. Byron E. was reared on the farm 
and given a common school education. He remained under the 
parental roof till he reached the age of twenty-one years, and then 
began life for himself as a farm hand, working for monthly wages. 
April 3, 1878, he married Lucy Guise, of Union township, and then 
settled down in life. He has always farmed and success has crowned 
h.is efforts. He owns a good farm of 122 acres, and has it well im- 
]->roved. Politically he has adhered to the principles of the republi- 
can party. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren 
church, and they have an interesting family consisting of the follow- 
ing children: ^lilo B., Lessie, Tav, Stella. Vida and Emma. 

HON. MILO R. SMITH, the subject of this biographical men- 
tion needs no introduction to the people of Fulton county, among 
whom he has lived many years. He was born in Logansport, Ind., 
July I, 1829. He came of excellent parentage, but, unfortunately, 



HISTOKY OF FULTON COUJ^TY. 131 

death deprived him of their guidance and counsel when a mere 
boy. His parents were Rev. James and Nancy Smith. They were 
pioneer settlers of Cass county, and located at Logansport when that 
city was a frontier town. The father was a blacksmith Ij}- trade, 
and a very skilled workman in steel. While following his trade at 
Rising Sun, Ind., Gen. Tipton induced him to go to Logansport to 
do the government blacksmithing at that place. He was a devout 
Christian, and soon after going to Logansport began preaching. 
He possessed a fine intellect, generous heart and a strong desire to 
do the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures. His labors as a 
Baptist minister were interrupted by death, in 1833, when forty-five 
years of age. He married Xancy Fertad, a Frenchman's daughter. 
She was an excellent woman, a devoted wife and mother. She 
bore him the following children: Crandon C, Amanda, Julia, 
Susan P., George P., Anthony F., Rev. Oscar F., Mary and Milo R. 
As noticed above the last named, Milo R., was left an orphan and for 
a short time resided with a sister at Knoxville, Ills. He became 
dissatisfied, left the home of his sister and started out in life on his 
own responsibility. Going west, he went on board a Mississippi 
river steamboat as cabin boy, and for about one year followed the 
river between St. Louis and St. Paul. At the solicitation of a 
brother he then returned to Logansport, where he was employed 
until the year 1856. when he came to Rochester, where he and his 
brother opened a dry goods store, under the firm name of A. F. 
Smith & Bro. This business venture was attended with indifferent 
success, and the firm went out of business after a duration of three 
years. Then Mr. Smith began the study of law and accepted em- 
ployment in the county auditor's office. In 1863 the democratic 
party, with which he is identified, made him its candidate for county 
recorder, to which office he was elected in the fall of that year. He 
served two terms and such was his popularity as warrants the con- 
clusion that he would have been again elected to the office but for the 
legislation which prohibited the possibility of his succeeding to the 
office. In 1872 Mr. Smith was again honored by the people, who 
elected him to the state' senate from this and Cass county. For 
many years he has been engaged in the practice of law and in the 
loan and insurance business. He is unassuming and unostentatious, 
pleasant and agreeable in intercourse with his fellow-men, and is con- 
versant on many subjects of interest. He has led an honest life and 
enjoys the esteem of many friends. His marriage with Eliza E. 
Lyon was solemnized March 26, 1863. Mrs. Smith's parents were 
David W. and Sarah (McCracken) Lyon. They have the following- 
children: Estella, Gertrude and Eliza E. Mr. Lyon came to Roch- 
ester from West Liberty, (3hio. He was a good man, a successful 
merchant and respected citizen. 

SILAS SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Fulton 
county Sept. 18, 1849, ^"d is a son of Jonathan and Lucy Smith. 



132 HISTORY OF FULTOX COFNTY. 

His fatlier, who was a pioneer of this county, was born in Pennsyl- 
vania Sept. 3, 1814, and liis death occurred in this county Sept. 13, 
1893. He married in his native state, wedding Lucy Ann Kreps, also 
a native of Pennsylvania. Unto the marriage the following children 
were born: George, died in infancy; John, a farmer and citizen of 
i'nion township and ex-soldier of company B, Eighty-seventh In- 
diana volunteer infantry in the civil war; Henry, Silas, Wilhelniina 
Sallie, deceased, and Jonathan K. The father and mother came by 
way of wagon from Ohio to Indiana, and in 1844 settled in Union 
township, this count\', and here liverl till they were called away by 
death. Tlie mother died about 1856, and later the father married a 
second time, wedding Mary Ann Snyder, who bore him no children. 
She was a native of Pennsylvania, and died some two years j)rior to 
the date of his death. Jonathan Smith was one among the hardy 
pioneers of the county, and his first landed possessions in the county 
lie entered. He grew prosperous and at the time of his death owned 
,;20 acres of land. He was a staunch democrat, but never sought 
I)olitical office. He was a life-long member of the Reform church, 
and brought up his family in the faith of that church. He had an 
extensive acquaintance and enjoyed the confidence of all who knew 
him. His son, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared (jn 
the farm, and remained on the farm with his father until he reached 
the age of twenty-one years. In 1870 he married and settled down 
m life for himself. He was then not twenty-tw'o years old. He 
married Harriet Overmyer, daughter of David (^vermyer. Esq. She 
was born April 2, 1852. Unto the above marriage have been born 
(he following children: Henry Albert, Howard. Cora, Millie, de- 
ceased, Walter Bold, Early, deceased, and Naomi. Mr. Smith has 
been very successful as a farmer and stock-raiser, and owns a fine and 
well improved farm of 228 acres. He is democratic in politics, and 
has served as assessor of I'nion township. He and wife are members 
of the Reform church. 

ARCHIBALD STINSON, a thorough going and representative 
citizen of Xew Castle township, was born of pioneer Ohio parents 
in Ross county, that state, Aug. 21, 1847. He obtained his knowl- 
edge of the three r's in the usual way of boys reared on the farm, 
and this has served as a base for the broader and more liberal educa- 
tion of experience. His permanent abiding place was on the old 
homestead until after his marriage. April 10, 1878, when he was 
induced to visit Cleveland, Ohio, bv a friend in the oil business. He 
accepted a position in the same business and remained in the city 
between two and three years. Having interests in Indiana that must 
be looked after, he resigned and came to Fulton county and settled 
on his present farm in 1882 or 1883. The next year he built his 
conmiodious residence, one of the largest in the township and has 
l)een busy since with such other improvements as a progressive, in- 
dustrious farmer sees the need of. His farm contains 140 acres, 



IIISIOKY OK Ffl/rON COI'NTV. 1 .'5.'5 

which he purchased while on a trip here some twenty-six years ago. 
In poHtics Mr. Stinson is a staunch rcpubh'can. He is referred to as 
one of the party managers in the county. Mr. Stinson is a son of 
.Arcliibald Stinson, born in Ross county, Ohio, 1800. Me died 
there in 1876. He was a very successful farmer, being able to give 
each of his children a farm out of his own estate. He married 
Silence McCoy, whose father, John McCoy, was the first settler of 
Ross county, going there from Kentucky. Twelve children were 
born of this marriage, of whom our subject is the youngest. Our 
subject's wife was Josephine, a daughter of Stephen Davidson, a 
]irominent fanner of this county and a pioneer. He was a repre- 
sentative to the state legislature from this district two terms and his 
prominence as a farmer led to his appointment as a member of tlie 
state board of agriculture. His brother is the Hon. W. H. David- 
son, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. .Stinson"s only child is Artlnir 
E.. born Jan. 26, 1879. 

DANIEL STRl'CKMAN, one of the leading and enterprising 
farmers and stock-raisers of ]*"ulton county, was born in I'airfiel 1 
county, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1838, and is a son of Henry and Sopiiia 
( ICbright) Struckman, natives of (iermany, who emigrated to the 
l/nited .States abtnit 1830 and settled in Fairfield county, ' )hin. 
where the father died at about fifty-five years and the mother at the 
advanced age of eighty-two years. The subject of this review is 
the fourth in a family of nine children, of whom four are living at this 
date, 1896. He was raised upon the farm and was a student at the 
early slab-seated school house in Fairfield county, Ohio. In i860 
he began farming upon his own responsibility in his native county, 
where he continued for four years, or until 1864, 
when he came to Fulton county and settled where he now resides. 
He first erected a log cabin, 16.K20 feet, which was burned a few 
years later, and he then put up a frame structure, which was about 
the same size, and about eight years ago he built his present home. 
Aljout eleven years ago his first good barn was erected and two years 
later it was struck by lightning and together with some thirty tons of 
liav was completely destroyed and he then built his present barn. 
When Mr. Struckman settled upon this land it was almost one con- 
tinuous forest. He has cleared i8o acres and now owns 221 acres of 
fine land, all of which is located about three miles northeast of Roch- 
ester. In 1862 Mr. Struckman was united in marriage to Miss Sa- 
niantha Fenstermaker, who was born in Ohio. To this union are 
these two children, viz.: Florence, now- Mrs. Frank Carr, and 
William H. Politically, Mr. Struckman is a supporter of the dem- 
ocratic part)-. He is a progressive farmer and it would be better 
ff)r F'ulton countv if she had more such men within lier borders. 

JACOB STUDEBAKER, of Liberty township, was born in 
Morgantown, Ohio, June 3, 1840. His father brought his family 
to Carroll county and located north of Delphi early in the 40's. 



134 HISTORY OF FTJLTON COUNTY. 

Wlien he moved again it was to Cass county. Jacob was reared 
and educated sparingly in that county, and when he settled down 
for life it was in Fulton county that he located. His capital to 
begin business on was a colt and a calf. His beautiful home and 
productive farm lies on the south line of the county of Fulton. He 
boug'ht it in 1863, and its present condition is the result of his in- 
dustry and thrift. Mr. Studebaker was first married April 12, 1865. 
to Marv Ellen, daughter of Thomas Day, who was born in Ohio. 
Mrs. Studebaker died April 22. 1877, leaving Thomas, Joseph. 
Annie Belle, married to \'. Buckingham, Fred, Elbert and Frank. 
Oct 6, 1881, Mr. Studebaker married Mary Ellen, widow of a Mr. 
Baker, and daughter of Samuel Kirk. Jacob Studebaker is a son 
of Joseph Studebaker. born in Pennsylvania, but reared in Ohio. 
He died in Cass county, 1880. at seventy-five years of age. The 
subject's grandfather. Philip Studebaker, was in captivity by the 
Indians of western Pennsylvania for seven years. His father had 
moved too far west for safety and his family was attacked by the 
Indians and he himself killed and his children carried away. The 
mother of our subject was Susana Most, born in North Carolina 
and reared in Ohio. Her children are: Elizabeth, deceased; Ja- 
cob, Nancy, wife of David Pownall, and David Studebaker, of Cass 
county. Mr. Studebaker is a strong republican and a worker in 
the Alethodist church. 

DR. A. B. SURGUY, druggist of Tiosa, was born in this county 
Aug. 4, 1850. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and se- 
cured his primary training from the district school. He completed 
his literary training in Oberlin college, Ohio, graduating in 1870. 
He chose medicine as his life work and to engage in the studv of it 
he went to Laporte, Ind.. and became a pupil of Drs. Higday c*v: 
Meeker, remaining with them three years. He took his first course 
of lectures at Rush medical college and the ne.xt two courses in the 
Indiana medical college of Indianapolis, receiving a diploma from 
that institution Feb. 28, 1873. He practiced successfully in Kos- 
ciusko county, residing at Etna Green, some six years. He went 
abroad then and took a term of lectures in Queen's college hospital, 
London, England. He returned after a year's absence, located at 
Rochester, Ind., and became associated with Dr. Brackett. .After 
four years of devotion to his profession here he retired temporarily 
and rusticated in southwestern Missouri a few months. He en- 
gaged in business next in Chicago, having his office at 64 and 66 
Washington street. In i8c;o he retired from practice and came 
back to Fulton county and engaged in the drug business at Tiosa. 
Dr. Surguy's father, ^^'illiam Surguy, was born in England. He 
came to America at twenty years of age, located in Brown count\'. 
Ohio, and married there, wedding Rachel Bell. They settled in 
Fulton not long after their marriage. Here Mr. Surguy died in 
May of 1894. at ninety years of age. His wife died soon after the 



IIISTOH'S' OF FII/rON forXTY. 135 

hirtli of the subject of this sketch. Tlieir living cliiklren are: John, 
lesifling in Wisconsin: James, of Shawneetown, Ills.; Mary C. wif,- 
of John I'erschbacher, of Tiosa: Sarah, wife of Joseph Ormshee, of 
Tiosa; Annie, wife of H. I>. Turner, of Union Mills. Ind.; and Dr. A. 
B. Dr. Siirgiiy is a single man, a Mason and representative citizen. 

JOHN S. TAYLOR, dairyman and farmer, is a native of Center 
county. Pa., born Nov. n, 1831. He is a son of William anfl Su- 
sannah (Roop) Taylor, both natives of Pennsylvania, where the 
father died at fifty-two years of age anrl the mother now at eighty- 
one years of age, resides in Westmoreland county of her native state, 
rjy occupation the father of Mr. Taylor was a miller and carried on 
the milling lousiness for (|nite a number of years in Pennsylvania. 
John S. Taylor received a common school education and then 
learned the tanner's trade, at which he worked for seven years near 
Ligonier, Pa. In 1854 he came to Indiana and settled in Miami 
county, near Peru and there carried on farming for ten years, or 
until 1864, when he came to P'ulton county and for two years lived in 
Rochester and then removed to his present place of residence one- 
half mile north of Rochester. In 1868 Mr. Taylor began the dairy 
business and with the slight omission of one year has continued this 
industry ever since. His dairy is one of the best in northern Indi- 
ana. In connection with this interest he has for many years given 
considerable attention to stock interests, and now has on his farm of 
107 acres some of the best blooded stock to be found in the county. 
The marriage of Mr. Taylor took place in December, 1852, to Miss 
Susan Ambrose, who w^as born in Westmoreland county, Pa., Dec. 
17, 1833. She is a daughter of Killian and Elizabeth Ambrose, who 
came to Fulton county about the same time that the Taylor family 
came. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are these two children: 
Madge and Charles F. In politics Mr. Taylor is an ardent rej^ubli- 
can and is a K. of H. He is a man of honest motive and he and 
familv are highlv respected. 

S.XMUEL R TERRY, M. D., a native of this county, born May 
15, 1 861, son of Dr. Samuel S. and Sarah (McCloud) Terry. The 
former was born in Tompkins county, X. Y.. in 1824. and died in 
Rochester in 1893. He was a son of Samuel and Laura Terry, 
natives of Xew York and of English descent. The late Dr. Terry 
obtained a good primary education. In 1840 he began the study of 
medicine and in i8zi4 graduated from the medical department of Wil- 
loughby university. In 1846 he came to I'ulton county and located 
at Akron, but two years later removed to Rochester, where he re- 
sided until his death. He represented this and Miami county in 
the Indiana general assemlily from 1864 to 1868. During the war 
he w-as first assistant surgeon of the seventy-third Indiana regiment. 
He was a man of pronounced ability and unquestioncfl character. 
The mother of Dr. Samuel P. Terry was born in Ohio and died in 
Rochester in 1883 and is yet remetnbered for her grace of character 



136 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

and womanly purity. The subject of tliis review attended the Roch- 
ester schools until September, 1878, when he entered Notre Dame 
university and there continued for nearly four years. In 1882 he 
entered the law office of Judge J. S. Slick as a law student. Here 
he continued until 1884, when he was admitted to practice at the 
P'ulton county bar. He continued the practice of law for some time 
and in 1894 began the study of medicine at the medical college of 
Ohio. March 23, 1896, he graduated from the college of physicians 
and surgeons at Indianapolis and is now engaged in the practice of 
h.is profession at Rochester. Dr. Terry was united in marriage Oct. 
12, 1887, to Miss Mary E. Walker, of Rochester. To this union 
are these children, viz.: Lillian, Samuel W., and Frederick P. Po- 
litically Dr. Terry is a republican and a member of Rapier 
commandery. No. i at Indianapolis, and he is the only thirty-second 
degree Mason in Fulton county. He gave the name to Fredonia 
lodge. No. 122, K. of P., of which he was a charter member and its 
first chancellor commander. 

E. B. TIPPY, whose residence in Fulton county dates from 1875, 
is accounted one of the practical and progressive agriculturists, and 
belongs to that class of citizens who have gained for Indiana marked 
prestige among the agrictiltural states of the Union. He was born 
in Franklin county, Ohio, Jan. 20, 1845. Tl^^ family is of Scotch 
origin, and the father of our subject, Levi Tippy, was born near 
Johnstown, Ohio. He married Louie A. Denune, daughter of John 
Denune, who was born in Paris, France, and came to America with 
Gen. La Fayette, serving as a drummer boy with the French troops 
in the colonial army. He married a Miss Barrel, a relative of Gen. 
(Grant's family. Levi Tippy died of cholera in Louisville, Ky., in 
1852, at the age of thirty-five. His children were as follows ; George, 
who is living near Columbus, Ohio: E. B.: and Lewis, deceased. 
( )ur subject was left an orphan at the age of six years, and was 
reared by a Mr. Brown in Delaware county, Qhio, until nineteen 
years of age. He then bought his time, and removed to Livingston 
county. Mo., but returned after eight months and learned the car- 
jienter's trade in Delaware county, under S. Gorsuch. He afterward 
married and then removed to Boone county. Mo., but in a short time 
again returned to Delaware county, where he lived for four years. 
At the expiration of that period he began farming, which he con- 
tinued in Ohio until coming to Indiana, in 1875. His first land was 
purchased with money that he had earned at school teaching. He 
here bought forty acres of land just east of Bloomingsburg, which 
he operated for four years, Vvfihen he sold and purchased a farm ad- 
joining the village, comprising 115 acres. He is progressive in his 
methods and at the same time extremely practical in his work, so 
that he has won a comfortable competence. Mr. Tippy was married 
Jan. 20, 1867, to Emma Fix, daughter of David Fix, and their home 
was blessed with six children — Delia, wife of Jesse Emmons; Frank, 



HISTORY OF FULTOX COUNTY. 137 

a popular young man who possesses much mechanical genius; Levi, 
who married Ella Ross and resides in Xew Castle township; Ida, a 
teacher; Eva and Linnie. Mr. Tipp\- is one of the leaders of the 
democracy in his township, and is now serving as trustee, having 
entered upon the duties of the office on Aug. 5, 1895. His genuine 
worth has won him the high esteem of all, and he well deserves rec- 
ognition in this volume. 

HOLMES L. TIPTON, ex-recorder of Fulton county, and a 
representative of one of the old families of the county, was born on 
his father's farm in New Castle township, Nov. 5, 1854. He is the 
son of Joshua Tipton, a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, born 
March 6, 1813. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Eliza- 
beth Fuller, was born Oct. 2, 1816. They were married in 1835, and 
ni 1838 removed to Kosciusko county, Ind., whence in 1839 '^'^'^y 
came to New Castle township, Fulton county, where the father suc- 
cessfully carried on farming until his death. He died Aug. 18, 
1893, leaving a valuable estate. The children of the family are: 
Daniel, of Kosciusko county; Thomas, of Butler county, Kans. ; 
John, of Marion county, Iowa; James, of Rochester; Hannah, wife 
of Obadiah Hopper; Margaret, deceased wife of Amos Hider: Flor- 
ence, wife of Perry Hamlet, of Barron cotmty. Wis., and Alpheus, 
wife of Charles Baxter. Mr. Tipton, of this review, spent his child- 
hood as a farmer lad, assisting in the labors of the field and receiving 
about the usual training in the district schools. On attaining his 
majority he began farming on his own account, at first renting a 
tract of land and afterward purchasing. His youth experience in 
this line now proved to him of value and he successfully carried on 
agricultural pursuits until November, 1891, when he was elected to 
the office of county recorder on the democratic ticket. His personal 
popularity and the confidence reposed in him by those who know 
him is shown by the fact that he received all but seven votes of his 
own party and at least one hundred of the republican party. His 
prompt and efficient discharge of the duties of the office fully showed 
that the trust reposed in him was not misplaced. On his retirement 
from public oiifice he resumed grain farming and stock dealing, and 
his operations along these lines have proved to him a profitable 
source of income. He owns some valuable real estate in New- 
Castle township and also in Rochester, where he now resides. On 
Dec. I, 1876, ]\Ir. Tipton married Nancy Ashton, who was born in 
Mansfield, Ohio, thirty-nine years ago, a daughter of Charles Ash- 
ton. She was left an orphan at a very early age and was reared l)y 
a relative. She has a sister, Annie, now the wife of John Gano, of 
Chicago, and two brothers, C. Ashton. of Fostoria, Ohio, and 
George, of the state of Washington. The children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Tipton are Echo, aged nineteen, who was educated in the Rochester 
schools, and was her father's able assistant in the recorder's office; 
Lula, born in 1880; Celia, in 1883; and Bessie, in 1890. Mr. Tipton 



138 HISTORY OF FULTOX COrXTY. 

is one of the best known men in Fulton county. Possessed of ex- 
cellent business and executive ability, he has won success in his 
undertakings, and his genial, social manner has made him a popular 
citizen and gained him many warm friends. 

A. D. TONER, one of the most successful citizens of Fulton 
county, was born in Fayette county, Ind., June 20, 1834. His par- 
ents were Samuel and Anna (Shaffer) Toner. Unto them were born 
eleven children, of which the subject of this mention is the youngest. 
He was about eight years of age when his parents came to Fulton 
county and settled in Wayne township. Mr. Toner grew to man- 
hood on the farm and gained a fair common school education. He 
remained on the farm till about 1859, when he became a resident 
of Kewanna and about that time began dealing in live stock, in 
which business he continued until about 1880. This, his first busi- 
ness venture, proved successful. In 1880 he became the prime 
factor in a movement for the construction of a railroad from Lo- 
gansport through Kewanna to South Bend, and was instrumental in 
the organization of a company of Kewanna citizens for the con- 
struction of the railroad. The movement resulted in inducing the 
\'andalia railroad company to propose building a railroad from 
Logansport to lake Maxinkuckee, in consideration of the right of 
way and $20,000. Mr. Toner, P. S. Troutman, John F. Wilson and 
Hickman Phillips assumed the responsibility of securing the rignt 
of way and the $20,000, becoming responsible to the \'andalia rail- 
road company for the named consideration. They were aided in 
making this subsidy good by the public, who voted taxation and 
gave donations. Mr. Toner built thirteen miles of the road as a 
contractor and, as soon as the road was completed he erected a small 
elevator at Kewanna. Four years later additions were made to the 
elevator, and machinery for making flour was placed in it. Since 
then this mill and elevator has been owned and operated by the firm 
of A. D. Toner & Brunk. Mr. Toner was one of the parties who 
built the Masonic temple of Kewanna. In 1886 he erected what is 
now the Toner house, which hotel building he owns. Mr. Tonet 
has done much toward the upbuilding of Kewanna. He has erected 
several fine brick business houses, as well as several^ residences, 
and now owns considerable property in the town. He is progressive 
and ever ready to contribute to the improvement of the town. Il 
was mainly due to him that the H. J. Hinze company was induced to 
establish a pickle salting house at Kewanna in 1894. July 25, 1893. 
Mr. Toner established the Kewanna bank, of which he is sole pro- 
prietor, and H. D. Howell cashier. He has always been interested 
in farming and now owns in Wayne and Union townships nearly 
1,000 acres of highly cultivated land. He built the second frame 
barn erected in Union township. He began his business career 
without a dollar, but by means of his superior business ability, en- 
ergy and enterprise he amassed considerable wealth. In politics 



HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 139 

he has always been a democrat. He served as representative of 
Fulton and Pulaski counties in the general assembly of Indiana 
session of 1884-85. 

JOHN HENDERSON TONER is of one of the oldest and 
be'st known families in Fulton county. He was born in Shelby 
county, Ind., Jan. 7, 1826. His parents were Samuel and Annie 
(Shafer) Toner. His father was of Irish descent and his mother of 
German. They were born and married in Northumberland county. 
Pa., came to Indiana in 1832, and first settled in Shelb\" county. In 
the fall of 1843 they settled in Wayne township, Fulton county, 
where they resided till death. They had eleven children. The sub- 
ject of this biographical sketch gained a fair common school 
education and very early in life began farming on his own account. 
For many years he continued farming and, though he began as a 
renter, success followed his eliforts and at present he owns a fine 
farm of 381 acres. In 1889 Mr. Toner removed from his farm into 
Kewanna, where he has since lived, and in 1891 he and his son-in- 
law, D. W. Sibert, established the Exchange bank of Kewanna, 
which they have since operated. Mr. Toner has been twice married. 
In 1848, he wedded Elizabeth L'pdegraff, who died leaving no chil- 
dren, and in 1857 he married Hester A. (jraham. Unto the second 
marriage was born a daughter, Lulah by name, now the wife of D. 
W. Sibert. In church faith Mr. and Mrs. Toner are Methodists. 
He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1857. Mr. Toner 
enjovs the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, and has 
always been identified as a representative citizen of the county. In 
politics he was formerly a democrat, but is now a prohibitionist. He 
has never sovight political preferment. 

JOEL R. f OWNSEND, of Liberty township, is a son of the late 
Joel Townsend, who was a settler in this township as early as 1834. 
His log cabin was of the rudest sort. His bed was supported by 
pins in the wall and chest or trunk served as his table. His means 
were very limited, so much so that at one time he was forced to dis- 
pose of a copper kettle brought from Ohio to get money to pay his 
taxes. But he was frugal and industrious and before his death, May 
31, 1879, fortune had put him in possession of over 1,000 acres of 
land and much personal property. He was born in England in 
1808; came to the L'nited States in 1820, and was reared near Cleve- 
land. He married \'esta Collins, who shared all his privations and 
enjoyed with him the years of his prosperity. Their living children 
are: Ansel B., Joel R., Lucy A., Harrison, living hi Tabor, Iowa, 
and John N. Joel R. Townsend was born in Liberty township, 
Fulton county. May 12, 1848. He was educated at the Oliver school 
house and was engaged in farming till twenty-eight years old, when 
he engaged in merchandising in Macy. In three years he retired 
from this business and went on the road as traveling salesman for 
Isaac Stern & Co., of Kokomo, dealers in cigars. He remained in 



140 HisTOKY OF Fri/rr).\ corxTV. 

this business four years and next engaged with the Alden vinegar 
company, of St. Louis, and was with these people four years. His 
next employers were Hufifman & Co., Indianapolis, with whom ho 
remained till Dec. 6, 1895. Since that time he has resided on his 
farm of 180 acres, keeping up the odds and ends about a well con- 
ducted farm. Mr. Townsend was first married Nov. 26, 1869, to 
Elizabeth Stibbs, who died in March, 1875, leaving one child, viz.: 
jMary. wife of Robert Miller, Macy, Ind. Nov. 25, 1875, Mr. Town- 
send married Clarissa, daughter of George Carter. Mr. Townsend is 
a republican and is quite active in partv politics in the county. 

JOHN E. TROUTMAN, born in Fulton county, Ind., April 17, 
1851, is a son of Jolin and Amanda (Blandin) Troutman. The 
father was born in 1828 in Kentucky. He died in Fulton county, 
Ind., in 1851. He was a son of Ambrose Troutman, also a native of 
Kentucky, and a son of Michael Troutman, who was born in Ger- 
many and emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where 
he died. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in 1830, 
in New York and died in Fulton county, Ind., in 1875. She was a 
daughter of Jesse and Maria Blandin, who were of German lineage. 
Her parents removed from New York to Ohio, thence to Indiana, 
settling in Fulton county, near Leiter"s Ford, in 1840. Ambrose 
Troutman, the paternal grandfather of J. E. Troutman, removed 
from Kentucky to Attica, Ind., in 1828. In 1839 be settled in Fulton 
county, near Kewanna. The marriage of John Troutman and 
Amanda Blandin occurred in Fulton county. The subject of this 
mention is their only child. His father died in the same year the son 
was born. His mother remained on the farm and the management 
of the farm was assumed by John E., when he was but eleven years 
of age. His mother's second husband was WilHam Mossman, who 
served in the civil war for four years. During his absence, while in 
the service, John E. took charge of the farm. Hard work and perse- 
verance, therefore, he shared very early in life. He had 
l)ut little time for going to school, but attended the country schools 
a little and while at home by the fireside he applied himself to his 
books, and at the age of twenty \ears he became a teacher in the 
district schools. For twenty-three years he taught in the schools 
of Fulton county. He has always had farm interests and lived on 
the farm till 1886, when he became a resident of Rochester. He was 
elected justice of the peace in 1884, but on removing to Rochester 
he resigned the office. In 1894 he was elected justice of the peace 
again and is the present incumbent of that office. He is a republican 
in politics, is a member of the Evangelical church of Rochester, 
member of the order of Red Men and of the I. O. O. F. In 1884 
Mr. Troutman married Malina Nefif, of Fulton county. She was 
born in Pennsylvania in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Troutman have two 
children: Chloe and Earl. 

EMANUEL JOSEPH URBIN, farmer and citizen of Wayne 



HISTORY OF Frr.TON COfXTY. 141 

township, was born in Fairfield count}-, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1854. His 

parents were John and (Poff) Urbin. They were born in 

Germany, but married in Ohio. They came to Fulton county in the 
spring of 1864, and settled where the subject of this sketch now re- 
sides and owais sixty acres of land. They both died in the years 
1876, when she was sixty-one years of age and he seventy-one. 
They were members of the German Reform church, and were highly 
respected. The subject of this sketch l)egan life for himself at the 
age of eighteen, by working out as a farm hand. In 1876, when 
twenty-two years of age, he married Harriet J., daughter of A. J. 
Toner, Esq. Unto the marriage the following children have been 
born. Elsie Floyd, Mirtie Fay, Bessie May. deceased: Toner Lee. 
Ernest Guy and Victor Joseph. Mr. Urbin is a progressive and 
representative citizen : is prosperous and has a fine farm. 

JOHN W. A^ANKIRK, a thrifty and enterprising farmer uf 
Aubbeenaubbee township, Fulton county, Ind., first saw the light 
of day on March 25, 1854. Mr. \'ankirk was born in Pulaski county. 
Ind., in which county his father settled at an early date, removing 
there from Pennsylvania, his native state. Mr. ^"anki^k was reared 
on the farm and taught the valuable lessons of industry, persever- 
ance and frugality, and these he has crowded into his life. He 
remained with his father until he was twenty-four years of age. and 
then began life for himself. Selecting a wife in the person of Mary 
E. Wagoner, whom he married Dec. 22. 1877. Mr. A^ankirk started 
out in life by moving to one of his father's farms, where he farmed 
on the shares for seven years, at the close of which he removed on 
a farm of 55 acres, which his wife had inherited. Later he pur- 
chased interests of other heirs in sixty-three adjoining acres, and 
now Mr. Vankirk controls both tracts. Here he has resided for a 
number of years and diligently applied his talents in the honorable 
calling of farming, growing prosperous and highly respected. 
Though a strong republican in politics. Mr. A'ankirk has never as- 
])ired to ofifice. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Vankirk has been blessed 
l)v the birth of three children. George, Etta and Albert. 

JACKSON WA(;NER, the son of Jacob and Rebecca (Hen- 
dricks) Wagner was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, Jan. 21. 1843. 
Jacob Wagner was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1812. Re- 
becca, was born in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1823. The parents were 
married in Ohio and came to Indiana in 1850, and settled in Aub- 
beenaubbee township. Fulton county. Ind. The father was through 
life a very hard and diligent worker and at the time of his death 
owned 139 acres of valuable land. He died July 20, 1880. The 
mother still survives and resides with her son-in-law, John Cohler. 
I'nto Jacob and Rebecca Wagner were born the following children : 
Jackson, Elizabeth, Noah, Emanuel, Mary, deceased: Jacob, de- 
ceased: Sarah, deceased: Tohn, Ellen, deceased; Jonas and Jacob F. 
lackson, the subject of this sketch, remained with his parents until 



142 HISTORY OF Ffl-TON COUNTY. 

the age of twomy-onc years. He tlieii worked oul as a farm hand 
for two years, was then a renter for two years, and finalh , March 5, 
1868, was married to Miss Mary Hood, the daughter of I'rederick 
and Mary Hood. To tlie marriage were born the following chil- 
dren: Arthur X., Ida, Captola. Elnora, Jacob F.and Lulu M.iy, 
twins, one of the twins. Lulu May, is dead; George, deceased: Etta 
and Xanetta, twins. Mr. Wagner has always farmed, and at the 
present time owns some 187 acres of good land. He received a 
small amount from home in 1888. He and his wife are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal clun-ch. He has always been a staunch 
democrat. He has been a hard and diligent laborer throughout his 
life. 

XOAH ^YAGXER. the son of Jacob and Rebecca Wagner, and 
a brother of Jackson Wagner, mentioned elsewhere in this work, 
was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, Jan. 14, 1847. He remained 
with his parents until the age of twenty-one, having in the meantime 
received a common school education. Dec. 30, 1869, he was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Coon, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Coon. 
At the time of his marriage he owned one horse and possessed $15 
in money. He began farming on the farm he now owns. The farm 
was then the property of his father-in-law. From time to time he 
purchased the rights of his wife's brothers and sisters until now he 
is the owner of 160 acres of valuable land. He has been interested 
in stock-raising in connection with his farming. Unto him and his 
wife have been born eight children: Sarah Aletta, William Lee, 
Lizzie Jeanette, Rebecca \iola, deceased: Xoah ?Tarve\', Xellie 
Edna, Hetta Alma, and Xetta Leona. He has always sup]iorted the 
democratic party. He and his wife are members of the ^lethodist 
church, and are leaders in their community. 

KYRAX WALSH, one of the most successful farmers and one 
of the highly respected citizens of Fulton county, was born in county 
Kilkenny, Ireland, Xov. 7, 1S30. His parents were James and Mar- 
garet (Ciaul) Walsh, both of whom were natives of county Kilkenny, 
Ireland. Mr. ^^'alsh's paternal grandfather was Kyran Walsh, and 
for him Mr. Walsh was named. The \\'alsh family, like many other 
Anglo-Nomians, adopted an Irish surname and title, and was known 
for ages as "Branach," which signifies in Irish a Welchman. At an 
early period it had extensive possessions in Waterford and Kil- 
kenny. For four centuries it was onlv inferior in estate and power 
to the Butlers and Clraces. Thus the subject of this personal men- 
tion is a descendant of one of Ireland's oldest and most prominent 
families. In the schools of Ireland he gained the rudiments of a 
common school education. Throughout life he has been a close 
observer and an extensive reader. Hence he is a well informed 
man, and being a man of foresight and wisdom he stands as a leader 
among his fellow-citizens. He came to America on the ship 
Thames, landing in Xew ( )rleans Jan. 14, 1849. ''•* ^l^'P s*^' ■'^^'' 



HISTORY uF ITLTUN COUNTY. 1 4o 

lor America with a passeng-cr crew of 900, of whom bvit about sixty 
landed alive, owing to ship fever and other diseases which originated 
at sea. From New Orleans Mr. Walsh went to Cincinnati, where he 
arrived in the midst of the cholera, from which there were many 
deaths daily at that time. Mr. Walsh landed in Cincinnati May 13, 
1849, ^'i<^^ there engaged in the dairy Ijusiness. Si.x years later he 
removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he took up farming, at whicli occu- 
pation he had been reared. In January, 1859, Mr. Walsh landed in 
Wayne township, Fvdton county. Here he has since resided. On 
coming to the county, he was a very poor man, but, determined on 
success, he began farming as a renter, and continued as such tmtil 
1862, when he purchased eighty acres for a home in future years, 
to which, by industry and integrity, he added other acreage, until 
lie has become the owner of nearly 400 acres, a part of which has 
been divided among his children. He has improved his farm and 
made it one of the best in the county. He has a good and substan- 
tial frame residence, which he built. A few years ago a very fine barn 
of his was burned, causing him a loss of about $2,900. In 1854. Mr. 
Walsh was fortunate in securing in holy matrimony the hand of .\nn 
Hoynes, a native of Ireland, also. .She is the oldest daughter of 
Patrick and Margaret Hoynes. The home of Mr. and INIrs. Walsh 
has been blessed by the birth of the following children: IMargaret. 
James, Patrick, deceased: Edward, deceased; Mary Ann. deceased; 
Mary Ann, deceased; John J., William W. and Hannah, deceased. 
Mrs. Walsh is a most excellent lady, a faithful wife and loving- 
mother. The entire famil\- belong to the Roman Catholic church, 
and is one of the leading families of the community. In politics Mr. 
Walsh has always been a staunch democrat, and was twice elected 
justice of the peace with overwhelming majorities. He has led a 
consistent life, dealt honestly and kindly with his fellow-man, reared 
a respectable family, gained the esteem of his neighbors, and won 
from reluctant fortune a good estate, and to-day stands as a repre- 
sentative and progressive citizen. 

WILLIAM A. WARD, Rochester, Ind.— To have lived in Ful- 
ton county continuously since 1832 and to have been twice honored 
with the office of sheriff and now. March 11, 1896. to be only one of 
two living persons who came here in that early year, is sufficient 
to make a man honored. "Del" ^^'ard. as he is familiarly known, 
was born in the state of New York Feb. 26, 1829, and is the son of 
Ebenezer and Rachael (Spencer) Ward, who were natives of the 
same state and who came to Fulton county. Ind., in 1832, bringing 
with them their family of seven children, of whom the subject of this 
review is the only one living. The mother died in 1841. and the 
father in 1847. The father was a farmer by occupation. He was a 
man of good education and in the early part of his manhood he 
gave some of his time to the ministry. Upon coming here he taught 
the first school in Fulton countv, and this school was attended by 



144 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 

"Del" Ward. His l:)rothcr, Jolm B. Ward, was the first lawyer to 
hang out his shingle for the practice of law in Rochester. Tlie 
earlier j-ears of Mr. Ward were devoted to farming, but later he 
turned his attention to the business of veterinary surgeon and livery. 
I'or nearly fifty years he lias been known as a reliable surgeon in 
this line. He was engaged continuously in the livery business in this 
city for more than eighteen years or until 1871. In politics he lias 
alw-ays been identified with the democratic party and in 1876 was 
elected sheriff of Fulton county and re-elected in 1878 by the mag- 
nificent majority of 465. He was one of the best sherififs the county 
ever had. In 1895 he again engaged in the livery business and now, 
with his son, Dr. Henry Ward, continues the same. M^r. Ward was 
married in 1853 to Miss Adeline H. Howes, who was born in John- 
son county, Ind., and died in Rochester in 1890, at about fifty-seven 
years of age. Mr. Ward is a member of the Masonic fraternity and 
is a man of un(]uestioned character and one of the best known men 
in Fulton county. Of three children born to the subject of this 
sketch only Dr. Henry Ward is hving. He was born in Rochester 
in 1856, was educated at the schools of Rochester and in 1887 gradu- 
ated from the Ontario veterinary college at Toronto, Canada, and 
since that time has been engaged in the practice of his profession. 
He was married in 1878 to Miss Ra\- Samuels, a native of Ohio. 
To this union is one child, Idelman. He is a democrat in politics, 
a Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. 

E. P. WASHBURN, M. D., one of the prominent physicians of 
Fulton county, is a native of Cass county, Ind. He was bom Jan. 
24, 1842. His parents were William W. Washburn and Jane Calvin, 
both of whom were born and reared in Brown county. Ohio. They 
were married in Cass county. Ind., but soon aftenvard moved into 
Pulaski county, where tliey reared their family of si.x children, i:)f 
which the subject of this biography is the eldest. Dr. Washburn 
gained a fair common school education, and was nineteen years of 
age when the civil war broke out. October, 1861, he enlisted as a 
])rivate in company H, Forty-sixth Indiana infantry. In February, 
1863, he re-enlisted in the same company. With his company lie 
aided in the work of opening the Mississippi river from Columl)us 
south. He participated in the siege of A'icksburg, and was on the 
Red river expedition, a difficult and disastrous one, in which his 
regiment was reduced to about 200 soldiers. The doctor was dis- 
charged .Sept. TO, 1865, at the close of the war. Then his return 
home followed, and for five years thereafter the doctor was engaged 
in farming, a calling never in keeping with his choice. The practice 
of medicine he wished to follow, and first preparing for the profession 
by studying under a ]iracticing physician as preceptor, lie then took a 
course in medicine in the medical college of Indiana at Indianapolis. 
Locating at Linden, Ind., he took up the practice of the profession. 
.Subsequently he returned to the medical college of Indiana, whence 



HISTOKY OF FULTOX COrXTY. 145 

he graduated March 3, 1881. He continued an active and success- 
ful practice at Linden till 1890, in which year he removed to 
Kewanna, Fulton county, where he now resides and has a large and 
rcnunierative practice. In the year 1859, Dr. Washburn was united 
in marriage with Rebecca Reichard, of Pulaski county, Ind. Mrs. 
Washburn was born in Uarke county, Ohio, Xov. 16, 1839. The 
union has been blessed by the birth of the following children: Isa- 
bella J-: Xewton E., deceased; John M.: Blanche A.; and Burt H. 
The doctor is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternal organi- 
zation, the Grand Army of the Republic and Knights of the 
Maccabees and a republican in politics. John M. Washburn, M. 
D.. a son of Dr. E. P. Washburn, and associated with his father 
in the practice of medicine, was born in Marion county. Ind.. Dec. 
h, 1867. He was given a good connnon school education. He 
learned telegraphy and was a railroad operator for five or six 
}ears; then studied medicine tinder the guidance of his father. 
He then spent three years in the medical college of Indiana, whence 
he graduated March 29, 1895, since which time he has practiced his 
profession in association with his father. He was married Tune 11, 
1S94. to Miss Matie Sears. He is a member of the ^Masonic order: 
of the Sons of ^^eterans, and Knights of the Maccabees. 

EDWARD WENTZEL, was born in Northumberland 
county. Pa., Nov. 21, 1830. His parents were Christophal and Leah 
CAdams) Wentzel. They were natives of Pennsylvania and of Ger- 
man parentage. They had twelve children, all of whom grew to 
manhood and womanhood. Tlie subject of this sketch remained 
at home with his parents until 1855, when he was married to Eliza- 
beth Schwartz, a native of Pennsylvania, of German origin. In the 
'spring of 1858 Mr. Wentzel came to Fulton count)' and settled on 
his present farm in Union township, where he now owns 340 acres 
of land. He has been a successful farmer, and has reared a good 
family. L^nto him and his wife the following children have been 
born: Nathaniel, who married Ida Bitterling. and is now a farmer: 
Julia Ann, who is the wife of Rev. A. E. Gift : and Jesse, who married 
Ruth M. .Singer, and is now a farmer. Nov. 29. 1864. Mr Wentzel 
became a private in company E, Ninth Indiana infantry. He was 
discharged by reason of the close of the war, Oct. 18. 1865. He is 
a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his sons 
are republicans in politics. The whole family are members of the 
Evangelical Lutheran church. 

BENJAMIN ODEN WEST.— This gentleman is the represen- 
tative of the Chicago & Erie railway, and agent for the Wells- 
Fargo express company, at Rochester, Ind. He is a native of 
Washington, D. C.. born Jan. 9, 1858. He is a son of Benjamin 
Oden and Helen W'est. whose maiden name was Williams. The 
father of Mr. West was born in Maryland and his death occurred in 
Washington. D. C.. in 1858. The mother of our subject with her 
m-lO 



146 IIIsroiiY OK FTLTOX (•Ol■^'TY. 

daughter (Helen Oden) now resides with her son in Rochester. Mr. 
West first attended a private school in the city of his nativity, and 
later was for four years a student at the Maryland agricultural cul 
lege, where he succeeded in acquiring a good education. In 1881 
he entered the employ of what was then the Mutual L'nion telegraph 
company of New York city, but which has since been absorbed b\- 
the Western Union company. Here Mr. West continued until June, 
J 882, when he entered the employ of what was then the Chicago & 
Atlantic railway company, now the Chicago & Erie line, in the ca- 
pacity of civil engineer and this trust he held until the completion of 
the line to Chicago. Mr. West came to Rochester March 27, 1883, 
and since that time he has been the Chicago & Erie's agent at this 
place. He has been the agent for the Wells- Fargo express company 
here since 1886. He is a man in whom the companies he represents 
and the people of his adopted city have implicit faith and confidence. 
In 1879 'is was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Helvin, a native 
of North Carolina. They have two children, viz.: Irene ( ). and 
Charles W. In politics Mr. West is a democrat and cast his first 
presidential vote for Hancock. He is a member of Fredonia lodge. 
No. 122, K. of P., and Mrs. West is a member of the Episcopal 
church. They are among the highly respected citizens of Rochester. 
DANIEL WHITTENBERGER is one of Fulton county's most 
honored pioneers, having for more than sixty years been identified 
with its interests. He was born in Pennsylvania, April 24, 1825, a 
son of William Whittenberger, deceased, the first settler of Akron. 
Daniel was a lad of eleven years when his parents started for the 
then far west, in company with nine families, who sought homes on 
the frontier. They traveled from the ist of June until the 4th of July, 
when they pitched their tent on the present site of Akron, about 
where the town pump now stands. During the last ten miles of their 
trip they had to cut their way through the forest. The father en- 
tered a quarter section of timber land, two miles southwest of the 
village, and there made his home for forty-two years, when in 1878 
his life labors were ended and he was called to the home beyond, 
Daniel Whittenberger spent his minority with his parents and ac- 
(|uired sufficient education to enable him to teach a district school, 
so that for several years he was the "master" in a little log school 
house, located on the farm now belonging to Reuben Whittenberger. 
Going to Warren county, TMiio, he began learning the carpenter's 
trade, which he completed in Cincinnati, and on his return he fol- 
lowed that business in Henry township for thirty years, erecting all 
of the more substantial buildings in Akron in that early day. Suc- 
cess attended his efiforts and on his marriage he bought a small tract 
of land adjoining Akron and began farming. To-day he is the 
owner of 557 acres of rich land near the town, besides other valuable 
property, which has been secured entirely through his own labors, 
guided by sound judgment. Mr. Whittenberger was married Feb. 




DANIEL WHITTENHERGER. 



itisTom' itv I'Tr/rox coi'ntv. 147 

2, 1850, to b'annie JNTcCloiul. Her [athcr, (ieorge McCloud, was 
born in Ontario county. New York, Dec. 18, 1801, and wedded Polly 
Lowe, by whom he had four children — Mrs. Jacob Whittenberger; 
George, who died of cholera on the plains; Sarah, deceased wife of 
Dr. S. S. Terry; and Mrs. Daniel Whittenberger. Our subject and 
his wife have three children — Charles A., born in 1850. married 
Xancy Gatrel, and has a son, .Merrill; Allison S., born in 1853, and 
now a farmer of Kosciusko county, married Annie Slaybaugli, and 
their children are Theodosia, John O. and Asy, aged respectively 
seventeen, twelve and two years; Laura B. is the wife of Charles 
N'ickery, a farmer of Kosciusko count)-, and has two sons, Walter 
and Earl. Mr. Whittenberger is a staunch republican in politics 
and as a citizen seeks to advance the interests of good government 
and to promote the welfare of his resident community. He and his 
wife are highly esteemed for their genuine worth and their long resi- 
dence in the county thoroughly entitles them to personal mention in 
this volume. 

REV. JACOB WHITTENBERGER.— A long and honored 
identification with the history of Fulton county has connected the 
name of our subject inseparably with its history. He has been 
l^rominent in business life and has been an earnest laborer in those 
interests calculated to advance the general welfare and over the 
record of his long residence here there falls no shadow of wrong. 
Mr. Whittenberger was born in Beaver county, Pa., April 
5, 1819. His grandfather, also named Jacob, was of Ger- 
man lineage, and was born in eastern Pennsylvania, in 1859. 
Having aided the colonies in their struggle for independ- 
ence, he was married in southeastern Pennsylvania to Catherine 
Engle, and in 1803 removed to Beaver county. He had 
eighteen children by two marriages. William Whittenberger, the 
father of our subject, being the ninth. The latter was born in Bed- 
ford county, Pa., March 28, 1795, and was married in Beaver county, 
Sept. 12. 1816, to Joanna, daughter of Joseph and Lucretia (_|ohnsonj 
Sippy. Her father was born in hVance, in 1754, and with Cien. 
La Fayette's "forces aided in the establishment of the American re- 
public. In 1831 William Whittenberger removed with his family to 
Medina county, Ohio, and five years later came to Fulton county. 
His children were William, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel. Stephen and 
Thomas, in Fulton county; John of LaCrosse, Kan.; Abraham, of 
Kosciusko county ; Isaac, of South Whitley, Ind. ; Hiram, of Whitley 
county; and Mrs. Dr. Harter, of Akron. At the age of seventeen 
Tacob Whittenberger began an apprenticeship to a cabinet maker in 
Cleveland, Ohio, and later worked as a mechanic in Muskingum 
county, Ohio, until 1840, when on [une 31 he wedded Mary Sup- 
inger, who was born in \'irginia, in 1820. Fifteen days later they 
started by w-agon for Fulton county, reaching Akron on Aug. 6. 
Mr. Whittenberger bought a small tract of land and erected a cabin, 



148 HISTORY OF FULTON COUXTY. 

where a few years later he built his present residence, the only Indi- 
ana home he has ever known. From 1855 until 1870 he was a 
prosperous merchant of Akron, and since has been successfully en- 
gaged in farming. Mrs. Whittenberger died Nov. 27, 1855, and her 
six children are all now deceased. On April 10, 1856, Mr. Whitten- 
berger married Mrs. Mary Shelt, and they have two daughters — Ella 
A., wife of L. M. Noyer, of Akron, and Ina M., wife of George K. 
Brundige, county recorder. For twenty-three years the father has 
been an Odd Fellow, and has several times been a representative 
in the grand lodge. F'or manj- years he served as justice of the 
peace, was postmaster of Akron for eight years, and for a number 
of years was township trustee, discharging all his public duties with 
marked fidelity and promptness, in politics he is a stalwart repub- 
lican. He united with tlie Methodist church in 1837, was ordained a 
deacon in 1866, served as secretary of the quarterly conference for 
twenty-five years, and for thirty-iive years has been actively engaged 
in the work of ministry. 

JAMES S. WILDER, who for the past twenty-five years has 
been a successful farmer of this county, was born in Monroe county, 
Midi., Oct. 21, 1846. He was educated sparingly in the country 
schools of his county, and before reaching the age to begin civil pur- 
suits independent of parental sanction, he allowed his patriotism to 
draw him into the struggle of the United States to put down the 
southern rebellion. He enlisted at Toledo, Ohio, in company F, 
Fourteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, before he was eighteen years 
old. He was mustered in at Cleveland and was sent to Chatta- 
nooga, through Nashville and on to Ringgold, Ga., where 
he was doing guard duty until he was taken down with 
the measles. He was not able for duty again for some 
weeks. When he became convalescent he returned to Nash- 
ville and was furloughed home. He returned to the field 
in twenty-eight days and at Nashville was attached to the 
First Tennessee light artillery for a short time and later to the Forty- 
fifth New York. He was assigned to a detachment of the Four- 
teenth corps at Chattanooga and participated with it in annihilating 
Hood's army at Nashville. The second day he was ordered to 
report at Gen. Steadman's headquarters and for the following two 
weeks acted as an escort to that officer. He left this service at Chat- 
tanooga and took boat at Nashville for Parkersburg on the way to 
Washington, D. C. He was ordered south and went by boat from 
Alexandria, Va., to North Carolina, and joined his regiment near 
Goldsboro. When Johnston had surrendered all were joined to 
Sherman's army and set out for Washington to participate in the 
grand review. The war being over, Mr. Wilder was mustered out 
of the service at Louisville, Ky. On his return home he was occu- 
pied on the farm one or two seasons, and then secured work in a saw- 
mill. Two vears later he came to Indiana and to Rochester, and 



HISTOEY OF FTI/roN BOUNTY. 149 

learned the baker's trade with an uncle, J. W. Wilder. He followed 
this two years and then began his career as a farmer in this comity. 
He owns a farm of loo acres near Rochester, besides two smaller 
tracts near town. He has just completed a cozy and handsome 
residence in Rochester. Mr. Wilder was married Feb. 14, 187 1, 
to Hester A. Mackey, a sister of H. C. JMackey, of Rochester. Their 
children are: Frank, born August, 1872, and Mary, born May 21, 
1 881. Mr. Wilder is a republican in politics, a successful man in 
business, and an exemplary citizen. 

JAMES H. WILSON, a representative farmer and business 
man, was born in Union township, Fulton county, Ind., Oct. 27, 
1848. Mr. Wilson is a son of Thomas and Agnes (Wallace) Wilson. 
His father was born in Glasgow, Scotland, March 23. 1814, and with 
his parents emigrated to Canada in 1820, later to ( )neida county, N. 
Y., where Thomas learned the weaver's trade. In Oneida county 
Thomas met and married (1839) Agnes Wallace, whose parents had 
settled there in 1833. She was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, April 
14, 1815. Our subject's parents came to Fulton county in 1842, set- 
tling in Union township, where they lived man}' years and reared a 
family of three sons and two daughters, namely, John F., James H., 
WilHam F., Mary A. and Margaret. James H. was given a good 
common school education, and he taught several terms of school. 
He was married to Catherine Killmer, Feb. 13, 1870. She was born 
in Pennsylvania, Feb. 21, 1850. She died Jan. 8, 1871. Just after 
his marriage' Mr. Wilson began farming as a renter. His wife lived 
but one year after the marriage. After her death he engaged in the 
stock business, in which he has since been more or less extensively- 
engaged. In 1876, Feb. 24, he married a second wife, wedding 
Etta Vankirk, daughter of George Vankirk, Esq., of Aubbeenaubbee 
township, where Mrs. Wilson vvas born Oct. 2"/, 1857. She has 
borne him three children, viz. : Harry, Belle and Frances. After 
his marriage, Mr. Wilson again took up farming, which he has since 
continued. He now owns a good farm of 145 acres, on which he re- 
sides just east of Kewamia. In 1890 Mr. \Mlson became a 
stockholder in the Citizens' State bank, of which bank he has been 
president since 1892. Politically he has always been a staunch re- 
publican. In 1887 he was elected trustee for Union township, in 
which office he served one term. 

LOUIS WOHLGEMUTH. — This enterprising and progressive 
citizen, who has won his own success in social and financial aft'airs, 
was born in Prussia some forty-five years ago. Working his way 
through college, Mr. Wohlgemuth graduated in 1867 from a Ger- 
man gymnasium and the same year emiiarked for America. He 
landed in New York city with plenty of courage and zeal and little 
money. He soon found employment, and after remaining in that 
city about one year, decided to go west, locating at Cincinnati, where 
he was engaged at book-keeping and newspaper work for ten years. 



150 HISTOKY OF FTU,T()X COT^'TY. 

He then went to Topeka, Kan., and there engaged in Ijnsiness for 
himself. Two years later he sold out the business and came to 
Rochester in 1881, to assume management of the extensive clothing 
business he still controls. During his stay in Cincinnati Mr. Wohl- 
gemuth was employed for three years by the Block pulilishing and 
printing company as a correspondent, writer and translator. He is 
well informed on many subjects. He has made a special study of the 
languages and is a linguist of no mean pretensions. On coming to 
Rochester Mr. Wohlgemuth assumed management of the well 
known Feder & Silberberg clothing house, and since that time has 
been the sole manager of this successful business institution, which 
was established in 1868 by Louis h'eder and Max Silberberg. The 
firm of Feder & Silberberg, through its thrift and industry, soon 
discovered that, instead of purchasing goods from manufacturers, 
they could make them and supply their retail stores, which they 
afterward estabhshed at original cost and thus save the profits of 
middle-men. The firm moved to Cincinnati in 1880, where they 
began to manufacture goods, opened a wholesale clothing house. 
Success has followed the business course of this firm, which is now 
known far and wide. Their Rochester store was placed in the hands 
of Mr. L. Wohlgemuth in 1881. As manager of this store Mr. Wohl- 
gemuth has given evidence of his superior business ability, energy 
and enterprise. He holds several important business positions, 
among which is the secretary-ship and general management of the 
Rochester electric light company, of which he was a promoter, lie 
is treasurer of the Rochester Building and Loan association, and wa,-. 
one of the promoters in the organization of the Rochester Improve- 
ment association. He is one of Rochester's most forceful and 
industrious enterprisers and possesses the happy faculty of giving 
his surroundings a merry hum whether it be in business or the 
social circle. In political sentiment he adheres to the democratic 
party. He has been a member of the Independent ( Jrder of Odd 
P^ellows since 1871 and also belongs to the K. of P. order. In 1880 
Mr. Wohlgemuth and Miss Ida Holzman were united in marriage. 
They are among the leading families of Rochester and enjov the 
esteem and respect of many friends. 

JAMES WRIGHT was born in JefTerson county, Ohio, Feb. 11, 
1832. His advent to the county dates back to the year 1847. He 
was a youth of fifteen years then and still under parental care. His 
father, Samuel Wright, was born in the same county. The boy was 
sent to the primitive subscription school during his childhood, but 
for only a few months in the year for a few years. Samuel Wright 
was a poor man, emigrating to a new country to get a cheap home, 
so that he might rear his family under liis own roof, though it be 
that of a cabin. He settled near Tiosa and at once began the task 
of clearing for the first crop. His sons were brought into service 
in this work and James was found doing his share. Samuel W^right 




^9 JE^^' 




HISTORY (IF FI'LTdN COl'NTY. 151 

(lied in 1873, aged sixty-nine years. He was descended from the 
Wrig-hts of Virg-inia. Jacob Wright, his father, being a son of the 
Old Dominion state. The mother of our subject was Ruth Lowry. 
Her children are: Sarah, wife of Christian Carter, of Argos; James, 
Jacob. Samuel, John and Esther, wife of Samuel Reed, all in I'ulton 
county. James Wright was married in this county in 1855 to El- 
myra. daughter of Alexander Harmon, who came to the coimty early 
from Columbia county. N. Y.. and died the next year. The children 
of this union are: Carrie, wife of Peter Zerby, of Tiosa, and William, 
trustee of Richland township. He \\as born Sept. 11. 1858. has been 
an active business man of Tiosa for the past dozen years and is now 
manager of the elevator for Mercer & Neal, of Peru, at Tiosa. He 
married Amanda Swinehart Sept. 24. 1884. and has five children. 
Delbert is James Wright's third child. He is engaged in the lumber 
business at Tiosa. Lydia. wife of A. C. Fnser. Mentone. is the 
fourth child. Then followed Mollie and Mattie. twins. The latter 
died in 1894. Mr. \\^right owns 130 acres near Tiosa. much of 
which he has been the means of converting from heavy woodland 
into productive fields. He and his descendants are republicans, and 
are mentioned when reference is made to the best citizens of the 
township. 

HOX. ^'ALEKTINE ZIMMERMAN, who has. through his 
private and public exertions, become favorably known to a large 
number of people, is a German-American of the very highest and 
l)est type. Mr. Zimmerman was born at Ilbenstadt. near Frankfort, 
Germany, on Aug. 21. 1844. His parents were Peter and ^Margaret 
(Weil) Zimmerman. They had eight children, of which \*alentine 
is the youngest. He was given a good German education, and then 
served an apprenticeship of three years at the shoemaker's trade. 
At the age of sixteen years he became a journeyman at his trade, 
and traveled all throughout Europe. In 1865 he came to America, 
and for a short time resided in New York city, thence came to Roch- 
ester. For fifteen vears thereafter Mr. Zimmerman was engaged 
in tlie shoe business, both as a manufacturer and retail merchant. 
In 1879 he closed out that form of business and engaged in the 
furniture business, in which he has been very successful. He carries 
a large stock of furniture and agricultural implements. In con- 
nection with the business he does imdertaking. In 1866. soon after 
coming to Rochester, Mr. Zimmerman married Martha Newhart. 
who was then residing in Fulton coimty. but was a native of New 
York and of German parentage. ITnto the marriage have been born 
the following children: Martha, the wife of D. D. Ginther, of Roch- 
ester: Ida, deceased: \'alentine: Minnie and Leo. Some thirt, 
years ago Mr. Zimmerman began his career in America with limited 
means, but he was a skilled mechanic and worked patiently and 
intelligently at his trade until, by his industry, wise economy and 
.strict adherence to correct business principles and methods, he has 



lo2 HISTORY OF FfT/roN (OfXTV. 

wuii from reluctant fortune consitlerablc wealth, it may be said of 
him with perfect truth that he is pre-eminently a self-made man. 
His business sagacity and read)' abilit\ in applying means to ends 
have made him a prominent figure in the business circles of Roch- 
ester. In politics he has always l)een a staunch democrat. He 
was elected state senator for the district of Fulton and Marshall 
counties in the fall of 1884. His public career as state senator during 
the sessions of 18S5 and 1887 is a part of the state's history. His 
course in the Indiana state senate indicates that his sympathies are 
with the laboring classes, from which he himself has sprung. He 
introduced several bills in behalf of the laborers of all classes, but 
space cannot be afforded in this connection to describe them. Sen- 
ator Zimmerman has always been a staunch friend of education. In 
the legislative session of 1887, he introduced a resolution calling 
public attention to the large and increasing demand for sch'iol text 
books, and that school book trusts so manipulated the supplying of 
the same to the parents of school children that exhorbitant prices 
had to be paid for the books. Thereby many poor children wereprac- 
tically debarred from school advantages because of the inability of 
their parents to supply them books. Then followed the enactment 
of a bill introduced by ]\Ir. Zimmerman which provided for the pub- 
lishing and distributing of text books for the connnon schools at 
cost by the state. He has twice been honored by the nomination 
for congress by his political party. In each candidacy for congress 
his party met with reverse tidal waves, which submerged the hopes 
of his thousands of friends. But every public trust confided to him 
from town councilman to state senator has been faithfully and hon- 
orably discharged and whether on the tidal wave of popular profer- 
ment or caught in the i^eriodical storm of adversity. Air Zimmer- 
man has clung tenaciously to his honest convictions and continues 
a close student of vital questions of public concern. 

EDWARD ZOOK, a leading tinner and plumber of Rochester, 
was born in Wayne county. Ind., June 5. 1848. His father, John 
Zook, a tinner by trade, was born in Pennsvlvania. came to the 
Hoosier state in the days of Indian trading and trapping. He was 
engaged in the stove and tinware business in Hagerstown. Wavne 
county, for a time, but in later life settled on a farm in Wayne 
township, Fulton county, where he died in 1880. John Zook, our 
subject's grandfather, was born in Europe. His young and vigor- 
ous manhood was passed in Pennsylvania. Edward Zook's mother 
was Mary Mogle, whose father, Solomon Mogle, was a Pennsyl- 
vania German and farmer. Edward is the third of four children. The 
first, Harry Zook, was last known of in Kansas, some eighteen years 
ago. The other living ones are: William, residing at Fulton, Ind., 
and Emma, wife of Joseph Studebaker. Edward Zook was given 
only a meager education, from the country schools. He began the 
battles of life at the age of fourteen years, as a farm hand. In 1865 



msTCjRV OK KII.TON < Or.NTY. 1 0.". 

lie tired of tliis life tliat promised notliin<; but endless toil and secured 
a situation with Johnson & P>ro. at I.ogansport to learn his trade. 
With the exception of one year spent in Camden, Ind., he remained 
in Logansport till 1872, when he came to Rochester. His only 
capital was his industry and perseverance. For ten years he was 
employed continuously by one firm of Rochester, and was then 
clecte<l to the office of town marshal, in whicli office he served one 
year. He then opened a small tin-shop in the rear of Weil & Peter- 
son's hardware store. In 1892 he moved into his present store- 
room, where he has successfully continued in business. Mr. Zook 
was married while in Camden, Ind., in January, 1873, to Louisa, a 
daughter of W. D. Eidson, a miller of Wabash, Ind. The only child 
of this marriage is X'enina. wife of John W. McMahan. of Rochester, 
whose only child is Rdwin L., agetl eighteen months. Mr. Zook 
owns a nice home on Main street; is chief of the fire dei)artment; 
is an Odd I-'ellow, Mason, and K. (). T. M. He is a republican and 
is now county coroner, elected with no effort on his part and by a 
large majority. 



